USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 2 > Part 26
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Their two children are: Rev. Olin B. Coit, D. D., of Potsdam, New York; and Miss Burnettie Place Coit. Mrs. Coit died April 13, 1892, as bravely as she lived. One of her last declarations was,
"I would rather walk in the dark with God, than go alone in the light,
I'd rather walk by faith with Him than go alone by sight."
Rev. Olin B. Coit, D. D., oldest child of our subject, was prepared for college at Morristown, New Jersey, and Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and was graduated at the Wesleyan University in 1877. He was professor of languages and mathematics in the University of Holly Springs, Missis-
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sippi, and later entered Drew Theological Seminary, where he graduated in 1881. He spent some time with Bishop Hurst in travel in Europe, and upon entering the ministry regularly he was stationed at Al- pine, New Jersey, Mendham, Somerville, and in 1893 was appointed to Oswego, New York, which pastorate he filled most suc- cessfully for four years; he is now stationed at Potsdam. He married Emma Stitzer, of Philadelphia, and their four sons are Law- rence, Jay, Carl and Lynde.
Their daughter, Burnettie Place Coit, attended several select schools before en- tering the Centenary Collegiate Insti- tute at Hackettstown, New Jersey, for a four-years course. Having completed that course she became a pupil, in vocal music, of Mme. Florenza d'Arona, of New York city, and at length received from her a diploma as a graduate from her special "teachers' " course. Miss Coit resides in Irvington, New Jersey, where she is active- ly engaged in Christian work.
In Rev. Mr. C. S. Coit's semi-centennial address, delivered before the Newark con- ference April 8, 1897, he summarized his experiences of fifty years in the ministry, in an address which Bishop Andrews declared was the best of the kind he had ever listened to, and concluded with the exhortation, "I commend to you the veterans of the minis- try. Do not leave them entirely to medita- tion and prayer; give them something to do, and they will be happy. You, your- selves, will soon take their places."
The death of his wife did not cause him to flee from the scenes of his greatest sor- row. His character and the fiber of his faith are seen in the calm resolution with which he resumed the unfinished task at the point where death had for a moment in-
terrupted it. It is evident to all who come in contact with him that his own spirit is the most fruitful garden he cultivates. He is visibly ripening in the atmosphere of "that better country which is heav- enly."
Since the above sketch was written, Rev. C. S. Coit was suddenly called to his heav- enly home, on March 6, 1898. After en- joying supper with his family, they had evening worship, as was their custom, choosing as the hymn to be sung one of his favorites, "Home of the Soul." He sang the last verse with unusual tenderness-
"Oh, how sweet it will be in that beauti- ful land,
So free from all sorrow and pain,
With songs on our lips and with harps in our hand, To meet one another again !"
Before the sun arose the next morning he realized the joy of meeting those whom he loved "in that beautiful land." His death was as calm and beautiful as had been his life.
A large number of ministers and other friends attended his funeral, which was held in Centenary church, Methodist Episcopal, at Newark, of which he had once been pas- tor. It was said by Bishop Hurst, who knew him well: "His is one of the lives on which there is no blemish from beginning to end. His great strength lay in his high sense of honor and his perfect loyalty to the church and the kingdom of our Lord. He was never placed in a position of honor or con- fidence in which he did not prove himself worthy of the trust. His name and his (leeds stand high on the honor roll of the Newark Methodist Episcopal conference. He has gone to be 'forever with the Lord.' "
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MERTON B. OWEN,
collector of taxes for Clinton township, Es- sex county, New Jersey, and a resident of Irvington, is a native of this place, born March 2, 1867.
The family is of English origin. The grandfather of our subject, Charles J. Owen, was an Englishman who emigrated to this country early in his life, became a man of local prominence, was one of the original Republicans of his locality and was the organizer of the first Republican club at Irvington, during the Fremont cam- paign. His son, Charles J., married Sarah R., the daughter of Jabez Smith, and they had the following children: Mary E., Charles J., Mer- ton B., Horace G. and Beulah A.,-all residents of Irvington except the eldest son, Charles T., who lives at South Orange, New Jersey.
Merton B. Owen was educated in the public schools of his native town, attend- ing school up to the time he was fourteen. At that time he went to the printer's case in the office of L. J. Hardham & Company, Newark, New Jersey, where he diligently applied himself and soon became master of the trade. Nine years ago he secured a position on the Daily Advertiser, where he is still occupied and where he is now a linotype operator. Like his father before him, Mr. Owen is an enthusiastic Repub- lican. From 1894 to 1897 he served as a member of the township committee, and in April of the latter year was elected to his present position, that of collector of taxes, to succeed Thomas S. Osborne, being the candidate of all parties.
Mr. Owen was married in August, 1894, to Miss Louisa J. Obrest, daughter of John
Obrest, a farmer by occupation and of Ger- man extraction. Their only child is Helen R.
Public-spirited, enterprising, genial and generous, Mr. Owen is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens and has by them been honored with various positions of trust and responsibility. He is secretary of Frank- lin Lodge, F. & A. M .; secretary of the Village Improvement Society; member of the fire department and president of its social organization.
CALVIN RUTAN.
The old Rutan homestead, located in Belleville township, Essex county, has been in possession of the family ever since 1731, -one hundred and sixty-seven years. Sam- uel Rutan, the founder of the family in this section, was of French descent, and in early life went to live with an aged gentleman named Bradbury, in whose service he re- mained for many years. When Mr. Rutan had attained his majority Mr. Bradbury gave him one hundred acres of land, which has since been in the possession of his de- scendants; and the ruins of the old stone house, which was the birthplace of nearly all the Rutans, may still be seen there. Henry Rutan, a son of Samuel and the great-grandfather of our subject, would have taken part in the Revolutionary war, but was partially crippled and unable to do military duty. The disposition thus mani- fested stands as much to his credit as an intelligent, loyal citizen as though he ac- tually did service in the army. His son, Samuel H. Rutan, Jr., the grandfather of Calvin, was born in the year 1776,-the year that American independence was de- clared, and he took part in the war of 1812
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against Great Britain. He brought up two sons and two daughters,-Henry, John, Ann and Frances. Ann married Henry Joralemon, of Belleville, and Frances mar- ried Amos Williams, of Newark; all are now deceased. John was the father of the sub- ject of this sketch. The family have always been connected with agricultural pursuits. have been people of quiet and unassuming manner, honorable lives and genuine worth, commanding the respect of all. In politics they have been supporters of the Whig party and later of the Republican, but have never been aspirants for official hon- ors.
Calvin Rutan was born May 29, 1841, on the old family homestead, which was also his playground in boyhood and his training school for the duties of farm life. He now owns the property and is successfully carry- ing on agricultural pursuits, keeping pace with the improvements which are being made in farming methods and machinery. His fields are well tilled, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful supervision.
Mr. Rutan married Miss Rachel E. Stager, a daughter of Richard and Eliza- beth (Snyder) Stager, and they have two children: Howard, who was born June 24, 1866, and now has charge of the home farm; and Stella, born July 5, 1868. The family attend the Dutch Reformed church, and in social circles hold an enviable posi- tion.
During the civil war Mr. Rutan mani- fested his loyalty to the government by en- listing, in 1862, in Company C, Twenty- sixth New Jersey Infantry, under Captain Samuel H. Pemberton. He served for nine months on the Potomac, under the com- mand of Generals Burnside and Hooker,
and participated in the battles of Fredericks- burg and Marye's Heights and a number of minor engagements. He has ever been loyal and true to his country's interests, is a public-spirited and progressive citizen and withholds his support from no enterprise designed to benefit the public.
AARON DE CAMP,
for many years numbered among the lead- ing citizens of Essex county, worthily rep- resents one of the honored pioneer fam- ilies whose identification with public af- fairs materially advanced the interests of the community, and was in the war of the Revolution. The founder of the De Camp family in America was a native of Holland and married a lady of French descent. He settled in Caldwell township, Essex county, and became the owner of a large tract of land, obtaining the grant from the Queen of England. He followed farming as a life vocation and was an influential member of the community. His children were Moses, who married a Miss Williams; Benjamin, Daniel, Polly, Deborah and Abbie. The father spent his entire life upon the farm and died in old age. Benjamin De Camp, the next in line of direct descent, was born in Essex county, and married Dorcas Wil- liams, a daughter of Jonathan Williams, familiarly known as Squire Williams. In early life Benjamin De Camp learned the mason's trade, which he always followed as a means of livelihood. He also owned a farm, which was worked by his sons. He was in the war of 1812, serving as captain of a company, and was stationed at Sandy Hook. In politics he was a Whig, and he and his family were members of the Pres- byterian church of Caldwell. His death
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occurred about 1823. In his family were good will of his fellow citizens, and is well ume. the following named: Phoebe, Mary Ke- deserving of honorable mention in this vol- turah, Timothy, Aaron, Jonathan and Har- rison.
Aaron De Camp, the second son of the family, was reared and educated in Living- ston township, attending the schools of the neighborhood. In early life he learned the mason's trade under the direction of his father and followed that pursuit through- out his active business life; and amid the first work that he did was a task on the construction of the old city hall in New- ark in 1836. He was also the owner of a farm which yielded to him a good income, but has lately sold most of his land and is now living retired on the old homestead, unencumbered by the responsibilities of business life. His career has been one of activity and industry and his rest is well de- served.
Mr. De Camp was married to Miss Mary Tompkins, a daughter of Ezra Tompkins, of Livingston township, belonging to one of the old families. Their children are Wil- ber W., concerning whom individual men- tion is made in this compilation ; George E., whose sketch immediately follows this; Thomas J .; Aaron Bentley, who is engaged in the ice business in Verona; Emma E., who became the wife of Dr. Halsey and who died in 1884; Joseph Edgar, of Verona, one of the prominent freeholders of the county; and Katie, at home.
In his political views Aaron De Camp is a Republican, but he has never sought or desired the honors or emoluments of pub- lic office. His life has been one of useful activity, in which labor has brought to him a worthy reward, and not only has he gained pecuniary success, but by his devo- tion to duty has also won the respect and
GEORGE E. DE CAMP,
who has been honored with various politi- cal preferments and has won the unquali- fied commendation of the public by his faithful performance of every duty, was born in Roseland May 15, 1843, and is a son of Aaron and Mary (Tompkins) De Camp. He is indebted to the public- school system for his educational privi- leges which fitted him for the practical affairs of this work-a-day world. With his father he learned the mason's trade and also mastered the trade of shoemaking in his youth. He followed the former vocation for some years and built many of the good, substantial bridges over which the thor- oughfares of the county pass. He now de- votes his energies to farming, and his land yields to him good returns for the care and labor he bestows upon it. He is a wide- awake, progressive farmer, systematic and methodical, and his well directed efforts have placed him among the leading agri- culturists of the community.
Mr. De Camp was joined in wedlock to Miss Matilda L. Harrison, a native of Rose- . land and a daughter of Cyrus and Jane (Casterline) Harrison, the former a native of Roseland, the latter of Dover. Her par- ents are both now deceased. The marriage of our subject and his wife was celebrated on the 9th of September, 1867, and was blessed with nine children, as follows: Ella J., Hattie L., Mary Lillian, Ada L., Ezra O., Emma E., Carrie L., Charles H. and Ira W. Ella is now the wife of John Ellison, who is living in Rhode Island; and Hattie is
GEORGE E. DeCAMP
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the wife of George R. Beam, whose home is in Roseland.
Mr. De Camp is a very prominent and active member of the Grange of Roseland and is a member of the executive commit- tee of that organization in the state of New Jersey. He also holds membership in the Indian League of Newark. He takes a very active part in political affairs and has been a stanch advocate of Republican prin- ciples since casting his first presidential vote, for Abraham Lincoln. He has served as vice-president of the Essex county Re- publican committee, and his advice on mat- ters political carries considerable weight in the councils of his party. He served as as- sessor for the long and continuous period of sixteen years, discharging his duties in a manner that won him the commendation of even his political enemies and gained him many votes from among the opposition. He is also justice of the peace and his de- cisions are strictly fair and impartial. For five years he has served as a member of the town committee and has been overseer of roads. Last year he was appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state sen- ate as a member of the board of managers of the experimental station of Rutgers Col- lege. He belongs to the Methodist Prot- estant church of Roseland, and is one of the most prominent and highly respected citizens of his township, whose good judg- ment in business affairs has won him suc- cess in matters of trade, while his honor in the matters of public and private life com- mend him to the confidence of all.
WILLIAM FREDERICK BECK,
a plumber and steam-fitter of Orange, has made rapid progress along the road to suc- cess, and by persistent, honorable effort has
overcome many of the obstacles that ob- struct the way. A comfortable competence is now his, and the same commendable busi- ness characteristics that have hitherto marked his career will undoubtedly bring him greater prosperity in the future.
Mr. Beck was born in Orange, Septem- ber 6, 1864, a son of John Frederick Beck, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany. In that land he acquired his education, and when fifteen years of age crossed the Atlan- tic to America with his father, taking up his residence in New York city. There he secured a position as salesman in a mer- chandizing establishment and was thus em- ployed for some time. When eighteen years of age he came to Orange, where he learned the hatter's trade, under the direc- tion of Charles Hedden. That business he made his life work. His death occurred in 1888, when he had reached the age of forty- nine years, and his wife passed away in January, 1885, at the age of forty-six. Mrs. Beck bore the maiden name of Margaret Leavenguth and was a daughter of Jacob Leavenguth. Both Mr. and Mrs. Beck were members of the First Presbyterian church, on Williams street, and were con- sistent Christian people who exemplified in their lives their religious belief. They had but two children, and the daughter, Mary Elizabeth, died in 1874, at the age of eleven years.
William F. Beck acquired his early edu- cation in the district schools and supple- mented it by a course in the high school of Orange. On reaching the age of seven- teen he decided to master a trade and ac- cordingly learned that of plumber and steam-fitter, under the direction of A. H. Freeman, of Orange. Having completed an apprenticeship of four years, he worked
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as a journeyman for Mr. Freeman for four years and then spent three and a half years in the employ of Oliver S. Williams. In March, 1893, he embarked in business on his own account and has succeeded in build- ing up an excellent trade. To the excel- lence and promptness of his work and his honorable dealing is attributable his suc- cess in life, which is the just reward of his earnest labors.
On the 9th of February, 1886, Mr. Beck was united in marriage to Miss Annie Men- zing, a daughter of Casper Menzing. To them were born three children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are William Russell and Harold Wilton. The parents are members of the German Pres- byterian church, of Orange, and Mr. Beck is a worthy member of John F. Morse Lodge, No. 186, I. O. O. F. His political support is given the men and measures of the Republican party, and he is a public- spirited, progressive citizen who lends his support and co-operation to all movements tending to advance the general welfare.
ADOLF ROSENWASSER,
of Newark, one of the most extensive cloth- ing manufacturers of New Jersey, stands to-day as a leading representative of the race from which he sprang. His life, hon- orable in its purpose and earnest in its pur- suits, has been crowned with a brilliant suc- cess, and to-day he stands among those whose efforts have enabled them to rise from humble stations to positions of emi- nence in the world of commerce.
Born in the ancient city of Eperies, in the state of Hungary, now one of the states of the Austrian federation, April 1, 1849, our subject is a son of John and Bertha (Palm-
er) Rosenwasser. His father died about 1855, during the cholera scourge in Hun- gary, leaving three sons,-Adolf, Simeon and Morris. The second named studied for the ministry in early life and was gradu- ated in the University of Preesburg, in Hungary, but did not follow the profession. He married a Miss Goldfinger, who came into possession of large estates in Hun- gary, and his time was thereafter taken up by the management of the property. Mor- ris Rosenwasser, also a graduate of the University of Preesburg, having completed the course of civil engineering in that insti- tution, married Rosa Ameisen, whose fath- er was a banker in the town of Neusandiz. They had three children, one of whom, Morris R., died at the age of thirty-four years. The mother of our subject died in the city of Eperes in 1883, at the age of sixty-five years.
Adolf Rosenwasser acquired his early education under private instruction, and when he had attained the age of fourteen was apprenticed to a tailor for a three- years term. When he had mastered the business he decided to seek a field for his labors in America, and accordingly left home on the Ist of May, 1865, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, which after a long and tedious voyage of thirteen weeks dropped anchor in the harbor of New York, on the 5th of August. Coming to Newark he secured employment at his trade with a Mr. Talmos, on Rivington street, and for the first week's service received nine dol- lars; but it was soon seen that he was a skillful and rapid worker and his wages were accordingly increased. He continued to serve as a journeyman until nineteen years of age, when he began business on his own account, opening a tailoring establish-
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ment at No. 106 East Houston street, New York city. Success attended his efforts from the beginning, and after a time he be- gan the manufacture of clothing at No. III3 Clinton street, New York. In 1868 he opened a factory at the corner of Stan- ton and Cannon streets, New York, where he conducted a profitable business for, twenty-three years, when in 1895 he decided to come to Newark in order to obviate the interference and delays occasioned in his business by the strikes ordered by the trades unions of New York city, and also to secure more commodious quarters for his operatives. He accordingly purchased a tract of land at the corner of Morris and Thirteenth avenues, and upon a portion of this erected a large building of modern de- sign and architecture, ninety by one hun- dred and eighty feet. When Mr. Rosen- wasser came to Newark he brought with him one hundred and fifteen families, each represented by members in his employ, and provided for all these for a period of three weeks, at a cost of over four thousand dol- lars, while his new building was being com- pleted ready for occupancy. He has exe- cuted work for the firm of Brokaw Broth- ers, who are extensive clothing dealers in New York city, having been under contract with them for over sixteen years. His busi- ness is now colossal in its extent, and his success is the result of his industry, perse- verance and honest business methods.
Mr. Rosenwasser was married January 21, 1868, to Mina Coan, a daughter of Jacob and Rosa Coan, and their union was blessed with nine children, but two died in infancy, and Nathan, Jacob, Rosa and Na- than-the second of the name-have also passed away. Those still living are Annie, wife of Leon Platky, of New York city, by
whom she has two children: Minnie Mil- ler and Ira Seymour; Charles A., who is studying civil engineering in Columbia Col- lege, of New York city, with the class OI 1898; and Samuel, who is a graduate of the Packard Business College, of New York city, and is now engaged in the manufactur- ing business in connection with his father. The mother of this family passed away, January II, 1887, at the age of forty-six years.
The life record of Mr. Rosenwasser is one of which he may be justly proud. His dealings have ever been honorable and straightforward; in his treatment of his employes he is ever fair, as is evidenced by his maintenance of the one hundred and fifteen families before work could be com- menced in the new factories; energy, enter- prise and careful management have formed the keynote of his success and have dem- onstrated the possibilities that America fur- nishes to young men of determined purpose and sterling worth.
ZENOS G. HARRISON.
A native of Livingston township, Es- sex county, Zenos G. Harrison was born on the old farm which is still his home, April 23, 1826, being the son of Samuel and Mary (Crane) Harrison, the former of whom was born on the farm now owned and occupied by Mrs. Becker, in Livingston township, and was a son of Joseph Harrison, one of the early settlers of Essex county. Samuel Harrison was reared to farm life and ac- quired his education in the common schools of his native county. He married Mary Crane, a daughter of Colonel Cyrus Crane, a representative of one of the old and hon- ored families of the county. Mrs. Harrison
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was a native of Caldwell township, Essex county. Upon their marriage they located on the farm which is now occupied by our subject, and there the father carried on agricultural pursuits for the remainder of his life, being successful in his efforts and holding the confidence and respect of the community, by reason of his sterling char- acter and kindly nature. Samuel and Mary (Crane) Harrison became the parents of the following children, only two of whom are living at the present time: Mary died at the age of about fifty years; Rhoda C. is the wife of David S. Baldwin; Samuel O. died January 31, 1897; Elizabeth died at the age of eighteen years; Cyrus F. died in 1893; Zenos G. is the immediate subject of this review; and Amanda is deceased. Sam- uel Harrison was for many years an elder in the Presbyterian church. He was a man of unswerving integrity in all the relations of life, was a devoted churchman and exem- plified his Christian faith in thought, word and deed. Both he and his wife are now de- ceased.
Upon the family homestead, in the midst of farm scenes and interests, Zenos G. Har- rison was reared to manhood, and his tastes have never led him into other fields of labor. He owns and operates one hundred acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation, and the well tilled fields yield to him a gold- en tribute and indicate the careful super- vision which he bestows upon the place.
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