USA > New Jersey > Cyclopedia of New Jersey Biography > Part 19
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Sincerely yours
That Walker
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
tion, in a comparatively short time, and the concern now has a world-wide reputa- tion.
Mr. Walker was one of that class of men who recognize the full value of every mo- ment, and never allow one to remain idle. Although the business spoken of made many demands upon his time and attention, this but appeared to inspire him to further effort, and he was actively identified with a number of other leading enterprises. Among these may be mentioned: Vice-pres- ident of the Colonial Life Insurance Com- pany; director in the New Jersey Title and Guarantee Company, Pavonia Trust Com- pany, and Provident Institution for Sav- ings ; president of the Children's Friend So- ciety, all these of Jersey City ; trustee of the Stationers' Board of Trade, of New York; vice-president of the National Stationers' and Manufacturers' Association; was a member of the Chamber of Commerce of New York, and of the Board of Trade of Jersey City ; chairman of the executive com- mittee of the Cosmos Club of Jersey City ; member of the Carteret and the Union League clubs of Jersey City, and the Lin- coln Association, of the same place; mem- ber of the National Geographic Society ; associate member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, and of the Society for Psychical Research. In political mat- ters Mr. Walker gave his undivided sup- port to the Republican party. He never aspired to public office, although he was frequently tendered it. The only instances in which he made an exception to this was in the cause of education, in which he was deeply interested. He was a member of the Jersey City Board of Education twice, be- ing chosen president of that honorable body during his period of service, and he also held office as one of the trustees of the Jersey City Public Library. He excelled as a writer, and would undoubtedly have made his mark in the world of literature, had he chosen to devote his mental powers to that field. He was a born orator, and
was in frequent demand as a public speaker on important occasions.
The "Colonial News," the official organ of the Colonial Life Insurance Company of America, devoted its entire first page of the issue which was published shortly after the death of Mr. Walker to an article en- titled "His Words Abide," which reported some of the speeches of Mr. Walker. It also printed the following letter, written by the manager of the above-mentioned com. pany to the president of the same corpora- tion :
"New Brunswick, N. J., May 27, 1907. "Ernest J. Heppenheimer, Esq., President :
"Dear Sir :- While the Company is to be con- gratulated upon almost reaching its tenth anni- versary without a visitation of death among us, its officers, still it will be more than acknowl- edged, when the grim reaper did appear, he aimed high and hit a shining mark when he gathered to his fathers the gentle, ennobling, inspiring John A. Walker, Second Vice-President of the Com- pany. The writer learned much from his char- acter. He was as sweet as country cream. His eyes, his face, his words seem before me and I think I can still hear his gentle, simple words- "without malice," pointing the road to success. He was a worker, and worked in sympathy with all mankind, for he was a believer in the free and equal. When his remains are committed to mother earth, no sweeter sod was ever trod by man than the one that will cover John A. Walk- er. With sincere sympathy and respect, I am, "Respectfully, "(Signed) J. Hughes, Manager."
The official announcement of the death of Mr. Walker was made to the field force of the Colonial Life by its president, E. J. Heppenheimer, and one cannot but mark its sad eloquence :
"Hardly past the threshold of our tenth year and grateful for the unusual immunity a kind Providence has thus far bestowed on the official family of this company, it becomes my sad duty to announce the death of our much beloved sec- ond vice-president, John A. Walker.
The members of the field staff, who will long re- member his genial presence at our annual con- ventions, which he invariably attended, though often with great danger to his health, will re- ceive this sad intelligence with profound sorrow.
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To the officers and directors of this Company, in whose councils his opinions and judgment were accorded deserved respect, the death of John A. Walker comes as a great personal loss."
A noted biographer wrote of Mr. Walker as follows :
"In intellect he was keen, clear, critical, intui- tive. In business he was thoughtful, cautious in looking ahead and preparing for emergencies. He had what is known as a wiry organization. His moral brain made him a just man. He was of the staunch Presbyterian school. What he be- lieved to be right he did-no matter what others might do or say. Yet he was not contrary, nor set in his ways, nor unreasonable. While his sympathies were keen and easily aroused, and his hand ready to open, yet no one found him wasting anything. He was shrewd, energetic, liberal minded, and greatly enjoyed a good joke and plenty of fun in its place. Nothing escaped his eye."
MYERS, James Lawrence,
Noted Money Expert, Ideal Citizen.
In the career of the late James Law- rence Myers, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, we find many points well worthy of emulation. He was equally well known in the business and social life of the cities with which he was connected, and had gained a reputation second to none. Both nature and education had well qualified him for the arduous line of business he had chosen as his vocation. Himself a typical example of that keen and large-minded business man who carries the weight of affairs of the utmost importance, he was ever ready to undertake another burden, if by so doing he might by deed or example benefit or further any movement pointing towards the betterment of indus- trial or municipal conditions.
James Lawrence Myers, son of William T. Myers, was born in Philadelphia, in 1847, and died at his home in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He was educated in the pub- lic schools of his native city, being gradu- ated from the high school, and was engaged in business there until he was twenty-five years of age. He then came to New York
City, in order to increase his business ex- perience, and there became associated with the firm of Handy & Harman, who were leading brokers on the Stock Exchange. Mr. Myers became well known on Wall street, New York City, being considered one of the greatest coin and money experts in the country. He was frequently consult- ed by others, and his opinion considered a11- thoritative. Banks, and even the United States Treasury, called him in consultation. The cause of education always had his lib- eral support, and he was a member of the board of trustees of the Pingry School in Elizabeth, at the time of his death. He was a devout member of the Westminster Church, and contributed liberally to the support of that institution. He was a mem- ber of the Viking Boat Club, and filled the dual office of captain and vice-president in that organization ; he was also a member of the Mattano Club, and the Elizabeth Ath- letic Club, being especially active in the last mentioned. He removed to Elizabeth, New Jersey, about 1879, and at the time of liis death was living at No. 840 Broad street, where his widow and children are still fe- siding.
Mr. Myers married Amelia O. Allen, and had children: Cornelius T .; Allen F., mar- ried; Mary H., married; James L .; Mar- garet F.
HOWE, Dr. Edwin Jenkins,
Physician, Man of Broad Charity.
A well known member of the profession of medicine was Dr. Edwin Jenkins Howe, who was born in Orange, New Jersey, July 2, 1849, and was found dead in his bed in his home at No. 22 East Kinney street, on the morning of March 14, 1905.
Rev. John Moffat Howe, M.D., fatlier of Dr. Edwin Jenkins Howe, was noted as a dentist, and gained an especial reputation as a local preacher in the Methodist Epis- copal Church. He married Emeline Barn- ard, a daughter of Barzillai and Susan
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(Barnard) Jenkins. Major Bezaleel Howe, grandfather of the Dr. Howe of this sketch, served in the Continental army seven years, and in the United States army, as it was known after the Revolution, for a period of fourteen years. He was an auxiliary lieutenant in the Life Guards of General George Washington, and a mem- ber of the commander-in-chief's army fam- ily during the last years of the Revo- lutionary struggle. At the close of the war, while he was still holding the rank of cap- tain, he was in command of the escort which took the baggage and papers of Gen- eral Washington from New York to Mount Vernon. In the rooms of the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark, New Jersey, there is on file Washington's letter to Cap- tain Howe, a document covering three pages of foolscap, giving full instruction concerning the transportation of the bag- gage. Captain Howe was retired with the rank of major after twenty-one years of continuous service.
The name of Howe was written How, as shown in the Lake country of England. Da La Howe was originally the name of the family when it came over with William the Conqueror, and it meant, as then written, literally "from the hills." It was Major Howe who added the final "e" to the name, and this spelling has been retained by the succeeding generations. Dr. Howe's father was one of the first members of the State Board of Education, and was active in the establishment of the State Normal School. The first of the family to settle in this country was John How, who came here in 1635, and was the first settler in Marlboro, Massachusetts. One of his sons was Colo- nel Thomas Howe, the great-grandfather of Major Bezaleel Howe, mentioned above. Many of this family have distinguished themselves in military and professional life.
Dr. Edwin Jenkins Howe spent his early childhood in the city of New York, although the vacations were passed at the summer home of the family in the Oranges,
New Jersey. Later the family removed to Passaic, New Jersey, where Dr. Howe completed his preparatory education. Hav- ing decided to make the practice of medi- cine his life work, Dr. Howe prepared for college at the Wilbraham, Massachusetts, Academy, and then became a student at the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Con- necticut, from which he was graduated in the class of 1870. He next matriculated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, from which he was gradu- ated with honor in the class of 1873. He had become greatly interested in the Home- opathic School of Medicine, followed this line of study, and was graduated from the Homeopathic College. His hospital prac- tice was obtained in the city of New York, where he served an interneship of one year, and in 1876 he established himself in the practice of his profession in Newark, with which he was successfully identified for many years. In many respects he was a leader along the lines of homeopathic prac- tice, served as an early president of the Homeopathic Society of New Jersey, read many papers on a variety of topics that were of interest to the medical profession and was a liberal contributor to medical publications.
Dr. Howe took the natural interest of a good citizen in all matters connected with political affairs, giving his support to the Republican party, but neither desired nor held a political office. Educational matters had his hearty support, and he accomplish- ed excellent results as a member of the board of trustees of the Newark Academy. He was a member of the Sons of the Amer- ican Revolution, the Essex Club and the New Jersey Historical Society. He was an efficient and consistent worker in the inter- ests of the Central Methodist Church, in which he held an official position for years, and was also superintendent of the Sunday school.
Dr. Howe married, November 18, 1875, Sarah Louise, a daughter of Henry and Sarah Simmons, of Passaic, and they had
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no children to survive them. Mrs. Howe was an invalid for many years. Dr. Howe was a man of courage and sincerity in his profession, and won the esteem of his brethren in the medical fraternity. He was well informed upon the leading topics of the day as well as on matters connected with his professional work, and his efforts were always on the side of improving ex- isting conditions. He practiced warm- hearted charity in thought, work and deed, and always displayed an ability more than adequate for all he undertook. As a phy- sician he effected some remarkable cures, and he had the affection, as well as the con- fidence, of his numerous patients.
HAMILL, Edward Holman, M.D.,
Soldier, Physician, Poet.
Dr. Edward Holman Hamill was born in the parsonage of the Methodist Episcopal Church South at Talladega, Alabama, Octo- ber 25, 1843. He was the son of Rev. Ed- ward Joseph Hamill, an eminent clergyman of the South, and Anne J. Simmons, daugh- ter of Colonel Simmons, of Georgia.
At the age of twelve he chose as his life work the profession in which afterwards he became distinguished. He was prepared for college at the John's Academy, Tus- kegee, and at Professor Slaton's Academy, Auburn, Alabama, and entered East Ala- bama College, which has since become the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. The out- break of the Civil War interrupted his col- legiate course, and he entered the Confed- erate army in 1861. He continued in the service with credit to himself and the State until the close of the strife. He was first appointed regimental quartermaster-ser- geant and later became a first lieutenant. He was present in all the important battles of the West under the command of Genel - als Johnson, Bragg and Hood.
At the close of his military career in 1865 he began the study of medicine with Drs. Reed and Drake, of Auburn, Alabama. He entered the medical department of the
University of New York, from which he graduated in 1868 with the first honors of his class. His thesis on "The Practise of Medicine in Renal Urinalysis and Renal Pathology" elicited high commendation by the profession. He practiced medicine on Long Island, New York, until 1876, when he moved to Jacksonville, Illinois, and con- tinued his practice there. In the year 1886 he accepted the position of assistant medi- cal director in the Prudential Life Insur- ance Company, Newark, New Jersey, and subsequently became the chief medical di- rector.
The Doctor was a man of impressive per- sonality, strong mentality and inflexible purpose. He was in active sympathy with every movement in the community which made for righteousness. He was an effec- tive public speaker, a wise counselor, and a man of commanding influence not only within the circle of his profession but also in the Church and State. He was liberal in his judgment of men, but exacted the most open sincerity. His benefactions were as large as his modesty which concealed them from public applause. His personal endowments commanded attention and many important interests were entrusted to his care, all of which he handled with fi- delity and ability.
He was an ardent Master Mason, and was connected with South Side Lodge, New York ; St. John's, Newark, New Jer- sey ; the Mystic Shrine and Mecca Temple of New York. He was a member of sev- eral medical associations in New York, Illi- nois and New Jersey. For two years he was president of the Suffolk County Medi- cal Association, New York. He was also president (1902-1904) of the Association of Life Insurance Directors of the United States and Canada. He was an active mem- ber of the Microscopical Society of Essex county, New Jersey; the Practitioners' Club, the Roseville Athletic Association, and the Lincoln Club, of Newark, New Jer- sey. His published articles were on med- ical matters relating to life insurance. He
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Edward Attamill -
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occasionally wrote some exquisite verses which his friends highly prize because they emit the fragrance of his inner life which captivated the hearts of all who were ad- mitted in the sacred circle of his personal friendships.
Dr. Hamill was married, October 25, 1870, at Bay Shore, New York, to Miss Emma Josephine, daughter of Seth Rogers and Eliza Wicks (Hawkins) Clock. They had but one child, a son of brilliant promise who was born October 25, 1875, and sud- denly passed away August 5, 1890.
The Doctor was for many years connect- ed with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he held responsible official position and was especially active in Sunday school work. During the last few years of his life his health was seriously impaired and he moved to the borough of Chatham, New Jersey, where he erected a beautiful home overlooking the green hills, symbols of the Everlasting, which he dearly loved. At Chatham he connected himself with the Congregational Church which stood on the elevation near his residence, and was a reg- ular worshipper there when his physical condition permitted.
Though fully aware of the hopeless char- acter of his ailment, he was never despond- ent, always living in the cheer of a prospec- tive long life. "How," said he, "can one who is deathless contemplate with dread what men call death, which really is only a step onward in our continuous life?" For many months he combatted his disease with a physician's skill and a hero's courage, but succumbed at last on the night of October 29, 1910, when he calmly bade adieu to his beloved wife and fell asleep, confidently ex- pecting the dawn of the Eternal Day.
CREVELING, Augustus,
Progressive Business Man.
One of the most energetic and progres- sive business men of Jersey City, New Jer- sey, was to be found in the person of the
late Augustus Creveling, whose broad views, sound judgment and remarkable ex- ecutive ability, had gained for him a prom- inent position in the business world. He was the son of A. W. and Adelaide (Bau- din) Creveling, and was born in Washing- ton, Warren county, New Jersey, in 1852, his death occurring in Jersey City, in 1898.
Mr. Creveling received an excellent prep- atory education at various boarding schools, continued this at La Fayette College, and it was completed by a business course in the City of New York. He then engaged in the mercantile business in association with his father, and subsequently came to New York City, where he associated him- self in a partnership with William A. White & Son, real estate brokers, and was successfully identified with this firm until his death. In 1884 he removed to Jersey City, and that place was his residence from that time. He married Anna M. Ellison, a daughter of Rev. Michael E. Ellison, of whom further. Both he and his wife were members of the Park Reformed Church, of Jersey City, of which the Rev. Suydam, D.D., was the pastor for many years. Mr. Creveling was a member of the official board of the church, and was an ac- tive worker in all matters connected with the welfare of the church. In politi- cal matters he was an ardent Republican, but never cared to hold public office. His fraternal affiliation was with the Cosmos Club, the Royal Arcanum and the Order of Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Creveling was of a very philanthropic nature, and do- nated generously to all worthy institutions.
ELLISON, Rev. Michael Earle,
Prominent Theologian and Preacher.
Rev. Michael Earle Ellison, third son of Lewis and Mary Ellison, was born April I, 1818, near Burlington, New Jersey, and in early childhood removed to Summit Bridge, Delaware, with his parents. His boyhood was spent there until he entered
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Pennington Seminary, as one of its first students. He manifested a love of knowl- edge and ardor in its pursuit, which with more than ordinary energy and self reliance contributed much to his development. He possessed a well stored mind, and could command its resources with great facility. He entered the New Jersey Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1842. Mr. Ellison, as a theologian, was eminently sound and Biblical ; as a preacher, earnest, and evangelical; he had a fine presence, and a voice of rare richness and compass ; liis manner was dignified, affectionate and im- pressive; his preaching was of the per- suasive power of living words, from the heart to the heart.
When the Newark Conference was form- ed in 1858, he was elected its secretary and served with great efficiency until 1870 when he was appointed presiding elder of the Morristown District. His other ap- pointments were Parsippany Circuit, Dover, Orange, Haverstraw, New York, New Brunswick, Hoboken twice, Paterson, Staten Island, Morristown, St. Paul's, New- ark, Clinton Street, Newark, St. Paul's, Jersey City, Simpson, Jersey City, Wash- ington, Madison, while at the time of his death-he was presiding elder of Jersey City District. He was a faithful friend, a tender husband and father,-a noble Christian man. He was married in 1844 to Ann Whittaker, only daughter of John Whittaker, of Trenton, New Jersey. Two sons and a daughter were born to them.
CAMPBELL, Edward Stelle,
Financier, Leader in Community Affairs.
The entire active career of Edward Stelle Campbell, late president of the National Newark Banking Company, of Newark, New Jersey, was distinguished by excep- tional business ability and sagacity. To his remarkably wise and intelligent direction was mainly due much of the success achiev- ed by that institution. He ever took a keen
personal interest in all of its operations, guiding its policies and gaining their ac- complishment with shrewd unerring skill.
Mr. Campbell was born in New Bruns- wick, New Jersey, January 8, 1854. He was the son of David Freeman and Susan Runyon (Stelle) Campbell, and was de- scended from the famous Runyon family of revolutionary fame, the ancestors of both having come to this country about 1680, from Scotland and France respectively.
Mr. Campbell attended the public schools of New Brunswick, being graduated from the high school in 1868. Two years later he found employment in the National Bank of New Jersey, in New Brunswick. Four- teen years were spent in this institution, where his reliable performance of the duties assigned him, and his systematic methods secured him advancement and, after having shown exceptional executive ability during a very trying period, he was advanced to the post of cashier, which position he capa- bly filled until 1894, at which time he was advanced to the vice-presidency of the in- stitution. This honor came to him unso- licited, and was a spontaneous tribute to his ability and a compliment as highly ap- preciated as it was unexpected.
The National Newark Banking Corpora- tion is the oldest banking organization in the State of New Jersey, being founded in 1804 by some of Newark's most representa- tive citizens for the purpose of doing a general banking and insurance business, but the insurance interests were abandoned many years ago. The Newark City Na- tional Bank, which was fifty years old in 1902, was in May of that year merged with the National Newark Banking Corpor- ation, and the capital stock was increased to $1,000,000. This great financial institu- tion at the present time has a surplus and undivided profits of far more than that amount, and its depositors number about four thousand. Under the presidency of Mr. Campbell the policy of the institution has been progressive yet conservative. Es-
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pecial attention was given to the accounts of the smaller depositors, and no banking house enjoyed greater popularity.
As receiver of the Middlesex County Bank at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, which had been ruined by its cashier, Mr. Camp- bell achieved one of his most noted tti- umphs and demonstrated his unusual exe- cutive ability. The claims allowed amount- ed to $508,000, with offsets of $49,000, and in March, 1900, Mr. Campbell, who had been appointed as permanent receiver by Vice-Chancellor Pitney, paid a dividend of thirty-five per cent., and in July, 1902, a supplementary dividend of fifteen per cent., was paid. By the beginning of 1904 the entire difficulties were practically settled, with the exception of a few outstanding cases which would undoubtedly be settled in favor of the institution, and leave a bal- ance in its favor. When Mr. Campbell ap- plied for an increased allowance in this re- ceivership, Vice-Chancellor Pitney, in an oral opinion sustaining this application said in part : "Throughout the entire case I can- not find that Mr. Campbell has made a single mistake or has been the least bit slack in his duties, or that he has shown the least deficiency of talent. In all respects he has been a model receiver." Such an unsolici- ted tribute from the Bench was most cer- tainly a compliment to be highly valued and appreciated.
In 1897 Mr. Campbell was a member of the Indianapolis National Monetary Con- ference, which exerted such an important influence on the character of the legislation in Congress on the subject in that year. He was president of the Board of Trade of Newark, having been unanimously elected in January, 1903, and his natural aptitude for handling vast interests was again shown in this office. The commerce of Newark and the adjoining tide-water towns was re- markably benefited by the measures taken by Mr. Campbell and the members of the committee of which he was the leading spir-
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