USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 2 > Part 49
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He was born in Newark, April 27, 1837, and is of German and French lineage, some of his ancestors being French Huguenots. His parents being highly intelligent people, desiring to prepare their children for the responsible duties of life, gave them excel- lent educational advantages, and E. G. Hel- ler was for some years a student in the pub- lic schools of New York. He early dis- played special aptitude in the lines of me- chanical work and became quite expert in the manufacture of files and rasps, in which business his father was engaged. For some years he was associated with him in that enterprise, and before he had attained the age of thirty he had become the founder and head of a similar establishment, in which his two younger brothers were also interested as partners. In 1866 they built a plant in the center of Newark's business dis- trict and entered upon a successful business career. Their trade steadily and rapidly in- creased and at length their quarters be- came too small for their rapidly growing business, so that they were obliged to seek more commodious buildings. In 1874 they purchased a large plat of land on Mount Prospect avenue, facing the Greenwood Lake division of the Erie Railroad, in the northern district of Newark, now known as the suburb of Forest Hill. There they erected an extensive plant, fitting it up with every facility that would enable them to turn out a high grade of work. They also extended the field of their labors by add- ing to their other enterprise the manufac-
Elias & Hellen
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ture of steel and a complete line of farrier's tools. Here additions have been made to their plant from time to time, and their extensive industry is not only a profitable source of income to the proprietors, but is also a direct benefit to the community by furnishing employment to many workmen.
Around the factory has grown up an ex- tensive settlement which embraces some of the finest residences of Newark. Electric cars connect the suburb with the central part of the city and there are excellent rail- road facilities which enable the residents of Forest Hill to reach New York in a very short time. It is largely to the enterprise of Mr. Heller that Newark is mainly in- debted for this beautiful and thriving little suburb. In its development he has taken an active interest and has exhibited a very commendable spirit in supporting all meas- ures for the public good. His business abil- ity is by no means limited to one line, for he is a man of resourceful enterprise, reso- lute purpose and indomitable energy, who carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. For many years he has been a member of the Board of Trade of Newark. He is president of the Woodside Building and Loan Association, of the Forest Hill Association and the For- est Hill Land Company. The File Manu- facturers' Association of the United States expressed their respect for and confidence in him by making him president of their association in 1886, since which time he has filled that office to the entire satisfac- tion of the society.
In politics Mr. Heller is an enthusiastic Republican and has done good service in behalf of his party as an active member of the North End Club and Northern Republi- can Club. In 1880 and 1881 he represented
his ward on the board of education and from 1889 until 1893 was a member of the city council, during which time he gave his support to every public-spirited measure which he believed would prove of benefit to the community.
In 1867 Mr. Heller married Miss Sophia C. Geoffroy, of French descent, and to them have been born three sons: Paul E. and Arnaud G., who are in business with their father; and R. Arthur, who is an attorney at law.
WILLIAM H. WAKEFIELD.
one of the progressive citizens and manu- facturers of West Orange and president of the Wakefield Box & Paper Company, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the Ist of April, 1864, and is a son of Thomas Joseph and Anna (Glennfield) Wakefield. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of England, where for many years he followed the occupation of an educator. He married, and reared three sons and a daughter, Thomas Joseph Wakefield being one of this number, his birth taking place in England, and there he was educated and reared to early manhood, coming to the United States about the year 1861, and tak- ing up his residence in Philadelphia. He had learned the trade of shoemaking in the old country and he began the manufacture of footwear in the City of Brotherly Love, in which line of enterprise he continued suc- cessfully until 1873, when he retired from the manufacturing business and for a short time conducted a retail shoe store. In this same year Mr. Wakefield came to Newark and established a shoe store, continuing in the same for a number of years and then engaged in the stationery business, and is
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at the present time occupied in that enter- prise. He was united in marriage to Miss Anna Glennfield, in England, and there the first child was born, the others being as fol- lows: William Henry, our subject; Fanny, who is now Mrs. F. Marion Pierson, of Newark; Charles Samuel, who married Miss Mamie Hill, of Newark; Bessie be- came the wife of Aaron J. Wills, of Newark; Anna and Edith reside with their parents; Thomas, Jr., died at the age of fourteen years; and Matilda, who died from the re- sults of an accident on the railroad, her case being the first on record in Newark.
William Henry Wakefield received his education in the eastern district public school of East Orange, soon after leaving which he became employed as a clerk with the firm of F. C. Markham & Company, bankers, of New York. His next employ- ment was with William P. Dane, with whom he remained as clerk for two years and then was appointed traveling salesman, acting in that capacity for the ensuing fif- teen years. In April, 1897, Mr. Wakefield was largely instrumental in organizing and having incorporated the Wakefield Box & Paper Company, manufacturers of wood cases and paper boxes. The company was incorporated under the laws of New Jersey on the 17th of April, 1897, and at a meet- ing of the directors Mr. Wakefield was chosen president and secretary, Mr. Lee Thomas Halleck being selected as treas- urer. This concern is equipped with all the latest devices and improvements connected with the manufacture of wood and paper boxes and is one of the most modern and prosperous institutions of its kind in the state.
Mr. Wakefield has for some time been deeply interested in fraternal organizations
and is a popular member of the Royal Ar- canum, in which he has been honored with various important offices. He is a past regent of West Bend Council, No. 1603, of Newark, and of Hillside Council of Orange, and is the present grand state guide of New Jersey. Politically Mr. Wakefield is a stanch adherent of Republicanism and is an active member of the Eleventh Ward Re- publican Club, of Newark.
The marriage of Mr. Wakefield was sol- emnized on the 25th of November, 1885, when he was united to Miss Lotta Belle Freeman, a daughter of William C. and Georgie Anna (Willis) Freeman, of Orange. To Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield have been born four children, namely: Ethel May, Marian Dane, Thomas J. and Georgie Anna. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield are consistent members of the Episcopal church at New- ark, in which he has been a member of the choir for the past sixteen years, and they are liberal contributors to all work pertain- ing to church matters. Prominent in social circles they have gained and retain the warm regard and good will of a host of friends.
JOHN D. CALDWELL.
The name of Caldwell is one which has been long and conspicuously identified with the history of Essex county, and is one in which each successive generation has pro- duced men of honor and sterling worth, who in the faithful discharge of all the duties in public and private life have indicated their right to be ranked among the valued and public-spirited citizens of the communities with which they have been connected. For several generations the Caldwell family has been represented in Essex county.
Our subject was born in Belleville, No-
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vember 8, 1850, and is a son of Robert D. and Cornelia (Sanford) Caldwell. The mother was a daughter of Peter and Jane Sanford, prominent people of this locality, and her mother was a daughter of Celeste Sanford. The parents of David Sanford were Michael and Jane Sanford. The father of our subject was a well-known cabinet- maker and undertaker of Jersey City, where he died in March, 1850, after which his widow returned to Belleville, the home of all her people. She is still living there, as are her two sons, John D. and George R., the latter an employe of the Eastwood Wire Works.
John D. Caldwell was reared in the city of his birth and acquired his education in the public schools. Early in life he engaged in the general market business, which he suc- cessfully carried on until 1882, when he turned his attention to the undertaking business, being first employed in that line by the firm of E. H. Stonaker. Later he purchased an interest in the business, and in 1896 the firm of Caldwell & Van Ness was organized. They opened an under- taking establishment at No. 944 Broad street, Newark, on Main street in Belle- ville, and in Arlington, New Jersey. The following year Mr. Van Ness withdrew and since that time Mr. Caldwell has been alone. He now has a very extensive business, and sixteen years of practical experience has fitted him for any kind of work in this line.
Mr. Caldwell led to the marriage altar Miss Margaret C., daughter of John and Mary McGovern. Her father, who former- ly resided in Newark and Belleville, is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell reside at No. 332 North Stephens street, and their friends esteem it a great pleasure to visit at that home. Mr. Caldwell is a Republican
in politics and is a leading business man whose well directed efforts and careful management have secured to him a very de- sirable competence.
RALPH V. STAGER,
a resident of Belleville, was born in Frank- lin township, Essex county, March 7, 1843, and is a son of Thomas and Hannah (Vree- land) Stager. His father was born in Frank- lin township, in 1816, and was a son of John Stager, also a native of this locality. The family was one of prominence, long connected with the development and prog- ress of Essex county, and its representa- tives have been active in public affairs. The father of our subject was one of the leading carpenters and builders and erected many of the best residences in Franklin township and Belleville. He resided in what was then Stagertown, but is now Franklin, his home being on Prospect street. He also engaged in farming and in the real-estate business to some extent, and was one of the enter- prising men of the community. He reached the advanced age of eighty-one years, his death occurring in 1897. In his family were seven children, namely: William, Ralph V., Sarah, Margaret, Richard, Ellen and Elbert.
Ralph V. Stager acquired his education in the public schools and in his youth learned the carpenter's trade, under his father's instructions. For more than a third of a century he has followed that pur- suit and for a number of years has been en- gaged in contracting and building on his own account. His business career has been crowned with success and he enjoys a good trade which extends to Newark, Jersey City and Staten Island, while in Belleville he also
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receives a liberal patronage. He is an ex- pert workman whose superior skill is shown in many of the fine buildings which stand as monuments to his handiwork. Thor- oughly reliable in all things, he has the un- limited confidence of the public and well merits the high regard in which he is held. He, too, devotes some attention to the real- estate business and is interested in agricul- tural pursuits.
Mr. Stager was united in marriage to Miss Leo Brown, a daughter of James and Ann (Spear) Brown, of Passaic township. She represents one of the oldest families in the county. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Lena R., Anna F., Mamie and Reuben.
Mr. Stager gives his political support to the Republican party, has served as a member of the township committee, and is active in his co-operation with all move- ments that tend toward the best develop- ment of the town. His sterling worth in the affairs of both public and private life has won him a place among the best citi- zens of his community.
GEORGE E. HELLER.
From German and French ancestry Mr. Heller, whose name heads this article, is descended. His parents were Elias and Mary (Leak) Heller, people of culture and the highest respectability who for many years resided in Essex county. At their home in West Orange township, on the 26th of January, 1848, George E. Heller first opened his eyes to the light of day. Arriving at the proper age he became a student in the public schools near his home and until the age of eighteen made his home with his parents. He then entered
upon his active and independent business career by learning the trade of file manu- facturing in the shops of his brother, Elias G. By close application and resolute pur- pose he steadily mastered the various de- partments of the business, gaining a high degree of proficiency therein, so that in 1873 he became a partner in the enterprise, in connection with Elias G. and Peter Hel- ler. Since that time he has been continu- ously identified with the firm of Heller Brothers in the manufacture of rasps and files, and the house has a reputation which is unassailable. Their fair treatment of their employes insures them faithful ser- vice in return, and their honorable business methods have brought to them a large pat- ronage. Therefore, deriving a good in- come from the business the members of the firm occupy a place among the substantial citizens of the community, and for their success they deserve great credit. Many obstacles are to be encountered in the es- tablishment of any successful business en- terprise, but all these have been overcome by determined purpose, and the manu- factory is accounted one of the leading in- dustrial concerns of the city.
George E. Heller is widely known as a man of excellent business and executive ability, and through his connection with other enterprises has contributed not a little to their success. He is now interested in the Heller Tool Company, the Corey-Hel- ler Paper Company and the New Jersey Wick Company.
Mr. Heller has been twice married. On the 26th of January, 1872, he wedded Caro- line Greeney, a lady of German descent and a daughter of Jacob and Mary Greeney. She died August 20, 1875, leaving one son, George, born on that date. On the Ioth of
Lear & Heller
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حسب
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September, 1876, Mr. Heller was united in marriage to Miss Emma C. Pfeiffer, who was born January 10, 1852, and is a daugh- ter of Louis and Mary (Becker) Pfeiffer, who were of German lineage. By the sec- ond marriage there are eight children : Lucy M., Alfred L., Lydia M., Walter, Ger- trude, Eliza, Leo and Viola. Mr. Heller and his family attend the Presbyterian church, but Mrs. Heller belongs to the Episcopal church. Our subject casts his ballot for the men and measures of the Re- publican party, and in all possible ways aids in the improvement and material prog- ress of his native county. His worth as a citizen, his reliability in business, his fidelity to every trust of public and private life, makes him one of the valued representa- tives of Essex county's citizenship.
LESTER KIERSTEAD.
Emigration has usually been westward, but occasionally there comes to the east a citizen who claims one of the western states as his birthplace. Of this class Mr. Kierstead is a representative, and in his ac- cession to the ranks of New Jersey's people Essex county gained one of her valued citi- zens. He was born in Oregon, Wisconsin, on the 28th of November, 1863, but his ancestors resided in this locality. His grandfather, Isaac Kierstead, was a farmer of this county and spent his entire life here. The father of our subject is John Kier- stead, a native of Essex county, as was his wife, who bore the maiden name of Hen- rietta Mandeville. Her parents were Chris- topher and Elsie (Garrabrant) Mandeville, who resided in Blue Hill township, where the former followed the occupation of farm- ing. Both are now deceased. In 1858 John and Henrietta Kierstead resolved to try
their fortune in the west and removed to Wisconsin, where they resided for seven years. On the expiration of that period, however, they removed to New Jersey, in 1865, locating in Bloomfield township, Es- sex county, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1892. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, as follows: Elsie, Mary and Charles, all deceased; Catharine, Carrie, Isaac, Lester, Ada, Day- ton, and Mary J., deceased. The family have long been connected with the Dutch Reformed church, in which the father held office for many years. The mother is still living and makes her home with the subject of this review.
Lester Kierstead attended the Bloom- field schools in his youth and afterward learned the carpenter's trade under the di- rection of Peter Condit, of Bloomfield. He has followed that occupation throughout his entire life, and in 1891 he began con- tracting on his own account, since which time he has erected many of the best build- ings in this section of the county. He is an expert workman and his fidelity to the terms of a contract has secured him a liberal patronage which yields him good financial returns. He is also engaged in the retail coal business in Nutley, and his enterprise and energy are qualities which insure him a successful career.
Mr. Kierstead was united in marriage to Miss Eva May Day, a daughter of Robert Day, Jr., and they have two children: Nora May and Vera Pearl.
Socially Mr. Kierstead is connected with the Knights of Honor, of Nutley. In poli- tics he has always been an earnest Repub- lican, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party.
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He has often served as delegate to its con- ventions and for the past three years has been a member of the town committee. By his prominent connection with industrial interests and his support of all measures cal- culated to promote the general welfare he has won a foremost place among the lead- ing citizens of the community and has the confidence and good will of all.
FREDERICK MAURER,
whose indefatigable industry and well di- rected efforts have enabled him to win a place among the prominent young business men of East Orange, where he is engaged in contracting and building, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 23, 1861, a son of Daniel and Hannah Maurer. His father was born in Hesse. Cassel, Ger- many, on the 8th of July, 1813, and his father, who was of French ancestry, spelled his name Maurie. Daniel Maurer received a good district-school education, and after attaining his majority entered the govern- ment service, in which he was employed for many years. About 1840 he sailed for the United States and took up his residence in Philadelphia, where he began the manu- facture of drugs and chemicals, following that industry throughout his remaining days. His death occurred September 13, 1879. He was known as a consistent Chris- tian, a good citizen, a devoted and loving husband and an indulgent father. His wife, who was born January 13, 1830, died May 6, 1868. She was descended from one of the old families of Wurtemberg, Germany. Both Mr. and Mrs. Maurer were members of the German Lutheran church, on Frank- lin street, Philadelphia, and sat under the preaching of the late Rev. Dr. Mann.
This worthy couple were the parents of
six children: Rosanna, who died at the age of three years; Frederica, who became the wife of Henry Maselin and died in 1880, leaving two children: Gertrude, now de- ceased, and Flora, who became the wife of Otto Adams, of Newark; Conrad, who mar- ried Clara LaFayette, by whom he has two children, and resides in Philadelphia, where he is carrying on business as his father's successor; Frederick; John, who married a Philadelphia lady and died in 1891, leaving two children; and one who died in infancy.
Frederick Maurerreceived his preliminary education in the public schools of the sixth ward in Philadelphia and was graduated in the Lutheran Academy on Franklin street, that city, after which he spent one term as a student in the New Jersey Business Col- lege. He then engaged in the butchering business, which after five years he was forced to relinquish on account of impaired health. He next found employment in the service of the Domestic Sewing Machine Company, with which he continued for some time, and after following other pur- suits he took up the trade of carpentery, serving an apprenticeship under the late A. E. Pruden, of Newark. After completing his term he served for four years as a jour- neyman, and on the 17th of July, 1890, began business on his own account as a con- tractor and builder. He has erected a num- ber of fine residences in East Orange and vicinity,. these standing as monuments to his skill, ability and enterprise. He also built for himself a pleasant home on North Grove street, supplied with all modern con- veniences. He has made a specialty of building houses for sale and has been very successful in this enterprise, adding also to the material development of the city in this way.
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Mr. Maurer was married February 24; 1886, to Miss Mary A. Gray, a daughter of Matthew and Mary Jane (Howell) Gray. Her mother was a daughter of Joseph Brit- ton Howell, and he was the grandson of a Mr. Britton who donated to the state the tract of land upon which the capitol build- ings now stand, in Trenton, New Jersey. Mrs. Gray died May 3, 1868. She was a consistent member of the Franklin Street Lutheran church, of Philadelphia.
Mr. and Mrs. Maurer became the parents of three children, as follows: William, born in 1888; Frederick Gray, born April 12, 1890; and Harold Mitchell, born December 12, 1894. The parents attend the Baptist church, and Mr. Maurer is a member of Hope Lodge, No. 124, F. & A. M., of East Orange; also Stella Lodge, No. 133, I. O. O. F., of Newark. Politically, he is a Re- publican.
ABRAHAM DAY,
a successful and progressive citizen of Bloomfield, who is engaged in the bakery and confectionery business, was born at Woolwich, Kent county, England, De- cember 31, 1856, and is a son of John and Caroline (Cooper) Day. The grandfather, Stephen Day, had a family of five sons and one daughter, but the father died in early childhood. John Day remained at his pa- rental home until starting out in life for himself. He then learned the bakery and confectionery trades, which he followed throughout his life, conducting a successful business in the town of Woolwich. He died April 6, 1874, at the age of thirty-eight years, and his wife passed away at the early age of twenty-six years.
Our subject thus lost his mother at the
age of six years and was reared under the care and direction of his father, acquir- ing his early education in private schools of his native town. While yet in his early 'teens he began to learn the bakery and con- fectionery business of his father, and has made that occupation his life work. In 1873 he determined to seek his fortune in the New World and accordingly crossed the Atlantic to Canada. He at length located in Detriot, Michigan, where he found em- ployment at his trade. In 1878 he came to Bloomfield, Essex county, where he secured a situation as a journeyman in the service of Mr. Lloyd, who then owned the establish- ment in which Mr. Day is now carrying on a profitable business. Our subject began operations on his own account at the cor- ner of Glenwood and Linden avenues, Bloomfield, and in this he was more than ordinarily successful, so much so that in 1894 he bought his present establishment, owning the building as well as a large stock of goods. He has made many improve- ments on the place, has all the latest im- proved machinery for the manufacture of his goods, and places upon the market both bakery goods and confectionery which wins the commendation and liberal patronage of the public. His place is supplied with all modern appointments, and the excellence of his goods has brought to him a large and constantly increasing trade, so that the hope of bettering his financial condition in America has been realized.
Socially Mr. Day is connected with a number of societies as a valued and active member. He belongs to the Masonic fra- ternity, Olive Branch Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Bloomfield; Eureka Lodge, No. 46, K. of P .; Bloomfield Council, No. 960, Royal Arcanum and the Conclave of the Improved
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