USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 2 > Part 51
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hatter's trade. In early manhood he de- cided to seek a home and fortune in Ameri- ca, and, accompanied by his sister Rachel he sailed to New York and joined his brother Joseph, who some time previously had crossed the Atlantic. Taking up his residence in Orange, he soon found em- ployment at his trade, which he followed for a few years, and then returned to the land of his nativity. In a short time, how- ever, he again emigrated to the New World, accompanied by his parents. The father and sons worked- at the hatter's trade in Newark as employes for some time and then established a hat factory, conducting a successful business under the name of George Booth & Sons. After the father's death the sons carried on the business until 1871, in which year our subject retired. He had realized his boyhood's dream of a suc- cessful future, and found in America the prosperity for which he labored. His busi- ness had grown to extensive proportions and yielded to the proprietors a handsome income; so, with his capital to meet his wants through his remaining years, he re- tired to private life in 1871.
Mr. Booth was married on the 17th of September, 1854, to Sabina Hannah Duck- worth, a daughter of George and Ann (Cheatham) Duckworth, both of whom were natives of England. Of this union were born six children who grew to man- hood and womanhood: Annie C., who com- pleted her education in Mrs. Trippe's La- dies' Seminary, of Newark; Alice; Charles M. Q., a graduate of Miller's Business Col- lege, of Newark, who married Bessie Mon- roe, a daughter of William D. and Elizabeth (Monroe) Adams; Virginia Isabelle, a grad- uate of the East Orange high school; Al- fred C., a graduate of Miller's Business Col-
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lege, of Newark; and Edna Florence, also a graduate of the East Orange high school.
For many years the father of this family was prominently connected with the indus- trial and financial institutions of Newark, and his sound judgment and wise counsel in affairs of business aided in bringing success to a number of enterprises. For a number of years he was a director in the Essex County National Bank, of Newark. He passed away September 2, 1878, and his death was mourned in business and social circles. He was a consistent Christian, a faithful friend, a reliable business acquaint- ance and an indulgent and loving husband and father. Mrs. Booth and her family still reside on the old homestead in North Grove street, and the family attend the Presbyterian church on Arlington avenue, East Orange.
WILLIAM H. WEBSTER.
For three-quarters of a century William H. Webster has watched the progress made by the American people, and in the com- munities with which he has been identified has ever been known as an important factor in promoting the public good. He now resides in Belleville, and is accounted one of its leading citizens. He was born in the town of Hempstead, on Long Island, Oc- tober 27, 1822, and was a son of Charles. Webster, whose death occurred many years ago. At the age of sixteen he removed to Belleville and through sixty years has been the promoter of the varied interests which have brought advancement and pros- perity to the community. For some years he was successfully engaged in merchandiz- ing, and in 1864 was elected to the office of surrogate of Essex county, on the Repub- lican ticket, acceptably filling that position
for five years. On the expiration of that period he retired from office and became a member of a well known lumber firm of Newark, with which he was connected for many years.
His well directed business efforts, his honorable dealing and his enterprise brought him prosperity and he is now living retired, enjoying a rest that he has truly earned. He has long been active in all the affairs of Belleville township, and has held most of the township offices. In his early life his political support was given to the Whig party, but on the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks.
ELIAS SAYRE WARD,
one of the leading men of Newark, was for many years identified with the various inter- ests that promoted the greatness and pros- perity of the city. He was prominent as a manufacturer, a railroad organizer, and a politician. He died December 23, 1896, at the age of fifty-four, and it may truly be said that few men in private life have rounded out a term of fifty years more useful to the world and serviceable to his generation than did Elias Sayre Ward. He came of Revolu- tionary stock, his ancestors having been among the first settlers of Newark, who came from Connecticut in 1666.
He was born at Afton, Morris county, New Jersey, November 28, 1842, the oldest son of Moses Dodd and Louisa Sayre Ward. He spent his boyhood and youth on the pa- ternal farm, completed his education at the Bloomfield Academy, and entered business life as a salesman for a New York house. In this capacity he became very widely known; nature had eminently qualified him for the duties assigned him, his conscien- tiousness and exhaustless vitality combined
Elico S. Ward
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with his genial nature to make him, from the outset, one of the best known men in his line, and subsequent events made his name familiar to every commercial traveler of that day. Through his efforts was brought about the Commercial Travelers' Associa- tion, and his refusal to submit to the special tax levied in several states upon salesmen from other states led to a suit carried on in his name, which was decided in his favor by the United States supreme court. Since then such taxes have not been levied.
Later in life Mr. Ward was, for a few years, a member of the firm of Butler & Ward. He was also for one year associated with T. P. Howell & Company. He severed this relation to begin, in 1879, the manufac- ture of patent and enameled leather. This business he carried on to the time of his death. Mr. Ward was a man of great energy, keen discrimination and untir- ing perseverance, and these qualities made him a valuable factor in the business world. He was a director of the Prudential Life Insurance Com- pany of America, and for a number of years served as chairman of its executive committee. In 1889-90 he organized the Rapid Transit Railroad Company, of New- ark, and was elected its president. The pub- lic of that city is indebted to him for the introduction of the electric-trolley system of rapid transit. In 1892 he organized the Newark and South Orange Railway Com- pany, of which he was chosen president, and in that capacity superintended the conduct of both enterprises until his death. In 1894 he was one of the organizers of the Bridge- port Traction Company of Bridgeport, Con- necticut, and was made its vice-president.
Politically, Mr. Ward was prominently identified with the Republican party and in
1895 received the unanimous support of the county for the nomination for governor on the Republican ticket. His opinions car- ried weight and influence in the counsels of his party and he viewed all political ques- tions from the broad and practical stand- point of the business man who is conversant with the needs of his nation. He was very charitable and gave freely to various benev- olent enterprises. His life was in all re- spects above reproach, and Mr. Ward ranked among the most honored, esteemed and useful members of the society in Essex county.
On the 4th day of March, 1873, he mar- ried Anna D., only daughter of Joel M. Bonnell. Of this union five children were born: Jessie B., Robertson S., Allan B., Charles B. and Laurence.
THE WARD FAMILY.
The Wards have been famous as founders and builders from the time they came over with the Conquerer in 1066, to the landing of the Connecticut pilgrims in Newark, in 1666, and the history of this family is inter- woven with the growth and prosperity of New Jersey from the latter period to the present time. From the coat armor and motto of one branch of the family it is prob- able they were engaged in the crusades. They bore arms,-azure a cross patonce or, a mullet for difference; crest, a Saracen's head affrontee, couped below the shoulders ppr .; motto, "Sub cruce salus." 'Among the number who accompanied William the Con- querer from Normandy was "Ward, one of the noble captains." The name of William de la Ward appears in 1175 as residing in Chester. From 1349 a succession of eleven generations of one family is found there, in each of which the names and head of the
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family was: In the first Ralph, in the sec- ond Richard, in the third, fourth and ninth, John, and in the eleventh, Thomas, who had sons, John and William. One, William Ward, was the first Earl of Derby, of Dud- ley Castle.
The Wards of Connecticut and New Jer- sey are descended from Robert Ward, of Houton, Parva, Northamptonshire, Eng- land. He married Isabel Stapley, of Dun- church, county Warwick, England. They had a son,-
James Ward of the same place, who mar- ried Anna or Alice Fawkes, of Dunchurch. Their son, Stephen Ward, married Joyce Traford, of Leicestershire. After his death, the widow removed with her children to New England in 1630, and settled in 1635 in Wethersfield, Connecticut, being among the original settlers of that town. She died in 1640. Her will is nearly the first in the colony records, and names Edward, An- thony, John and Robert as her children.
John Ward, the fourth child of Stephen, was known as "John Ward, Sr.," "Sergeant Ward," "Lieutenant Ward," and "Mr. Ward." He was one of the original settlers or founders of the plantation of Totoket, named Branford in 1646. Lawrence and George Ward, brothers, who came from England with John, and were no doubt closely related to him, were also associated in the founding of Branford, which then composed a part of the New Haven colony. Lawrence Ward, who took the oath of fidelity at New Haven at the organization of the government, was employed by the governing magistrates to search for the reg- icides, Whaley and Goffe, at Milford, where, of course, he knew they were not to be found.
George Ward signed the Fundamental
Agreement of the New Haven colony in 1639, and with his brother, Lawrence, was one of the founders of Branford.
John Ward, Sr., Lawrence Ward, to- gether with Josiah and John, Jr., sons of George Ward, all came with the pilgrims to Newark in 1666. Lawrence died in 1670 without issue. Josiah, brother of John Ward, Jr., married Elizabeth Swaine, who, it was said, was the first one on shore at the landing of the pilgrims on the Passaic. He died soon, leaving one son, Samuel.
John Ward, Sr., and John Ward, Jr., the "Turner," received their division of home lots near the Passaic river, and lived there for a few years. From 1675 to 1679 both took up lands at or near the Second river, in Watsessing, now Bloomfield, where they settled soon after. Both left many de- scendants.
John Ward, Jr., son of George Ward, was born in England, and came with his par- ents to this country and was one of the orig- inal settlers of the New Haven colony. He was one of the founders of Branford, which formed a part of the New Haven colony. He came with the Branford colonists to Newark in 1666-7, and in the first division of "Home Lotts" his six acres were located between High and Washington streets, ad- joining that of Delivered Crane. About 1675 he took up land on the Second river, in what is now Bloomfield, but probably did not remove thence until the opening of the highway from Newark. He married Sarah -, and had children : Sarah; John, born 1654; Samuel, born 1656; Abigail, married John Gardner; Josiah, born about 1660; Nathaniel, married Sarah Harrison; Mary, married Thomas Davis; and Caleb, "the honest and pious."
Josiah Ward, son of John Ward, Jr., and
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Sarah -, was born in Branford, Connect- icut, about 1660. He moved with his par- ents to Newark and thence to Bloomfield, or what was then known as Watsesson. He married Mary Kitchell, a descendant of Robert Kitchell, one of the original settlers of Quinnepiac, or New Haven, and after- ward of Newark. They had children, Sam- uel, Robert, Josiah, Lawrence, born 1710.
Lawrence Ward, son of Josiah and Mary (Kitchell) Ward, was born, probably in Bloomfield, in 1710, and died in 1793. He married Eleanor Baldwin. In his will, dated May 3, 1775 (now among the papers of the New Jersey Historical Society,) he gives to his sons Jacob, Jona, Stephen and Samuel, "all my estate both lands and mead- ows, and all my movable estate, both here and elsewhere." To his son Cornelius, he gives five pounds. The will is witnessed by David, Uzal and John Dod.
Jacob Ward, son of Lawrence and Elea- nor (Baldwin) Ward, was born in Bloom- field about 1750. He served with the Essex county militia in the war of the Revolution, and was a man of considerable prominence in the county, as appears by the following entry in the Newark Town Records, under the head of resolutions "adopted at an an- nual Town Meeting held in the Township of Newark the 11th day of April, 1808:"
"5th. That the next annual election be opened at the house of Jacob Ward, in Bloomfield, and continued there during the first day and adjourned to the Court house in Newark as usual." The same resolution was repeated at an annual town meeting held the 9th day of April, 1810.
Jacob Ward had among other children a son, Jacob.
Jacob Ward (2d), son of Jacob Ward (Ist), was born in Bloomfield about 1780.
He was an elder in the Presbyterian church at Bloomfield and was one of the early members, if not an original member, of that church. He moved to Columbia, now Af- ton, Morris county, in 1800, where he pur- chased a farm. He was an elder in the Pres- byterian church at Hanover, the nearest church to Columbia, and equally prominent in that community. He married Abigail Dodd, daughter of Moses and Lois (Crane) Dodd, of Isaac, son of Daniel (3d), son of Daniel (2d), son of Daniel (Ist), the ances- tor. They had- thirteen children, among whom were Moses Dodd, Jacob and Sam- uel Davies.
Moses Dodd Ward, son of Jacob and Abi- gail (Dodd) Ward, was born at the old homestead in Bloomfield, in 1806. He went with his parents when six years of age to Columbia, in Morris county, where, like his ancestors, he followed the life of a farmer. He was a man of strong character, and with a different environment would have suc- ceeded in almost any undertaking. He was an elder and one of the pillars in the Han- over Presbyterian church and a man of strong religious convictions. He raised a family of strong, robust children, all of whom have made their mark in the world and have developed remarkable business sa- gacity. Mr. Ward married Justina Louisa Sayre, daughter of Elias Sayre, son of Ebenezer, of Ebenezer, probably the grand- son of Joseph Sayre, the New Jersey ances- tor, who was the son of Thomas.
Thomas Sayre, the ancestor, died in 1671, came from Bedfordshire, England, and set- tled in Lynn, Massachusetts, in 1635. He was one of the eight original "undertakers" of the town of Southampton, in 1640. The Sayre homestead, built in 1648, which is still in a good state of preservation, is said to
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be the oldest house in the state of New York, and one of the oldest in the country. The massive timbers and covering of thick cedar shingles are sufficient to insure its re- maining for years to come as a curious and interesting relic of a long past age. At a time of a threatened Indian outbreak in 1666, it was one of the rallying places of the inhabitants in case of a night attack. The house is still in the hands of the Sayre fam- ily, ten generations having been born and died within its walls. The name of Sayre is said to be derived from assayer, a crown officer in the royal mint, whose duty it was to assay gold and silver. Joseph Sayre, son of Thomas Sayre, removed to Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1667, and was among the earliest of the "associates." In December of that year he united with others in the pe- tition to the government to have his land surveyed. Among his children and grand- children are found the names of Edward, Ephraim, Ezekiel, Hannah, Frances, Isaac, James, Jonathan, Joseph, Thomas and Sam- uel.
The issue of the marriage of Moses Dodd and Justina Louisa (Sayre) Ward was: Laura J .; Elias S., married Anna, daughter of Joel M. Bonnell, of Newark; Leslie Dodd, who married Minnie P., daughter of James Perry, and is vice-president of the Pruden- tial Insurance Company, of Newark; Edgar Bethune, and Jacob Ewing, who married Maria, daughter of Ambrose E. Kitchell.
CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT,
a furniture dealer of Newark, was born Au- gust 7, 1863, in the ortschaft of Unter- Heimbach, Wurtemberg, Germany, and is a son of John and Magdalena (Letterer) Schmidt. The latter was a daughter of
Theobold Letterer, a farmer by occupation, who died at the advanced age of ninety years, while his faithful wife attained the age of seventy years. Both were consistent Christian people of the Lutheran faith and had eight children, all of whom reached mature years, were married and reared fam- ilies of their own.
John Schmidt, the father of our subject, was left an orphan at an early age and was educated in the common schools of his na- tive town. On laying aside his text-books he served an apprenticeship at the cabinet- maker's trade, and on its completion, he traveled through the principal cities of Ger- many, working as a journeyman. When he was twenty-eight years of age he began business on his own account in his native town, and, as he was a skilled and artistic worker in the craft, secured a good business. He passed away at the age of fifty years, and his wife died June 23, 1894, at the age of seventy-four years. Both were mem- bers of the Lutheran church. They had thirteen children, but eight died in child- hood. Those who reached mature years were John, who came to the United States in 1881 and located in California, but no news has been received from him for twelve years; Frederick, who came to America in 1870 and settled in Philadelphia, where he married and has one daughter; Helena, who crossed the Atlantic in 1880, became the wife of Joseph Zauner, and died in 1887; and Christian.
The last named obtained his education in the schools of his native town and when fourteen years of age, like his father, was ap- prenticed to the cabinet-maker's trade, at Ludwigsburg, serving a three-years term. On the expiration of that period he decided to come to America and on the 6th of April,
Christian Chmidt
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1880, left home. On the 23d of the same month he landed in New York and took up his residence in Newark, where he found employment at his trade with William King. After working two years as a journeyman Mr. Schmidt decided to begin business on his own account, and opened a furniture store and warerooms at Nos. 93 and 95 Springfield avenue, and in the undertaking was very successful. By his untiring energy, perseverance and reliable business methods he succeeded in building up a large and profitable trade, winning the confidence, and therefore patronage of the public. In 1885 he entered into partnership with J. J. Henry Muller, under the firm name of Muller and Schmidt, and established a large and commodious store and warerooms at Nos. 113, 115 and 117 Springfield avenue. Business was carried on by this firm until 1893, when by mutual consent the partner- ship was dissolved and Mr. Schmidt estab- lished his present store at No. 157 Spring- field avenue. He carries a large and care- fully selected stock of goods, purchased of reliable manufacturers, and his trade is ex- tensive and lucrative. He certainly merits his success, for he entered upon his bus- iness career empty-handed, and by his thrift, economy and perseverance acquired the capital which first enabled him to em- bark in business on his own account. He has been the architect of his own fortunes and has builded wisely and well.
Mr. Schmidt was married in Newark, February 14, 1881, to Elenora Keller, a daughter of Frantz and Theresa (Bruede- gam) Keller, and they have one son, Wil- liam, who was born in November, 1882, and is now a student in the Newark Acad- emy.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Schmidt
is a Republican, but has never sought or de- sired political preferment, as his time has been fully given to his business interests, in which he has met with signal success. He and his wife are members of the First Ger- man Baptist church of Newark.
HENRY W. UNDERWOOD.
The house which is now his home was the birthplace of Mr. Underwood, and through- out his entire life he has resided in Belle- ville. He was born April 17, 1847, a son of Timothy and Ann (Joralemon) Under- wood. The Underwoods were an old Pennsylvanian family, and the father of our subject, who was born in Kingston, that state, in 1804, removed to Belleville at an early day. He was married in 1833 and in order to support his family followed con- tracting and building, becoming well known in connection with industrial in- terests in his adopted town. He died in 1865, and his wife passed away in 1886. She was a daughter of John N. Joralemon, who was a son of Hester Joralemon. Her father, John Brown, was a son of Johannas Brown and Helligert Van Geisen, and Johannas Brown was a son of Hendrick Brown and Marytie Kiester. The last named was a daughter of Hans Kiester and Jannytie Lockeman, and Hans Kiester bore the same name as his father. His mother was Sarah Rocleff, a daughter of Annecke Jans. The Joralemon family is one of the first connected with the settle- ment of New Jersey, and for many years its members have been prominently known in Belleville. The grandfather, John N. Jor- alemon, was one of the prominent early builders of this section. The parents of our subject had six children, all born on the old
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homestead now occupied by Henry W. Underwood. They were Lyman B .; Will- iam H., John G., Mary, Henry W. and Marviella. The last named is now the wife of Walter M. Kip, of Passaic, and with the exception of our subject is the only one now living.
Henry W. Underwood was educated in the public schools of Newark, and at the age of sixteen became interested in the manufacture of hosiery in New York. He continued to engage in that business until a few years since, and made his home either in Brooklyn or New York, when he took up his abode at the old homestead, in which he first opened his eyes to the light of day. Throughout his active business career, en- ergy, resolute purpose and close application were numbered among his marked charac- teristics and won for him a gratifying suc- cess.
In 1872 Mr. Underwood was united in marriage to Miss Agnes L. Little, daughter of Andrew Little, deceased, who was one of the well-known citizens of Belleville. They have had three children, Henry L., Andrew D. and Arnold. The family attend the Dutch Reformed church. Mr. Underwood takes an active part in political affairs, stanchly advocates the principles of the Democratic party, for five years has been chairman of the township committee, and has also been a member of the Democratic county committee.
WILLIAM H. WALLACE.
The rapidity with which young men may attain foremost positions in the business world is one of the marked characteristics of America. It is not necessary for a young man to wait until his father dies, as in the
Old World, that he may succeed to the business. The representatives of the younger generation in this country, with the independent and progressive spirit which has gained prestige for the nation, start out in life independent of home in- fluences and make an honorable name and place for themselves. Of this class Mr. Wallace is a worthy representative, and his responsible position in connection with the Fidelity Trust Company, of Newark, is an undisputable evidence of his superior merit and ability.
He was born in New York city on the 30th of July, 1872, and is a son of Samuel H. and Jenny A. (Adams) Wallace, both of whom were natives of the Emerald Isle, and were of Scotch descent. The father be- longed to the famous family of Scotland that has figured so prominently in the his- tory of that country throughout its entire history. He was reared to manhood and acquired his education in the land of his birth. He learned the carpenter and stair- builder's trade in New York city, follow- ing that occupation until his death. He was one of the first builders in New York to successfully construct the winding stairs. His business career was marked by strict integrity, and securing a very extensive patronage, he derived therefrom a hand- some income. He made judicious invest- ments of his means in realty and was the owner of much valuable property. Liberal and generous, he contributed freely to church and charitable enterprises. His death occurred in New York city in 1885. He was married there to Miss Adams and they became the parents of the following children: William H .; Samuel A .; George; Jenny; and Isabella who died at the age of one year. The mother is still living and re-
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