USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 2 > Part 34
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At an early age his father, who was a stair-builder by trade, took him as an ap- prentice and he became a skilled mechanic, but his desires did not seem to satisfy him in that line, although he continued at his trade until 1873, when he became con- nected with life insurance and made a marked success in that line, holding several very important positions until the year 1885, when he associated himself with the National Newark Bank, the oldest bank in the state of New Jersey, where he has ever since held an important position.
Mr. Mandeville has for years been a member of the Park Presbyterian church.
Yellis Mandeville, who came from Hol- land to New Amsterdam (now New York city) among its very earliest settlers, was the ancestor of all the Mandevilles in Amer- ica, and was possessed of large domains of the part of New York city which com- prised a part of the ninth ward of that city.
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Adrian Mandeville, one of the lineal de- scendants of Yellis Mandeville, and the great-grandfather of Joseph W. Mande- ville, was a large land-owner on the Pomp- ton Plains, Morris county, New Jersey, and in the old cemetery of the Dutch Reformed church of that place are buried a large num- ber of the descendants of the Mandeville family.
On the 28th of April, 1880, Mr. Mande- ville was married to Sarah E. Speer, a de- scendant of one of the old families of Speers of Essex county, New Jersey.
WILLIAM A. RIGHTER.
It is but rarely that we meet an indi- vidual who has not only inherited a good mental and physical organization but has also a capacity and a disposition to main- tain the high standard for which nature seems to have designed him. The subject of whom we now propose to write, in his many illustrious characteristics, reminds us of the high ideal to which it appears nature is ever tending. Mr. Righter was a repre- sentative example of the noblest class of high-minded citizens, for many years oc- cupying a position of prominence at the bar of Essex county and indeed enacting a con- spicuous part in the history of his portion of the state of New Jersey. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and faithful to his trusts through a long residence in New- ark, he was regarded as one of the most distinguished and esteemed citizens. The prominent facts of his life which constitute interesting topics in a biographical review, are so numerous, as well as important, that even had we ten times the space here al- lotted we could give but a mere outline of them.
In this connection we may briefly touch upon his parentage, by way of chronolog- ical introduction. His father, John Righter, was of sturdy German origin, characterized by a thorough scientific spirit. He was a native of New Jersey, representing a family long connected with the state, and during his life's career honoring the vocations of farming and agriculture. January 9, 1806, he married Miss Lockey Stiles, whose an- cestry was traceable to the equally de- veloped English people.
Mr. Righter, to whom these paragraphs are devoted, was a native of Parsippany, New Jersey, born in 1821, and after acquir- ing his preliminary education in the schools near his home he pursued a collegiate course in Union College, at Schenectady, New York, at which institution he was graduated in 1842, during the presidency of that distinguished educator, Dr. Eliphalet Nott. Determining to enter the legal pro- fession, he soon became a law student in the office of Chief Justice Joseph C. Horn- blower, where he became thoroughly versed in the elementary principles of the law, and he was duly admitted to the bar, in 1848; and from that time until his death he was prominently connected with the Newark bar, throughout his professional life wear- ing the distinguishing honors of a broad- minded and liberal man and a conscientious practitioner of the law. He was connected with much of the important litigation in the courts of Newark, attaining marked prestige for his deep research and painstak- ing care. His logical grasp of facts and of the principles applicable to them enabled him to guide his cases without perturbation. His diction was characterized by a remark- able clearness of expression and impressive tone.
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In his political views Mr. Righter always coincided with the Democratic party. In 1876 he was the nominee of his party in the sixth congressional district for the of- fice of representative in congress, but in the election was defeated by the Republican candidate. In 1877 his name was promi- nently mentioned in connection with the nomination for governor of the state. He always took a deep interest in municipal af- fairs. He served as a member of the board of health and also of the board of educa- tion, doing effective service in the interest of the schools and of the general physical welfare of the people. He was also one of those who made strenuous efforts to secure the establishment of a creditable park in Newark in 1868, and continued his labors in that connection until his death. In the winter of 1888 he served as one of the ad- visory committee to procure an adequate supply of good water for the city, and the efforts of the committee were crowned with success. In 1869 Mr. Righter became a member of the Historical Society of New Jersey, with which he was connected dur- ing the remainder of his life. Also he was one of the vice presidents of the American Bible Society of New York, and for many years was a trustee of the First Presbyterian church of Newark.
In 1851 he was united in marriage with Miss Emma Louise Shugard, a daughter of William Shugard, of Newark, and they had eight children, named as follows: William S., Florence C., Mary, Addison A., Ed- ward, Emma A., Clara and Howard C.
Mr. Righter passed away on the 18th of October, 1896, and the funeral services · were conducted by Dr. Frazer, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Newark, of which Mr. Righter had long been a mem-
ber; and this is perhaps the most appro- priate place to say a few words concerning the moral character of the deceased. Dr. Frazer, who had been one of his close friends, told at the funeral how well he re- membered, at his coming to Newark four- teen years previously, that Mr. Righter had been one of the first to greet him and re- ceive him with the warmest cordiality and most open-hearted welcome; that in the years since then he had given him his fullest confidence and had stood by him loyally in every emergency, and that he had always felt, come what might, he could always count on Mr. Righter's fullest sympathy and support. "Few people," continued Mr. Frazer, "could depart and leave behind a more enviable reputation. For fifty years he had lived in Newark, and his life had been an open one,-seen of all men. In his profession, in his social life, among men of business, he was universally liked and re- spected, for he stood, as few men have, for what was right and honorable; but to those who knew him best in his home life it was that his goodness and character were seen in their perfection. There was never a better or purer man in the home relation- ships. He was all that a son, a husband, a brother and a father should be, and he counted no personal sacrifice too great that would enhance the welfare or promote the happiness of his family. He had a deep re- ligious faith and an unbounded trust in the mercy of the Savior."
Through a successful business career Mr. Righter had accumulated a handsome for- tune; however, he not only left to his family a substantial patrimony but also bequeathed to them that priceless heritage, a good name, which Solomon said was rather to be chosen than great riches. His memory
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is enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him, and the influence of his life is yet a potent factor for good among his many friends.
WILLIAM H. DE VAUSNEY.
The DeVausney family is of French origin and was founded in America by the great-grandfather of our subject, who was born in France and came to America about the time of the Revolutionary war. His mother left a large estate in France, but he never recrossed the water to claim his share of the inheritance. His son, Henry De- Vausney, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Franklin township, Essex coun- ty, and after arriving at years of maturity married Miss Rachel Mills. He was a tanner by trade and also learned shoe- making, following that dual occupation throughout the greater part of his active business career. Both he and his wife died in middle life. They were the parents of seven children: William, Celia, Mary, Marguerite, John, Richard and Eliza. The father of our subject, John DeVausney, is a native of Essex county, and now resides in Nutley. Throughout his entire life he has followed the carpenter's trade. In 1834 he married Eliza Brown, a daughter of Samuel and Julia (Speer) Brown. Their children are Margaret; Julia E., who married John Rawcliffe; John Henry; Sarah, wife of Robert Rushmore; William H .; Elizabeth, wife of John Reynolds; and Samuel.
Born in Essex county, William DeVaus- ney has spent his entire life within its bor- ders. In his youth he learned the carpen- ter's trade and has since been connected with the building interests of Franklin township. He is recognized as one of the
foremost contractors in his part of the county and now carries on an extensive business in partnership with Charles Carter, of Newark, who secures the contracts while Mr. De Vausney acts as superintendent of the workmen, and many fine buildings in Bloomfield, Newark and other places have been erected under his immediate super- vision and stand as monuments to his handiwork and enterprise. Thoroughly familiar with the business in every detail, he is therefore competent to direct the labors of his employes to the best advantage and to secure durable and pleasing results.
Mr. DeVausney was united in marriage to Miss Rachel, daughter of Henry and Ann (Vreeland) Cueman, and their children are Clarence, Edith, Clifford and Millie. In politics Mr. De Vausney is a Republican, and in 1891 served as a member of the town committee. His name is a synonym for honorable business dealing, and his up- right life and fidelity to every trust reposed in him have won the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
FRANCIS LE BARON MAYHEW.
Ceaselessly to and fro flies the deft shuttle which weaves the web of human destiny, and into the vast mosaic fabric enter the individuality, the effort, the accomplish- ment of each man, be his station that most lowly, or one of majesty, pomp and power. Within the textile folds may be traced the line of each individuality, and while all are merged into the great aggregate, yet the essence of each is never lost, be the angle of influence wide spreading and grateful, or narrow and baneful. He who essays bi- ography finds much of profit and satisfac-
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tion in following out the tracings of a life history, determining the keynote of each re- spective personality and conning the les- sons of life, "line upon line and precept upon precept." The subject of this review is one who has wrought to goodly ends and has attained that well-earned success which entitles him to withdraw largely from the activities of business life and to enjoy the fruits of his labors in his beautiful home in South Orange, where he is known and honored as a representative citizen.
Mr. Mayhew is a native of the old Bay state, having been born in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, in the year 1821, the son of Matthew and Sara Allen (LeBaron) May- hew. His ancestors in the paternal line were among the early settlers in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Among them were Governor Thomas Mayhew and Rev. Thomas Mayhew, the famous Indian preachers; Rev. Jonathan Mayhew, of old West Street church, of Boston, whose name is historic for his aid to the New Eng- land colonies in their struggle for independ- ence, whither the original ancestor emi- grated from England. As the name implies, the LeBarons were of French origin, the family having been established at Plymouth, Massachusetts in the early colonial epoch.
Matthew Mayhew was a seafaring man, having been captain of a whaling vessel and having followed the implied line of industry for a term of many years. He was a man of stanchest integrity of purpose and was honored and esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. The subject of this re- view, Francis LeBaron Mayhew, received such educational advantages as were af- forded in the common schools of his native town, and by duly profiting by the oppor- tunities thus offered, he acquired a good
practical education. In 1840 he left the schoolroom to assume the practical duties of life, proceeding to New York city, where he secured employment as bookkeeper and clerk in a wholesale grocery establishment. He retained this incumbency for a full dec- ade, within which time he became thor- oughly informed as to the details of the business and as to the most effective meth- ods of handling the financial portion of the enterprise, having shown a pronounced apt- itude and discernment for the conduct of af- fairs of scope and importance.
As bookkeeper he had an opportunity to familiarize himself with the financial meth- ods employed in various sections of the Union, the banking systems of that day having been somewhat primitive and loose- ly regulated. Mr. Mayhew's ambition and self-reliance eventually led him into wider fields of endeavor, and through his timely and well-directed efforts he gained a posi- tion among the representative business men of the national metropolis. He had natural- ly been from childhood somewhat familiar with the whaling industry, with which his father was so closely identified, and this cir- cumstance, as taken in connection with his extended acquaintanceship in New Bed- ford, the headquarters of the whale-oil in- dustry at that time, led him to become con- cerned in this important line of enterprise, and he engaged in the oil business, with headquarters in New York city, continuing operations with notable success for a period of thirty-six years. He brought to bear a thorough business acumen, was duly con- servative and yet progressive in his meth- ods, so that success attended his efforts from the start and was cumulative in char- acter. Mr. Mayhew retired from active business in 1888, having acquired a suffi-
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cient competency to enable him to enjoy the fruits of past years of labor and consec- utive application.
During the first ten years of his business career in New York city Mr. Mayhew re- tained his residence in Brooklyn, but in view of the impaired health of his wife, and look- ing to the securing of a place of abode where conditions would be more conducive to her recovery, he removed to South Orange in 1854, residing for a time on Ridgewood road, after which he effected the purchase of a most desirable tract of land at the foot of the South Orange moun- tains, and located on what is now South Orange avenue. Here he has erected a beautiful residence, which is one of the ideal homes of this most attractive suburban dis- trict.
Since taking up his residence in Soutlı Orange Mr. Mayhew has maintained a con- stant and lively interest in all that has touched the prosperity and substantial up- building of the village, and has been among the foremost in advancing local interests through all normal and legitimate channels. He was largely instrumental in securing the incorporation of the village of South Orange, by which means the locality has gained valuable facilities and privileges not otherwise possible, and he has been most liberal, both in giving time and money to furthering the improvement and beautify- ing of the locality where he has maintained his home for so many years. Mr. Mayhew served as president of South Orange during the fiscal year of 1875, and his administra- tion of municipal affairs was such as to gain to him the endorsement and approval of the local public. He, however, prefers to hold aloof from public office, and to exert his influence in a quiet way. He is one of the
founders of the South Orange free library.
In political matters Mr. Mayhew exer- cises his franchise in the support of the principles and policies of the Re- publican party, while in religion he clings to the faith of his fathers, and is a member of the Congregational church. His maternal grandfather, Rev. Lemuel Le Baron, was for sixty years pastor of the Congregational church at Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. He was a direct descend- ant of Governor Bradford, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Dr. Francis LeBaron, whose name Mr. Mayhew bears. Mr. and Mrs. Mayhew have been particularly active in the Sunday school of their church, as well as in other good works, being liberal in the support of all collateral charities and benevolences. Our subject is not dogmatic in his religious views, but has the deepest reverence for spiritual realities and for good accomplished through any worthy medium.
In 1849 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Mayhew to Miss Calista S. Wass, daughter of David Wass and Feadassah Wass, of Addison, Maine
WILLIAM H. BANTA,
a son of John and Rachel Ann (Frederick) Banta, the subject of this sketch, was born in Passaic county, New Jersey, in 1847. His parents were natives of Bergen county, the former born December 4, 1819, the lat- ter July 15, 1824. Their marriage was cel- ebrated June 13, 1844, and they became the parents of the following children: Wil- liam H .; Jane Ann, who married George Stager; Sarah Matilda and Catherine Maria, both of whom died in childhood. The father was a carriage-maker by trade and followed that occupation for many years in
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Newark. The last years of his life were spent in Franklin township, where his death occurred October 31, 1852. The grand- father, William Banta, resided in Hacken- sack, and in connection with farming en- gaged in weaving.
William H. Banta was reared and edu- cated in Franklin township and early in life learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol- lowed for a few years. He then engaged in the butchering business in Nutley, but for some years past has been connected with the ice trade. He has built up an extensive business in this line and has large ice-houses in order to meet the demands of his patrons. He is a wide-awake, energetic man, whose resolute purpose and untiring labor have brought to him a comfortable competence.
On the 2Ist of December, 1871, Mr. Banta was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary C. Preston, and they now have six children: Henry Frederick, Amelia, Jane Ann, Lottie May, Rachel Elizabeth and Fannie B. The parents are widely known in this locality and their many excellent characteristics have won them high regard.
THE HARRISON FAMILY.
David Harrison came from Orange in 1740, and located one-half mile west from Caldwell village, on a large tract of land. He was untiring in his purpose, and be- fore the beginning of the Revolutionary war he had a large area of arable land and an apple orchard in bearing. He enter- tained patriot soldiers on several occasions
when they were foraging, and kept their live-stock in a secluded field, which, from this circumstance, obtained the name of "Hog Pasture." He died from sunstroke, at the age of eighty-three years, while rak- ing rye in his field. He had a large family,
all of whom were girls except two,-David, who removed to North Caldwell, and Jabez, who built a frame house on the New- ark road, and who inherited from the estate a farm of fifty acres. Jabez had two sons, one of whom, David, died at Detroit in 1812. He had been connected with Gen- eral Harrison's army of the west, and had shared its fights and hardships. Caleb D. Harrison remained for a time with his father; then, in 1821, he entered into part- nership with Nathaniel Douglass in the to- bacco business. In 1830 he became super- intendent of the Rosendale Cement Works, near Kingston, New York. He returned to Franklin in 1833, and bought from the sev- eral heirs the greater portion of his grand- father's estate. He purchased the store property from Thomas Cochran in 1836, and replaced the Philemon Bates dwelling- house by the erection of one more modern.
Mr. Harrison was a magistrate for sev- eral years, town clerk for four terms and as- sessor for six years. He transacted legal business for his neighbors, who gladly availed themselves of his counsel.
The homestead is now held by Caleb M. Harrison, who, after eleven years' absence from the village, returned, upon the death of his father, in 1868. During this period he had occupied the principalship of the public schools of Plainfield and New Bruns- wick, the state superintendency of public schools during 1863 and 1864, and the prin- cipalship of the Newark Academy from 1864 to 1869, inclusive. It was during his superintendency that the initial steps were taken in the reform of the public-school system of the state. Afterward he devoted himself to agriculture, being the first in his section to compound mineral fertilizers in kind and quantity in adaptation to special
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crops. In 1880 he was appointed to the superintendency of the Newark City Home, a reformatory institution, and he holds that position at the present time. The farm is rented by his nephew, Caleb A. Harrison, who is engaged in the milk business and who utilizes the land solely in the interests of his trade.
CALEB M. HARRISON
can claim an ancestral connection with the history of Essex county covering a period of more than a century and a half. It was in the year 1740 that David Harrison re- moved from Orange, New Jersey, and lo- cated one half mile west of the village of Caldwell, where he secured a large tract of land. With unfaltering purpose and tire- less energy he began the development of that property and at the beginning of the Revolution had a considerable amount of the land under cultivation and an apple orchard in bearing. He was strongly in sympathy with the cause of the colonists, and on several occasions entertained pa- triot soldiers, who were foraging in that vicinity and kept their live stock in a se- cluded field, which, from this circumstance, to this day has been an object of interest to the family. While raking in the rye field, at the age of eighty-three years, David Harrison suffered a sunstroke which ter- minated his life. He had a large family, all girls with the exception of two,-David, who removed to North Caldwell; and Jabez, who built a frame house on the Newark road and who inherited from the estate a farm of fifty acres. David Harrison, who had been connected with General Harri- son's army of the west and had shared in its battles and its hardships, died in Detroit in 1812. The other son was Caleb D. Har-
rison, who remained for a time with his father, and then, in 1821, entered into part- nership with Nathaniel Douglass in the tobacco business. In 1830 he became su- perintendent of the Rosendale Cement Works, near Kingston, New York, but in 1833 returned to Franklin and secured from the several heirs the greater portion of his grandfather's estate. In 1836 he pur- chased the store owned by Thomas Coch-® ran and replaced the dwelling, formerly owned by Philemon Bates, by the erection of a more modern residence. He held a number of official positions, was a magis- trate for several years, was town clerk for four terms and assessor for six years. He transacted legal business for his neighbors, who gladly availed themselves of his coun- sel, for he was a man of sound judgment, thoroughly reliable and honorable. His death occurred in 1868.
Caleb M. Harrison, whose name intro- duces this article, a son of Caleb D. and Phoebe (Steele) Harrison, was born January 23, 1838. His maternal grandfather, Josiah Steele, was one of the heroes of the Revolu- tion. The early life of our subject was passed in West Caldwell, where he attended the public schools. He also pursued his studies in a school conducted in Montclair by David Frame, and was later graduated at the New Jersey State Normal. Subse- quently he received the degree of A. M. from Rutgers College, in recognition of his work as an educator, on the same occasion upon which General Hugh Judson Kil- patrick received the same honorary distinc- tion. Since 1858 he has devoted his atten- tion largely to educational work, and has won a reputation in this line that ranks him among the most able instructors in the state. In his early manhood he was a
CALEB M. HARRISON
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teacher in the schools of Paterson, New Jersey, and during that time largely ad- vanced the standard of scholarship among his pupils. In 1859, he was chosen prin- cipal of the schools in Plainfield, and in 1860 he resigned to accept the position of principal of the New Brunswick school, in which capacity he served with marked abil- ity, until honored by the appointment of state superintendent of schools. While fill- ing that office he drafted and secured the passage of a law establishing a state board of education and gained from the educa- tional committees the approval of changes outlined in his report for 1863, for the sys- temization of the public schools of the state of New Jersey. From 1864 to 1869 inclu- sive he was principal of the Newark Acad- emy, with marked success and acceptance, and afterward, for a few years, gave private instruction in New York. For some time he was interested in agricultural pursuits, being the first in his section to compound mineral fertilizers in kind and quantity in adaptation to special crops. About 1873 he invested his means in a successful linen trade, which he carried on until 1880. Dur- ing this time, however, he was not wholly disassociated with the educational interests of Essex county, for from 1870 until 1872 he had something to do with the erection of the Caldwell high school, framed the char- ter for the same, and was the first president of the board.
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