USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 2 > Part 40
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WILLIAM R. BROUGHTON.
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head, in 1835, was educated at the Boston Latin School, and when a young man re- moved to New York city, where he en- gaged in business as a book-publisher. He was also for a number of years connected with the American Board of Foreign Mis- sions. He took up his residence in Bloom- field in 1868, and made his home there until his death, which occurred in 1894. He took a very prominent part in Christian work and was an active and influential member of the First Presbyterian church, in which he served as elder for twenty-four years and as clerk of the session for a period of fifteen years. He was ever charitable and benevolent, and the poor and needy found in him a true friend. His wife still survives him and yet occupies the old homestead.
Dr. Broughton, of this review, has spent the greater part of his life in Bloomfield, en- tered its public schools when he had ar- rived at the proper age, and in 1883 was graduated at the high school. He then matriculated in Williams College, where he was graduated in 1887, and thus, with an excellent literary knowledge to serve as a foundation, he entered upon the study of medicine in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Columbia College, New York. He there pursued the regular course and was graduated in 1890 with the degree of M. D. In 1887 he associated himself with Dr. Ambrose L. Ranney, of New York, a noted oculist, and has since made a spe- cialty of that department of medicine. Their office is located at No. 345 Madison avenue, New York. The large number of their patrons shows that they have gained the public confidence by their skill and ability. The office in Bloomfield is a handsomely appointed suite of rooms, fitted up with the most improved electrical appliances known
to the profession. The Doctor is well es- tablished in his business, and his love for his calling causes him to continue his study and investigation, thus continually advancing farther toward perfection and being better prepared for the delicate work entrusted to his care.
On October 20, 1897, Dr. Broughton was married to Miss Jeanie Brittan Morris, of Bloomfield, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Crowell Morris.
GUISEPPE CIARAMELLI, M. D.
Though the sunny peninsula of Italy has sent to America but few citizens in com- parison with other nations, it gave to the world the discoverer of this land, and many of those who have since crossed the Atlan- tic have become distinguished in the prom- inent walks of life. Among this number is the Doctor, now a successful practitioner of Newark. He was born in the pretty little town of Afragola, near Naples, on the 10th of July, 1855, and was provided with excel- lent educational privileges. After attend- ing the lyceum he served as a soldier in the Italian army for three years, and upon leav- ing the military service entered the Uni- versity of Naples, where he studied medi- cine and surgery, obtaining his diploma from that institution in 1884.
Dr. Ciaramelli engaged in the practice of his profession in Naples and the surround- ing district until August, 1896, when, at- tracted by information he had received in regard to the United States and the oppor- tunities here afforded, he determined if pos- sible to broaden his field of labor, and left his home in Naples for the New World. Crossing the Atlantic he spent a few days in New York city and then came to New-
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ark, locating permanently in this city. He no personal interest when the needs of has since engaged in the practice of his pro- suffering humanity appeal to him. fession, meeting with gratifying success. Dr. Ciaramelli was united in marriage in Naples, March 19, 1890, to Miss Julia Gau- diosa, and although their residence in New- ark covers but a short period they have al- ready won many friends, by whom they are highly esteemed. His patronage is large and lucrative and in- dicates his skill and ability. When he came to Newark he had no knowledge of the Eng- lish language, but within seven months he passed the medical examination in New York, answering all the questions in Eng- lish, and was licensed to practice in that CAPT. HIRAM COOK, state on the 14th of June, 1897. On the IIth of August of the same year he was licensed to practice in New Jersey.
There is no profession calling for more heroic service and personal self-sacrifice than the medical, and the certificates which Dr. Ciaramelli has in his possession indicate that in times of danger he has ever been found true and faithful. The soldier who goes forth to battle is inspired by the strains of martial music, by the inspiration of num- bers and the rattle of artillery, but the phy- sician goes forth often in the silent watches of the night to fight alone the grim messen- ger, death, upheld only by a sense of duty and his own humanitarian wish to relieve the suffering of a fellow creature. On the 3Ist of December, 1885, Dr. Ciaramelli re- ceived a certificate and bronze medal from Minister Depretes, secretary of state for the Italian government, in recognition of his professional services in the province of Na- ples during the cholera epidemic of 1884. On the 24th of June, 1888, he received a certificate from the minister of public health, by direction of the minister of the interior of the Italian government, in com- memoration of his professional services dur- ing the cholera epidemic in the province of Lecce, Italy, in 1886. Such testimonials are highly to be prized and plainly indicate the character of the Doctor, who considers
of Verona, is one of the loyal sons of the country, who, in the dark days of the civil war, offered his services to his country and braved danger and death in his efforts to preserve the Union. For two years he valiantly followed the old flag, and in the midst of civil life he has manifested the same loyalty to his duties of citizenship.
Captain Cook was born in Hanover, Morris county, New Jersey, on the 15th of April, 1827, descending from good old Revolutionary ancestry. His grandfather Cook, and his great-grandfather, Colonel Ellis Cook, a native of Ireland, were both patriots in the war for independence, and the latter had a son, who fell in battle dur- ing the French and Indian war. John Bed- ford, also a great-grandfather of our sub- ject, enlisted in the American army and aided in the overthrow of British tyranny on American soil. Benjamin Cook, the father of our subject, was born on the old Cook homestead in Morris county, in 1793, and, no less loyal than his ancestors, served his country in the war of 1812. He passed his life as a cabinet-maker and undertaker at Hanover, where he died in 1885. He married Celia Lacy, daughter of George Lacy, who was also a Revolutionary soldier. Her death occurred in 1870. Their chil- dren were as follows: Captain Hiram, An-
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drew J., who was a member of the Fifth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and died from wounds received in battle; Edward, who was one of the "boys in blue" of the Tenth New Jersey Volunteers, and died in the service immediately after the battle of the Wilderness; Luther, who was a lieu- tenant in a New York regiment, and died in captivity in Andersonville prison; James, of Morris county; Isabel, wife of Vozef Sayers, of Springfield, New Jersey; and Gertrude, who became the wife of a Mr. Doty, and they are both deceased. The father of this family was twice married, and by the first union had a son, William, who entered the army with a regiment from Ver- milion county, Illinois, and died in the service.
. Captain Cook, whose name introduces this article, spent his early boyhood days on the home farm, but at the age of seventeen left the parental roof and began learning the carpenter's trade under the direction of Jabez Cook, of Newark. After completing his apprenticeship, he engaged in contract work for three or four years in that city. At length he was induced to remove to Verona in the belief that the locality offered exceptional inducements for investors and especially to men of progressive, enterpris- ing ideas as well as means. Accordingly he purchased a tract of land of sixty acres, laid it off into lots and began its improvement, by the erection of pleasant residences there- on. He has been identified with real-estate speculation in Verona for the past thirty years, and his judicious investments, keen foresight and sound judgment have so en- abled him toconduct his business as to make it very profitable and satisfactory. He has been identified with every movement toward securing a locomotive railroad and
providing other means of rapid transit, and his efforts in behalf of the town have proven most beneficial. His dealings are con- ducted with the strictest regard to the ethics of commercial life, and his honesty and fair- ness in all trade transactions have won the unqualified confidence of the public. His energy, resolute purpose and indefatigable labor are the factors that have contributed most largely to his success and made him one of the substantial citizens of the com- munity.
Captain Cook was married in 1850 to Miss Esther Brown, who died in 1868, leav- ing the following-named children: George. now a contractor in the Oranges; Dr. Wil- ber, who is supervisor of the insane asylum in Middletown, New York; and Elwood, a plumber and gas-fitter of Newark. For his second wife the Captain chose Miss Mary J. Mills, daughter of John Mills, and this union has been blessed with four children: Floreta, Edna, Benjamin and Celia.
Coming of a family whose patriotism has been tried on many a sanguinary battle- field, it is not strange that our subject was found among the loyal defenders of his country when the hydra-headed monster, rebellion, threatened to crush the nation. In the first year of the war he responded to the president's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company D, Fifth New Jersey Infantry. He entered the service as a pri- vate, but was detailed as engineer on the staff of General Hooker, being engaged in the building of roads, pontoons, bridges and docks, and keeping open a way of communi- cation with the rear of the army. His duties exposed him to the dangerous fire of the enemy many times, and on one occasion the flesh from his leg and ankle was carried away by a shell, this wound forcing his re-
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tirement from the service in 1863. He is now a member of Bartlet Post, G. A. R., and has served as Commander.
His business record is one of honesty, his military record one of marked fidelity, and the record of his public service is one of devotion to the best interests of the com- munity with which he is connected.
RUFUS F. HARRISON.
Commencing with the first American an- cestors of this prominent and highly re- spected citizen of Roseland, we may state that Sergeant Richard Harrison came from England about the year 1650, first settling at Branford, but in 1666 removing to New- ark, New Jersey. Joseph, a grandson and a son of Joseph (Ist), moved to Orange, New Jersey, and had many sons and daughters, of whom Joseph (3d) settled in Livingston and became an extensive land-owner some time previous to the Revolutionary war with Great Britain, and he was in the thick- est of the fight at Springfield. He became an elder in the Caldwell Presbyterian church in 1784, and previous to that had been a member of a committee to provide a house of worship for the society. His chil- dren were Demas, Rufus, Samuel, Jared; Tamar, wife of Aaron Dodd; Abby, wife of Bethuel Crane; and Joanna,-all by his first wife; and by his second wife, nee Duran, his children were Joseph; Harvey; Phoebe, wife of Henry S. Harrison; Rhoda, the wife of Henry Beach; Rufus, who married Phoebe Williams, daughter of Enos Wil- liams. His children were Demas, who mar- ried Dorcas Crane; Mary, who married Ze- nos C. Crane; and Rufus F., the subject of this sketch. He had also other children who died when young, leaving no issue.
Rufus was a prominent man in the town- ship, having served many years as magis- trate and as chosen freeholder, and held other town offices, besides being an elder of the Presbyterian church at Caldwell. He died in 1849, in his sixty-ninth year.
Rufus F. Harrison, whose name heads this biographical outline, was born in the year 1818, in South Caldwell, afterward known as Centerville, but lately as Rose- land. He inherited the homestead property, and in early life devoted himself actively to agricultural pursuits. He was naturally a leader in his section, was a thoughtful reader of current political literature, and with an active mind and taste for debate he was soon regarded by his political fraternity as a proper individual to represent his section in the county board of freeholders. He was elected to this position for several terms of service. During thirty years of his life he was the leading magistrate in the township of Livingston, and the legal business of his section was intrusted to his care and judg- ment with implicit confidence.
When the war of the Rebellion began, Mr. Harrison illustrated in his bearing and counsel the value of individual patriotism, being on the side of the Union with all the fervor of his soul. He counseled his neigh- bors and kept the flame of love of the gov- ernment glowing in his village. Roseland gave many brave men to the Union army, but not one was braver or was more dearly loved than Mr. Harrison's son, George R. Harrison, who was killed during the san- guinary battle of Antietam.
In 1863 Mr. Harrison was elected a mem- ber of the assembly, where he participated in the debates and won honorable distinc- tion for his sound judgment and ability as a legislator. He vigorously and successfully
Rufus & Harrison
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opposed the setting off of Essex county from the city of Newark when that measure had influential support from the Oranges and from nearly all the townships in the county. In 1864 he was re-elected and dur- ing his last term of service it was his privi- lege and honor to record his vote in favor of the adoption of the thirteenth amend- ment to the federal constitution, which for- ever forbids any form of slavery within the domain of the United States. In advocacy of the adoption of this amendment, Mr. Harrison's speech was a most creditable ef- fort, revealing not only the strength of his love for freedom and union, but also the clear, strong grasp of principles in conform- ity to which his convictions had been nur- tured and matured.
January 26, 1864, Mr. Harrison present- ed the following resolution: "Resolved, the senate concurring, that so much of Gov- ernor Parker's message as relates to the bat- tlefield of Antietam be referred to the com- mittee on federal relations, and that said committee be instructed to report what ac- tion is necessary for carrying into effect His Excellency's suggestion of erecting a suitable monument to the memory of the heroic dead of New Jersey who fell on that sanguinary field." This resolution was adopted. The New Jersey monument on the field of Antietam thus had Mr. Harri- son as its first advocate in the New Jersey legislature.
In 1872 he was appointed lay judge in the Essex county court of common pleas, and held this office until 1877. His record as an associate justice was in keeping with the work of his life. He was thoughtful, consid- erate and correct in his disposition of the details of judicial duties which were referred to him.
Mr. Harrison has always been a friend of the public-school system, and held the of- fice of school trustee in the Roseland dis- trict during forty-one years of his life. He was also assistant revenue collector, suc- ceeding Andrew Teed in the year 1870, when the latter was elected sheriff of Essex county. In connection with his sons, he conducted a general store in Roseland from 1866 to 1877.
In politics Mr. Harrison was first a Whig and afterward a Republican, from the time of the organization of the latter party. In religion he has ever been a consistent mem- ber of the Presbyterian church. His home has always been a center of interest among the Livingstonians, many of whom felt that their conclusions as to the public affairs were incomplete without the strengthening touch of his coinciding views; and during the seasons of important local or political interest his sitting-room has been occupied of evenings by his friends and neighbors, and their pleasant sessions whiled away the hours agreeably and profitably. As a neigh- bor and friend he has made an impress that will bear pleasant memories.
February 17, 1841, Mr. Harrison married Miss Harriet Matilda Williams. Their sons, William H., Amos W., Frederick A. and George R., are all actively engaged in busi- ness pursuits; and their daughter, Mara- belle, now Mrs. Canfield, resides at Clinton. These are all that are now left of the family. Mrs. Harrison died several years since. George R., whose living namesake was born at the close of the war of the Rebellion, and named in honor of this son who fell in bat- tle, and also Joseph and Clara, have long been with the silent dead.
Mr. Harrison is passing a quiet and se- rene old age at his home in Roseland. He
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sold the Harrison homestead in 1890 and gives his attention to a small section of real estate in the village. He has a wide circle of friends. Though no longer in active po- litical affairs or in local office, his interest shows no abatement; he reads the news with his usual ardor, keeping abreast with the times. He is and always has been a trusted friend, and is as wise in counsel as during the more active period of his life.
CHARLES WEIGAND,
a member of the Newark board of alder- men, representing the fifth ward, and one of the representative business men of New- ark, dates his nativity in New York city, January 29, 1860. He comes of German parents and has in his make-up the sterling characteristics of the German-American cit- izen. His parents, John and Anna (Wolz) Weigand, came to this country from Ger- many in early life previous to their mar- riage, and for many years resided in New York city, where he was employed at his trade, that of baker. He died in 1872. His widow is now a resident of Brooklyn, New York.
In New York city the subject of our sketch was reared, receiving his early train- ing in the grammar school on Forty-second street, near Third avenue. On leaving school he learned the butcher business, which he followed in New York and Brook- lyn until 1878, when he came to Newark and engaged in the meat-market business with his uncle, Charles Wolz, and they were together about eighteen months. Then the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Weigand established a business in his own name, which he continued until May 5, 1896. Up to that date he conducted a general meat
market, and since May, that year, he has been conducting a wholesale and retail fish business at No. 92 Park place.
Mr. Weigand was married in 1887 to Miss Mary Buehler, of Newark, and they have had three sons and one daughter, namely: Harry F. and Charles, Jr., in busi- ness with their father; Frederick, deceased, and Mildred S.
Mr. Weigand has always taken a com- mendable interest in local affairs, and as a fitting recognition of the same he was, in the spring of 1896, elected to represent the fifth ward in the Newark board of alder- men. That year he served on the following committees: Printing and stationery, rail- road franchises and licenses. The present year, 1897, he is chairman of the printing and stationery committee, and a member of the committee on finances. Socially, he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Knights of Honor.
GREGORY ARMBRUSTER,
a retired farmer and a representative citizen of Vailsburg, is the son of Jacob Arm- bruster, a descendant of one of the oldest German families in Essex county, and was born on his father's farm in the same neigh- borhood where his grandfather, also named Jacob Armbruster, first settled when he came to New Jersey, about the year 1824. The father of our subject was born in Baden, Germany, in 1808, and after coming to this country he located on a small farm on South Orange avenue, in 1853, and there passed the remainder of his life, in the en- joyment of that competency that labor and economy had achieved for him. He was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Harth, who died in 1879. His death occurred in
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1878. The following children were born to them: George, Gregory, Antoine, Louie, deceased, Mary, the wife of George Baur, of Irvington, and Matthias. A stepson, Joseph Armbruster, is also a resident of Newark.
The Armbrusters were well represented in the federal army during the late civil war, Joseph being a member of the Thirty-first New York Volunteer Regiment; George, of the Twenty-ninth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry; Antoine, of the Thirty-fifth, and Gregory, young as he was, served nearly a year in the Thirty-ninth regiment, which was stationed around Petersburg, Virginia, where it was under fire nearly all winter, taking part in numerous skirmishes.
Gregory Armbruster was born on the 13th of April, 1848, and, like his worthy an- cestors, he made farming his life's vocation. After the sale of the old homestead, he se- cured a valuable piece of property in Vails- burg, which he improved extensively, and on it he erected his present home, the hand- somest in the city, and there he has lived, retired from the active labors of life, for the past ten years, enjoying the fruits of his early toil.
Mr. Armbruster was first married in 1880, to Miss Ann Bauerlein, who died in 1889, leaving the following children: Cecilia Ruth, Anna May, Marguerite Loretta, Agnes and Arthur, the two latter being de- ceased. The second marriage of Mr. Arm- bruster was solemnized on the 7th of June, 1894, when he was united to Miss Joseph- ine Magdalene Beck, a daughter of John H. and Josephine M. (Krumiech) Beck, the former of whom came to Newark from Wurtemberg, Germany. The other chil- dren of this couple are: Charles F., John H., George W. and Selma C. Mr. and Mrs.
Armbruster have an infant daughter, whom they have named Lula Justina.
JOSEPH STEVENS,
who is engaged in the manufacture of stained glass in Orange, was born in the city which is still his home, on the 3d of June, 1861, and is a son of James and Mary (Humphrey) Stevens. Both the paternal and maternal ancestors were of English ex- traction, and John Stevens, the grandfather of our subject, was the first of the family to come to America. He located in Orange at an early day and for many years carried on the dairy business with marked success. He died in Orange in 1868. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Phelps, and to them were born six children, namely: James, William, Joseph; Mary, afterward Mrs. Wood; Ann, wife of William Thomas, a resident of Orange; and Eliza, who be- came the wife of John Lee. Of this family William and Ann are the only ones now liv- ing.
James Stevens was born in England and was there reared to manhood and educated. He came to America about 1850 and spent the greater part of his remaining days in Orange, but lived for about ten years in Michigan. He was a house painter by trade, and at one time was at the head of the most extensive business in that line in Orange. On account of failing health he removed to a farm in South Jersey, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens had twelve children: Henry, deceased; James, who makes his home in East Orange; John P., born in Orange, and now deceased; Re- becca, born also in Orange, and has also passed away; William, born in Orange, is still making this the place of his residence;
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Sarah R., born in Orange, is now the wife of Raphael Prineveau, a resident of West Orange; Thomas L., born in Michigan, is now deceased; Mary E., born in Michigan, is a resident of Newark; Joseph is the next of the family; Emma, born in Orange, has departed this life; Emily M., born in Orange; and Lavinia A., born in Orange, and is deceased.
Joseph Stevens, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the public schools of his native city, and on completing his education, returned to the homestead, where he assisted in its cultivation through the succeeding five years. While still a youth he worked at the butcher's trade, and in early manhood learned the trade of glass- stainer, which he has followed continuously since, working in the employ of others for some time and then embarking in busi- ness on his own account, about eight years ago. His trade has steadily increased, as his reputation for reliability and workman- ship has become known. He does most ar- tistic work, thus giving excellent satisfac- tion to his patrons, and his enterprise, capa- ble management and honorable dealing in- sure him a continuance of a profitable busi- ness.
Mr. Stevens has been twice married. First he was joined in wedlock to Miss Emma L. Plummer, a daughter of Harris H. and Elizabeth Plummer, the ceremony being performed at Addison Point. Mrs. Stevens died September 29, 1895, and Mr. Stevens was again married January 29, 1897, his second union being celebrated in Orange, New Jersey, when Mrs. Ellen Smith Winchell, widow of Albert Winchell, became his wife.
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