USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 2 > Part 47
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port, Connecticut. Michael is married and makes his home in Newark. There were three children of the second marriage who reached years of maturity: James Francis, who married Kate Culligan, and died in July. 1896; Mary Jane, wife of Jacob Kugelmann, by whom she has four children; and Thomas Henry. The mother of these children still survives and makes her home with her daughter in Orange.
Thomas Henry Cullen acquired his edu- cation in the parochial school conducted in connection with St. Patrick's church, of Newark. He remained in his parents' home until twenty years of age, and then entered upon his business career as a salesman in the employ of the Union Pacific Tea Company. For a year he served in that capacity, after which he was promoted to the position of manager, acting in that capacity for eleven years in various cities of the east. Later he engaged in business on his own account, and in 1886 entered the service of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company as a trav- eling salesman. He was thus engaged for four years and was then made manager of the company's store in Orange, where he has continued for seven years to the full sat- isfaction of his employers. He is a man of the utmost reliability, faithful to every trust; and his honorable dealing, courteous treatment of his patrons and untiring en- ergy have brought to the store a liberal trade, making the business one of profit to the company and to himself.
Mr. Cullen was united in marriage No- vember 15, 1878, to Miss Mary A. Keenan, a daughter of Richard and Margaret Keenan. They have had the following- named children: Henry, now deceased; Enos, Edward, Thomas, Michael and Mary, all at home; Francis, who died at the age of
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six months; Joseph, John, Margaret, Leo and Agnes-all with their parents. The parents and children are of the Catholic faith, belonging to the Church of Our Lady of the Valley. Mr. Cullen is now president of Our Lady of the Valley Council, No. 319, Catholic Benevolent Legion, and Council, Knights of Columbus, also Conclave, No. 485, Improved Order of Heptasophs, and the Young Men's Catholic Library Union. He is active in church and charitable work, is prominent in social circles, honorable in business and esteemed at all times for his manly principles.
WILLIAM VAN NESS,
who is engaged in the manufacture of cider and vinegar at the corner of Dodd street and Sherwood avenue, East Orange, was born in Fairfield, Caldwell township, Essex county, New Jersey, on the 8th of April, 1837, and is a son of Henry J. and Phœbe Ann (Spear) Van Ness. His maternal grandparents were Tunis and Jemimah (Miller) Spear. His paternal grandparents were Isaac and Sarah (Jacobus) Van Ness, and the family is of German extraction. The grandfather was reared to manhood in Essex county and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a time. Later he carried on agricultural pursuits in con- nection with the manufacture of cider and vinegar. For over forty years he pursued the dual occupation in Caldwell township. He was a progressive, enterprising citizen, and was highly respected by his neighbors and friends. He was born in October, 1812, and departed this life in 1888. His wife, whose birth occurred in 1815, passed away in 1872. They were both consistent members of the Dutch Reformed church of
Fairfield. Their family numbered four children, one who died in infancy and three who reached years of maturity, namely: William; Frances, who was married and had two children,-Malinda P., wife of Edward Archelarius, and Ada; and Mary E., wife of Henry M. Bush, by whom she has one son, Ernest E., who is married and resides in Fairfield.
William Van Ness acquired his early edu- cation in the schools of his native town- ship and remained at his parental home un- til eighteen years of age, when he began learning the carpenter's trade of his father, following that pursuit during the greater part of the time until twenty-five years of age. In 1870 he removed to East Orange and began the manufacture of cider on his own account, continuing operations there until 1886, when he removed to his present location at the corner of Dodd street and Sherwood avenue. He here erected a com- modious and substantial mill and is ex- tensively engaged in the manufacture of vinegar. His plant is supplied with the lat- est improved machinery, and the best ac- cessories for turning out a good product, and his goods find a ready sale on the mar- ket by reason of their excellence. In addi- tion to his other business, Mr. Van Ness is interested in agricultural pursuits in Pas- saic county.
He erected a pleasant home in East Orange, which is presided over by his es- timable wife, whom he wedded May 26, 1867. She bore the maiden name of Har- riet A. Spear, and is a daughter of William B. and Jane M. (Courter) Spear, both of whom were of English descent and were natives of New Jersey. Two children were born to our subject and his wife, but Will- iam died at the age of four days, and Jessie
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died at the age of two and a half months. Both Mr. and Mrs. Van Ness are consistent. members of the Bethel Presbyterian church, of East Orange. The latter was one of ten children, namely: Lambert, who is mar- ried and has a family of five children; Mary, wife of Jonathan B. Davenport, of Caldwell township, by whom she has two daughters; George, who married Sarah Davenport, and has two children; Oscar, who died at the age of sixteen years; Mrs. Van Ness; Rich- ard C., who married Emma Wortman, and has four children; John H., who has one child by his first marriage and five by his second; Sarah E., wife of Charles B. Gould, by whom she has five children; Evaline, who died at the age of five years; and James A., who is married and has two children. The father of this family died in the fifty- second year of his age, and the mother passed away in her seventy-sixth year.
Mr. and Mrs. Van Ness have a large cir- cle of friends and acquaintances in this lo- cality and are received into the best homes of East Orange. In business circles Mr. Van Ness occupies an honorable and envia- ble place. His success is the natural result following energy, enterprise and persever- ance, which qualities are numbered among his chief characteristics.
WILLIAM F. TAYLOR.
An analysis of the life record of William F. Taylor shows that enterprise, careful management, keen discrimination and un- flagging industry constitute the principal elements in the splendid success which has crowned his efforts. His business enter- prises have constituted an important fea- ture in industrial activity in Newark, and he is now at the head of an extensive and
profitable barrel-manufacturing establish- ment.
Mr. Taylor is one of Newark's native sons, his birth having occurred in this city on the 3d of April, 1869, and his parents being Charles R. and Margaret (Struble) Taylor. In the public schools our subject acquired his education, and at the age of seventeen began to learn the hatter's trade. He did not pursue that occupation long, however, and turned his attention to the manufacture of corsets, which he followed for some time. In 1888 he commenced the manufacture of barrels, and that enterprise has since claimed his attention. Under his able management and wise, directing hand the industry has grown rapidly, and in 1896 he was enabled to purchase a tract of land at the corner of Chestnut and Adams streets, where he has made extensive improve- ments, consisting of the erection of a large and spacious warehouse, and his pleasant residence. Since 1892 Mr. Taylor has also been more or less interested in real-estate investments, and has by his judicious pur- chase and sale of realty added materially to his income. He entered upon his business career with a very limited capital, and as the result of his own efforts is now the possessor of a comfortable competence which he rich- ly merits.
In Newark, on the 10th of November, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Wil- liam F. Taylor and Miss Elizabeth A. Head, a daughter of George and Alice Head. Their union has been blessed with three children, namely : Alice E., Margaret S. and William F. The parents attend the Bap- tist church. Mr. Taylor shares the political convictions of his father and is a stalwart Republican. In 1897 he was a member of the Republican county central committee,
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as a representative of the seventh district and tenth ward of the city of Newark, and does all in his power to insure the success of his party. He is known as an honorable business man, a loyal citizen and a faithful friend, and Newark has no citizen more worthy the regard of his fellow men than William F. Taylor.
MAJOR RICHARD SPEER.
The specific and distinctive office of bi- ography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accom- plishments, but rather to leave the per- petual record establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his fellow men. That great factor, the public, is a discriminating factor, and judges of the intrinsic worth of the individual. Thus in touching upon the life history of the subject of this review the biographist would aim to give utterance to no fulsome encomium, to indulge in no extravagant praise; yet would he wish to hold up for consideration those points which have shown the distinction of a pure, true and useful life,-one character- ized by indomitable perseverance, broad charity, marked ability and well earned honors. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pronounced upon the man by his fellow men.
Major Speer was born at Pine Brook, Es- sex county, on the 29th of June, 1839, and is descended from one of the pioneer fam- ilies of the community. His grandfather, who also bore the name of Major Richard Speer, was born in Caldwell township in 1778, and died August 3, 1838. He served in the war of 1812, with the rank of major general, and gave his political support to the old Whig party. Josiah Speer, father
of our subject, was born in Caldwell, Essex county, April 2, 1803, and became a well- to-do farmer. His prominence in public affairs is indicated by his twenty-six years' service in the office of justice of the peace, and his election to the general assembly for a two-years term. He was strictly tem- perate in his habits, thoroughly reliable at all times and was the trusted friend of all who knew him. He passed away March 22, 1877. The mother of our subject, Mrs. Mary Ann Speer, was born in Fairfield, Essex county, October II, 1804, and died January 18, 1894. A lover of music, she was celebrated in her day for her superior vocal powers. Her nature was sympa- thetic and kindly, and at the bedside of the sick and in the homes of the needy she was often found as a blessed counselor and as- sistant. Her family numbered nine chil- dren and to them she devoted herself with untiring vigilance.
Major Speer was fortunate in having the influence of a cultured home, and under the parental roof he remained until starting out in life on his own account. In his youth he pursued the English branches of learning,-history, geography, grammar and arithmetic,-and was graduated in the schools of Caldwell township in 1857. On completing his education he looked about for a trade, for in those days a boy was taught to make himself a thorough master of some useful art. Determining to be- come a builder. he came to Newark when but seventeen years of age to apprentice himself to one of the most expert builders of the day. Within four years he had com- pletely mastered the occupation in every detail and at the age of twenty-one was ready to start out in business on his own ac- count. His first important piece of work
RICHARD SPEER
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was the superintendency of the placing of a large steam-boiler plant in Jersey City, and the following year he had full charge of the construction of a section of the water- works at Charlestown, Massachusetts.
In 1864 he located in Montclair and for several years was known as one of the most extensive contractors and builders in Es- sex county, enjoying a very liberal patron- age until 1873, when, on account of the business depression following the financial panic of that year, he left New Jersey for Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he was soon established in a good business. He erected there many of the finest residences and public buildings of the county, and for nine years was thus connected with its in- dustrial interests. In 1882 he obtained a contract in Richmond, Virginia, and had charge of the construction of the gas works in that city. In the autumn of 1884 lie re- turned to his native township, where he again resumed contracting and building in connection with the real-estate and insur- ance business. These interests now occupy his attention, and his well directed labors are bringing to him a substantial compe; tence. When actively engaged in building. his fidelity to the terms of a contract was proverbial, and his relations with his em- ployes were ever of the most cordial nature, for he never sought to reduce wages and was always prompt in payment and just in his treatment of those who served him. His business record is above reproach, hav- ing ever been characterized by entire har- mony with the ethics of trade relations.
Major Speer was married December 25, 1861, to Joannah, a daughter of Peter and Abigail Francisco, of Fairfield, Essex coun- ty. She died two years later, and the Major was again married May 13, 1868,
when he wedded Miss Rachel Gould, a daughter of Stephen J. and Joannah Gould, of Caldwell, New Jersey. Her father was an extensive farmer and was well known for his energetic work in the Methodist Epis- copal church. Mr. and Mrs. Gould have reared a family of nine children. The Major is an active Republican in politics, for seven years was a member of the Repub- lican county central committee and has eight times been a delegate to the state and county conventions of his party. He has ever loyally stood by its men and measures and did effective service in the interests of his constituents during an eight years' in- cumbency in the office of freeholder. So- cially he has been a member of Caldwell Lodge, No. 59, F. & A. M., for seven years, and for thirty years an active member of Caldwell Lodge, No. 202, I. O. O. F. For thirty-five years he has been an active mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, la- boring earnestly for its upbuilding and ad- vancement and for the spreading of Chris- tianity among men. A contemporary writ- er said of him: "He counts his friends by the thousands and his best friends are those who have known him the longest."
SAMUEL D. CONDIT.
Fifty years have come and gone since the name of this gentleman was first placed on the roll of the business men of Orange, New Jersey, and though to-day his years are more than the traditional three-score and ten, he is still numbered among those whose enterprise keeps alive the commercial ac- tivity of the place and thereby promotes the general prosperity. His name is insepa- rably connected with the business life of the county, and he has been an important fac-
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tor in advancing all interests and enter- prises which produce moral, intellectual and material growth. Such a man is of in- estimable value to the community with which he casts his lot. The valued citizen is no longer he alone who can marshal his energies and aid in protecting from an armed foe the city of his residence, but also is he whose devotion to public and private duty and whose business energy and ability make him a leader of men and a controller of the affairs that produce the prosperity of his section.
Mr. Condit has not only been long and honorably connected with the substantial growth and business interests of Orange and East Orange, but is also a representa- tive of one of the oldest familes of the state, whose identification with the history of New Jersey covers more than two centuries. Tradition says that the original American ancestors came from Normandy; but the first authentic record, written in 1678, names John Condit as one of the property owners of Newark. He left one son, who became the father of six sons, and the eld- est of these, Samuel Condit, is the ancestor of nearly all of the name who reside in Es- sex county. He resided in Pleasant Valley, and portions of his old home are still stand- ing, while the land which he owned is still in possession of the family.
Samuel D. Condit was born in Orange, November 24, 1814. He attended the vil- lage school in his youth and at an early age entered upon a mercantile experience in a general store in Belleville. He applied himself earnestly to the mastery of business methods and principles, and in 1847 em- barked in business on his own account in Orange, where he successfully conducted a dry-goods store until 1862. He subse-
quently established stores in Fremont and Tiffin, Ohio, and in 1867 also opened a large mercantile establishment in Cleveland, where he carried on business until 1872. He then disposed of his varied interests in Ohio and, returning to his native city, has since conducted a successful real-estate and insur- ance business in East Orange, handling a large portion of the property interests both in Orange and East Orange. He bears a most enviable reputation for reliability and safe, conservative methods, and in business circles his word is as good as his bond. He commands the confidence and respect of all and is freely accorded a foremost place in the ranks of the honored business men of Essex county.
In early life Mr. Condit took an active part in political affairs, served as clerk of the town committee for some years and was also a member of the board of freeholders, in 1861 and 1862. His marked fidelity to duty made him a very acceptable officer, and he retired from public service as he had entered it-with the confidence and good will of his entire constituency. He is an active member of Union Lodge, No. 11, F. & A. M., and has been a lifetime member of the Brick church of East Orange, con- tributing liberally to its support and advanc- ing its interests in all possible ways.
On the 8th of April, 1847, in South Orange was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Condit and Miss Mary E. Baldwin, who was born on Sandford street in South Orange, her father having been one of the earliest settlers of that place. Their union has been blessed with ten children, but seven of the number died in early childhood. Those still living are Frederick A., a real- estate agent residing in Brooklyn, New York; Anna C., wife of J. McWilliams, of
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East Orange; and Marilla, wife of Louis Wood, of Brooklyn, New York.
The record of Mr. Condit is that of a man who has by his own unaided efforts worked his way upward to a position of affluence. His life has been one of industry and perse- verance, and the systematic and honorable business methods which he has followed have won him the support and confidence of many. Without the aid of influence or wealth, he has risen to a position among the prominent men of this section of the state, and his native genius and acquired ability are the stepping-stones on which he mounted.
RICHARD W. McEWEN,
of Whippany, represents a family that has long and prominently been connected with the manufacture of paper on the Atlantic coast, and with his brothers he is now ex- tensively engaged in the conduct of a large concern of that character. The name of McEwen is known to the paper trade throughout the country and is the synonym of honor and straightforward dealing in trade circles.
The gentleman whose name introduces this review is a native of Bloomfield, New Jersey, born on the 25th of January, 1866. The first seven years of his life, however, were spent in Easton, Connecticut, where his father, Robert McEwen, was engaged in the manufacture of paper. The latter, who is now living a retired life in Whip- pany, was born in Scotland, and as a life- work took up the business which had been followed by his father and grandfather- the manufacture of paper. In his early manhood he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, and in this country was
united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Walsh, a lady of American birth, but of English parentage. After carrying on business for some time in Easton, Con- necticut, Robert McEwen removed with his family to Caldwell, New Jersey, and thence returned to his old home in Bloom- field, but is now living in Whippany. By his marriage he became the father of the following named children: William W., who is superintendent of the paper-mill at Malopardis; Robert B., Jesse L., and Rich- ard W., who are connected with the paper manufactory in Whippany. The sons are all married: Robert B. married Mary B. Crawford; Jesse L. married N. Grace Roe; and Richard W. wedded Hannah H. Brown, a daughter of George H. Brown, of Washington, D. C. By the last marriage has been born a son,-Richard W., Jr.
Robert McEwen, Sr., became one of the best known paper manufacturers of the county, building up a business of great vol- ume, and the prestige he acquired in this line has been maintained by his successors, his sons, in a manner to merit the admira- tion and the confidence of a critical public. Richard W. McEwen was reared to the bus- iness. At an early age he left the school room and entered his father's factory as an employe, passed though every department of the concern and mastered the details re- lating to each. Before reaching the age of eighteen he had acquired an interest in the business and has since been an important factor in the successful conduct of the ex- tensive enterprise. The factory is one of the best equipped in the country, being sup- plied with the latest and best improved ma- chinery, and all accessories for the manufac- ture of the different grades of paper. The house enjoys a large trade and the success
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of the enterprise is well merited by the part- ners, who are all men of good business ability.
In politics the McEwen brothers are all Republicans and have unreservedly sup- ported that organization during the past eighteen years, being champions of a pro- tective tariff and the sound-money plank as defined in the platform of the St. Louis con- vention of 1896. Richard W. McEwen is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belong- ing to Cincinnati Lodge, Madison Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M., and the Odo de Saint Amand Commandery, K. T. He is also a member of the Topkaow Club, of Morris- town.
ANDREW J. VAN NESS.
In tracing the genealogy of Mr. Van Ness we find that he is descended from a long line of sturdy, intelligent and honor- able ancestors and that the representatives of the family have been prominent in the history of New Jersey. Two centuries have passed since the original American settlers left their Holland home and came to the colonies, taking up their residence in what is now Bergen county, New Jersey. The grandfather of our subject. Peter Van Ness, was a native of Hilton, and the father, Caleb B. Van Ness, was born there May 4, 1813. He followed farming and also engaged in the manufacture of shoes in what was then known as Middleville, New Jersey. His death occurred in 1873. His wife was Mary D. Van Ness, a daughter of Jabez Head- ley, who resided in what was then the vil- lage of Headleytown, Union county, New Jersey. She was born in February, 1819, and died in March, 1861.
Andrew J. Van Ness, of this review, was
born in the village of Hilton, Essex county, March 24, 1839, and acquired his educa- tion in the common schools there and in the State Normal School of Trenton, being graduated in the latter institution with the class of 1861. He taught school both be- fore and after his graduation, his education- al labors covering a period of seven years. He has spent more than thirty years as a commercial traveling salesman. He also devotes considerable time to the manage- ment of his own property interests, and his ability in business affairs, his keen dis- crimination and enterprise enable him to secure a comfortable competence as the result of his well directed efforts.
In 1886 was consummated the marriage of Mr. Van Ness and Miss Mary Condit, who was born March 28, 1844, and who is a daughter of Moses and Maria Condit, the former a representative of an old family of Essex county. Their beautiful home, lo- cated at No. 566 Park avenue, East Orange, is tastefully furnished and is the abode of hospitality.
Mr. Van Ness has attained high rank in Masonic circles, holding membership with Damascus Commandery, No. 5, K. T., of Newark, and with Mecca Temple, No. I, A. A. N. M. S., of New York city. In poli- tics he is a Democrat. He has performed an important work in recent years through his labors in behalf of the Hilton library. In 1889 he was instrumental in establishing an association which was incorporated under the name of the Hilton Library Association, the original members having formerly be- longed to the Hilton Library Club. Mr. Van Ness was made librarian of the new or- ganization and in his official capacity classi- fied and catalogued the entire library. He has made liberal subscriptions to the work
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