USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Genealogical and personal memorial of Mercer County, New Jersey > Part 61
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Mr. Hey's political affiliations have always been with the Democratic party, and he has taken an active and beneficial interest in the public af- fairs of the community. He has filled very ef- ficiently a number of public offices, among them being: Postmaster at Princeton Junction and justice of the peace. He is a member of Eu- reka Lodge, No. 38, F. and A. M., and of the K. of H. He is also a member of the Episcopal church.
Mr. Hey married Mary Voorhees, daughter of David and Anne (Shingland) Voorhees, the former, now deceased, was a farmer by occupa- tion, and was a descendant of the old Voorlees family of Penns Neck, West Windsor township. Mrs. Anne (Shingland) Voorhees was a daugh- ter of William and Amy (Grey) Shingland, the former of Princeton, New Jersey, the latter a daughter of Jacob Grey, who was a large land owner, and a veteran of the war of 1812. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hey are: I. I. Voor- hees, who was graduated from the Newark High school with honor. He is a farmer by occupa- tion, and has served as justice of the peace and is at present commissioner of deeds. He is an active and interested worker in the cause of re- ligion, is treasurer of the Princeton Baptist church and president of the Young People's Union of that institution. 2. Clarence J., was graduated from the Princeton Business College, and is now the assistant of his father in the gen- eral supply store.
GEORGE THORNTON EMMONS, a well known resident of Princeton, has for many years been prominently before the eyes of the public in various capacities, both official and professional. He is a representative of one of the old families of the United States, various members of which have been closely identified with the history of the country.
Rear Admiral George Foster Emmons, father of George Thornton Emmons, entered the serv- ice of the United States navy in 1828, where he was actively engaged for many years. He was a member of the Wilkes exploring party, and his energy, enterprise and foresight enabled that ex- pedition to overcome many difficulties. He mar- ried Frances A. Thornton, daughter of Frank Anthony Thornton, of Virginia, and among their children was George Thornton, see for- ward.
George Thornton Emmons, son of Rear Ad- .
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miral George Foster and Frances A. (Thornton) Emmons, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, June 6, 1852. He enjoyed the advantages of an ex- cellent education, entered the United States Naval Academy, June 6, 1870, and was gradu- ated from that institution with the rank of mid- shipman in 1874. He was soon advanced to the rank of lieutenant and served throughout the Spanish-American war, at the close of which he retired from service in the army. He was sent to Alaska by the government of the United States to act in connection with the settlement of the boundary line dispute, carrying out his commission to the entire satisfaction of the gov- ernment, and during his residence in that far country wrote a very complete and interesting history of the Indians of Southeastern Alaska. He is a man of liberal views, wide and diversified reading, and anything that comes from his pen is always taken up with interest by the literary world. He takes a strong interest in religious matters, and holds the office of vestryman in Trinity Episcopal church. He is a member of the Army and Navy Club of Washington, District of Columbia.
Mr. Emmons married Catherine M. Baker, daughter of Orris P. and Rose (Spencer) Baker, and they have children : Thornton, a student at St. Paul's academy in Concord, New Hamp- shire, and Francis H.
THOMAS H. THROPP, ex-sheriff of Mercer county, New Jersey, and an important business factor of modern-day Trenton, was born Febru- ary 19, 1871, in the city of Trenton, son of John E. and Charlotte (Wilkes) Thropp.
John E. Thropp was a native of old Virginia, born at Harper's Ferry, June 15, 1823. When but two years of age his mother died, and he was placed in the care of friends who resided in the country. He continued to work at farm labor in that locality until young manhood, when he was employed by Mr. Large, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who conducted a marine works. Here young Thropp became an apprentice, serv- ing seven years as such, and then followed the same line of employment for Mr. Large until he was appointed his superintendent. Subse- quently he went into the employ of the Camden & Amboy Railroad Company, as shore engineer, having full charge of all passenger and tow-boats of that company. While thus engaged he spent considerable time under Robert Stevens, in the
experimental department of the railway shops at Bordentown. Severing his connection with that corporation, he came to Trenton, taking a posi- tion as superintendent of arms and ordnance work, now a part of the Trenton Iron Company. The next change of importance in his career was the organization of the firm of Thropp, Mackenzie & Wilkes, carrying on a general machine shop. This change took place shortly after the Civil war, and such business operations were conduct- ed until 1879, when Mr. Thropp withdrew from the company and embarked in business for him- self, at the site of the present plant of the John E. Thropp Sons Company, at the foot of Lewis street, of which concern he was the president until relieved by death. Mr. Thropp was also a director of the Eureka Flint and Spar Company, and of the Eureka Mining and Operating Com- pany. He was steadily engaged in the iron and machines business for about forty-five years. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being connected with South Trenton Lodge for many years.
During the later years of his life Mr. Thropp made his home with his son, Peter D. Thropp, in the old iron mansion on Lewis street, his wife having died June 29, 1893, eleven years and five months prior to his own death. He died sud- denly at his former home in Titusville, New York, November 24, 1904, aged about eighty-two years. This sad event' was thus referred to in an editorial in the Trenton Gasette :
"Like a majority of the men who laid the foundation of Trenton's prominence as an in- dustrial city, Mr. Thropp was a self-made man in the fullest sense of this word. He began life a farmer boy, and possessing a natural mechani- cal turn of mind, early developed this talent by a sturdy determination with which he was en- dowed. Seven years he faithfully served as an apprentice, fitting himself for the business that he afterward established in Trenton, which grew under his direction to be one of the leading in- dustries of the city. Because of his early train- ing, he was able to make a practical application of the knowledge he had gained by hard work and close application to his duties as an appren- tice.
"He was a man of common sense and lionest principles. His rugged character and determi- nation won success for him in whatever direction he bent his energies. He belonged to that school of hardy pioneers, so rapidly passing away, and
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to which this country owes so much for its won- derful achievement."
Mr. Thropp married, April 17, 1853, Charlotte Wilkes, of Trenton, daughter of Joseph Wilkes, who died August 26, 1854. and his wife, Sarah Wilkes, who died June 23, 1884. By this union were born two daughters and nine sons; five of the sons survived their father, the eldest being William R., the others, John E., Jr., Peter D., Thomas H. and Frank W.
Thomas H. Thropp, son of the "iron master," John E. Thropp, and wife Charlotte (Wilkes) Thropp, was born in Trenton, February 19, 1871. After passing through the Centre street grammar school. the high school and Trenton Business College, he took a course in the Spring Garden Institute of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon completing his studies he was made treasurer of the John E. Thropp's Sons Company and still occupies that position, and is also president of the Eureka Flint and Spar Company, an impor- tant local industry. He is also treasurer of the Eureka Mining and Operating Company.
Politically Thomas H. Thropp has ever been a loyal, hearty and truly active Republican, be- ginning to show an interest in such matters while yet in his teens. He was tax collector for Mer- cer county for five years from 1897 to 1902, and in the autumn of 1902 he was nominated and elected to the important office of sheriff of his na- tive county. He was the youngest tax collector and sheriff in the state of New Jersey, and dis- charged his duties with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all interested par- ties. He is a member of the following civic and fraternal organizations: In Masonry he is a member of Column Lodge, No. 120, Free and Accepted Masons; Rose Croix Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Palestine Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar : and Crescent Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In Odd Fellowship he is a member of South Tren- to1 Lodge, No. 36, and South Trenton Encamp- ment, No. 40. He is a member of Trenton Lodge, No. 105, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Republican Club: Liedertaefel Sing- ing Society ; Trenton Country Club: Mercer County Auto Club; Fellowcraft Club; and the Trenton Aerie Eagles. He is an enthusiastic au- tomobilist, and in August, 1905, at Atlantic City, won the race with a Model A Winton machine with four five-inch cylinders, and has taken three prizes-two silver cups, and an automobile clock.
Mr. Thropp was united in marriage, August 18, 1892, to Harriet Wilkes, daughter of John and Louisa Wilkes, by whom the following chil- dren were born: Edwin John, March 26, 1897, died July 3. 1898; May Ashmore, March II, 1899; Kate Maddock, January 1, 1904. The family reside at No. 534 East State street, which handsome residence property Mr. Thropp pur- chased January 21, 1902, it being formerly occu- pied by Samuel Dickinson.
JOSEPH SLACK. The little settlement of Slackwood, New Jersey, derives its name from the early residents, Joseph Slack and William Wood, Esq. These two families combined their names, Slack and Wood, forming "Slackwood" therefrom.
Cyrus Slack married Mary H. Slack (no re- lation, however, by ancestry). By this union were born nine children, including one named Joseph, of whom later.
Joseph Slack, son of Cyrus and Mary H. (Slack) Slack, was educated in the public schools of Pennsylvania, after which he learned the trade of blacksmith. He followed this a num- ber of years, and then became a railroader, con- tinuing until 1869, when he moved to what is now Slackwood, New Jersey, just outside of Trenton, Mercer county. Here he established a home; he purchased a place containing two acres, on four corners, and there built a house, blacksmith and wheelwright shop, which he oper- ated until his death, December 1, 1891. He was a stanch Republican. He was a member and treasurer of the township committee for many years. He was a member of Trenton Lodge, No. 107, O. U. A. M .; Lodge No. 60, K. of P., of Trenton, and G. A. R., Post No. 23, at Trenton. He was a member of the Twentieth Pennsyl- vania Cavalry Regiment during the Civil war.
Joseph Slack married Mary A. Smith, daugh- ter of Samuel A. and Caroline (Hughes) Smith, whose four children were: I. Martha, married Charles Smith (not a relative), and their chil- dren were: Edgar, Charles N., Lambert H. 2. Sarah E., wife of Randall Robbins, and their children are, Mary and Carrie H. 3. Mary A., widow of Joseph Slack, whose children are : Susie Brown, wife of Clarence L. Mason, and their children are: Edith E., Benjamin Clifford and Alvin Pitman; Louis C., married Mary Ben- son-no issue. 4. Carrie H., married John Nor- ton, and their children are, Raymond and Frank.
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Of the family to which belongs Clarence L. Mason, husband of Susie Brown (Slack) Mason, it may be stated that he is the son of Charles Pit- man and Julia (White) Mason, who had the fol- lowing children : I. Lillie Mabel, wife of Thomas A. Grant, and their children are, Gladys and Alda. 2. Kirkbride, married Alma L. Kemp -they have one child, Gwendoline. 3. Clarence L., above mentioned. 4. Mattie Moore, wife of Fred Amasy, one child, Gladys. 5. Ada, un- married.
SAMUEL GREY NAAR, one of the most widely known of the many lawyers of Trenton, Mercer county, New Jersey, whose offices are lo- cated at No. 15 East State street, in that city, is a representative of an old and honored family of the West Indies. His maternal ancestors came from Holland, and were of high repute in the professional world.
Joshua Naar, grandfather of Samuel Groy Naar, was a prominent merchant of the West Indies and the United States. He was a native of Curacoa. He had several children, among them being : David, Abraham and Benjamin.
Benjamin Naar, son of Joshua Naar, was born in Jamaica, West Indies, December 4, 1805. He was a merchant in the city of New York, and, in connection with his brothers, David and Abra- ham, operated one of the largest snuff mills and tobacco factories in existence at that period. Their plants were destroyed by the great fire which devasted New York in 1835, and they re- moved to the island of Jamaica, where they be- came the largest snuff manufacturers in the world at that period. Benjamin died in 1891 and his remains were interred in the family plot in Green- wood cemetery, in Trenton, New Jersey. He married Sarah Peixotto, born in New York City, daughter of Rev. Moses L. M. Peixotto, a native of Curacoa. He came to America from Holland and at first served as a reader, and subsequently as rabbi, of the Portuguese synagogue in the city of New York. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Naar were: Sarah F., Joshua D., Moses D., Ju- dith D., Abraham D'A., Raphael P., Samuel Grey, see forward; and Isaac L.
Samuel Grey Naar, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Peixotto) Naar, was born in St. Andrews, Is- land of Jamaica, West Indies, October 25, 1848. He was educated in the public schools of Eliza- beth and Newark, New Jersey, and his first step in the business world was as a clerk in the mercantile
line in the city of New York. He was thus en- gaged for a number of years, going to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1863; to Oil City, Pennsylvania, in 1866; and Trenton, New Jersey, in 1868. In this latter city he learned the art of typesetting in the office of the "True American," a newspaper of which his brother Moses was editor, and which was then located at the corner of Warren and Front streets. Two years later he returned to the mercantile business in Elizabeth, New Jer- sey. He came back to Trenton in 1876 and com- menced the study of law under the preceptorship of his brother Moses, who was a gifted lawyer of that city. He was determined and ambitious in the pursuit of these studies, and obtained his li- cense as an attorney in June, 1880, and as coun- selor in February, 1884. Since that time he has followed up his profession in the city of Trenton, has acquired a large and lucrative practice, and has more than a merely local reputation. He is a Democrat in his political opinions, and was assistant prosecutor under Mercer Beasley, Jr., and was appointed one of the commissioners under the Martin Act, by Judge Leon Abbott, of the supreme court. He was for five years a mem- ber of Company C, Third New Jersey militia. He is associated with the following fraternal or- ganizations : Past master of Fraternal Lodge, No. 139, Free and Accepted Masons; past ex- alted ruler of Trenton Lodge, No. 105, Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks ; was appointed its district deputy for southern New Jersey in 1903 by- Grand Exalted Ruler Fanning, and re- appointed in 1904 by Grand Exalted Ruler O'Brien; Trenton Lodge, No. 319, Independent Order of B'nai B'rith. He is noted for his lib- eral views, his ability as an orator and his open- hearted generosity. Mr. Naar is unmarried.
MANFRED NAAR, member of the well known firm of Naar & Blackman, real estate dealers and brokers, at present and for a num- ber of years justice of the peace, and holding other offices of importance, is a representative of a highly respected family of Trenton, New Jer- sey.
Abraham Naar, father of Manfred Naar, was born in Ahe, on the Island of Jamaica, where for a great many years he filled a high position of trust and honor at the court of one of the kings. He came to America in 1856, and first settled in Union county, New York, later migrating to Mercer county, New Jersey, where he made his
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permanent home. He married Rebecca Naar, who, although bearing the same name, was a member of an entirely different family, and among their children was Manfred, of whom later.
Manfred Naar, son of Abraham Naar, was born at Lyden, Union county, New York, April 22, 1866. When he was four years of age he removed with his parents to Mercer county, New Jersey, and settled on the "Fashion Farm," the old Smith estate in Hamilton township, just out- side of Trenton. Here they lived two years and then moved into the city of Trenton. Mr. Naar's earliest education was received at the private school of George Mellor, and after one year's at- tendance at this place of learning, his father em- ployed private tutors to instruct his child at his own home, and it was thus that his education was completed. Mr. Naar then learned the trade of sign painting under the able instruction of David B. Naar, of Trenton, but did not follow up this trade, accepting a position as clerk in the office of the court of chancery, in preference. This po- sition he held for seven years, and in 1899 en- gaged in the newspaper and magazine business in Trenton, having for his customers the best fam- ilies in Trenton. He then associated himself in business with a Mr. Blackman, under the firm name of Naar & Blackman, real estate dealers and brokers, and this business is on a very pros- perous footing. Mr. Naar has been a justice of the peace since 1888, and also notary and commis- sioner of deeds. He is possessed of great fore- sight and business acumen, is energetic, system- atic and determined, and there is every reason for considering him on the highroad to prosperity. His personality is pleasing, his manners affable and courteous, and he is popular in business and social circles.
WILLIAM J. CROSSLEY, the present prose- cutor for Mercer county, New Jersey, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, January 7, 1866.
William J. Crossley obtained his education by the splendid public school system of his native city, beginning in the common schools and grad- uating from the high school in 1883. Early in his career he evinced a liking for the legal profession and entered the office of ex-Judge Buchanan. By diligent study he was admitted to the bar in 1889 as an attorney, and February 8, 1898, as coun- sellor. In 1890, at the timely suggestion of ex- Judge Buchanan, he was appointed superintend-
ent of the recorded indebtedness branch of the census for the second New Jersey congressional district. He steadily advanced in law practice, and was appointed by Judge Woodruff, for five successive terms, to defend impecunious prisoners at the Mercer county court. This afforded Mr. Crossley the advantage he needed to become thoroughly known throughout the city and ad- joining county. From 1893 to 1898 Mr. Cross- ley was in partnership with John A. Montgomery, under the firm name of Crossley and Montgom- ery.
Politically he is a staunch Republican, and as a political speaker has gained a good reputation, having stumped his county and the congressional district several times. He has been a member of the city and county Republican executive commit- tees and delegate to important conventions. In the course of his campaign work, he has had the honor of delivering the nominating speeches. Through his influence, largely, the sixth ward Republican Association was organized and he was its president. In March, 1894, he was elected police justice for the short term, and the follow- ing April elected for the term of three years. By reason of his proven ability, he was in 1898 elected prosecutor of the pleas in Mercer county, taking the oath of office February 8, the same year. He has served in this capacity ever since, during which period he has secured convictions in many important and noted criminal cases.
In 1886 Mr. Crossley married Sallie S. Arndt, of Easton, Pennsylvania.
CAPTAIN HARRY C. VALENTINE. In every community the business factors are usually divided between two classes-the "moneyed men," and by this term is included those who have either had a legacy bequeathed to them, or have had the use of other men's capital from which to build a fortune for themselves; the other class referred to are the persons who have forged to the front ranks in business and become the real captains of commerce and leaders among the founders of great enterprises, unaided by any other power than that possessed within their own personality, and to such a class the world justly ascribes the term genius. To the last named class belongs Captain Harry C. Valentine, of Trenton, New Jersey. He was born 1865, the son of Major J. S. Valentine and his talented wife, a native of Alabama. Major Valentine, now
Camaro ! Parkinsons
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advanced beyond seventy years, resides in Phil- adelphia, Pennsylvania.
Captain Henry C. Valentine's paternal grand- parents, who are buried at Jacob's Creek, were both born in Trenton, and resided there at the time the revolutionary battle of Trenton was fought. The grandfather operated a foundry on the banks of the Delaware, near Mill street, for many years.
Captain Valentine has resided in Trenton since he was eleven years of age. and personal efforts alone have brought success to him. As a lad he was not blessed with the rugged constitution pos- sessed by most of his playmates. This fact with the other one-lack of funds-caused his school days to be very limited. It is related that his best lessons from books were taught by his patient, lovable mother. Before he had reached the age of twelve years he was employed in Fell and Roberts' brick yard, during the summer season, and during the winter months attempted to master the potter's trade. He wisely selected for his companions youths with superior advantages to his own, and studied at every possible opportu- nity. He was next seen opening a news stand on the site of the Pennsylvania railroad station. When he wanted to secure for sale the New York and Philadelphia papers, he found them tied up in the hands of other dealers in Trenton, but by a very sagacious business turn, he rented a win- dow in the old toll-house, and there opened a news stand, which window was over the line, and he bargained for the exclusive right to sell the metropolitan papers in Ewing township. So Valentine, the wholesale dealer of Ewing town- ship, sold to Valentine, the retail dealer of Tren- ton, which soon broke the combination among newsdealers.
About twenty-five years ago, when the "Sun- day Advertiser" began its career, he was its first reporter. Later he became city editor of the "Times," and later owned and edited the "Press," which was abandoned by him on account of ill health. For many years he was an energetic local correspondent for the newspapers at home, as well as for the "New York Evening Sun." Having delved with wonderful will power into borrowed law books, while yet following the role of a newspaper reporter, he was, in 1896, ad- mitted to the bar, and soon was surrounded with a paying legal practice. For three years he served as counsel for the Board of Health, prior
to which he had been a member of the Board of City Assessors for Trenton.
As a military man, Captain Valentine has also won honors. When the Spanish-American war came on, and the Fourth Regiment of New Jer- sey Volunteers was organized, he was chosen as its quartermaster, having been connected with Company A from Trenton for a number of years prior to that date. He had the hearty endorse- ment of all the military characters of his section of the state, and proved to be one of the most efficient quartermasters who served in that war. During his service he handled nearly $350,000 worth of government property, and at final set- tlement was only one dollar and twenty-one cents short, which represented parts of lanterns lost in service.
Captain Valentine was connected with the real estate business, and in 1904 purchased the At- terbury tract, on West State street, Trenton. Here hundreds of thousands of dollars in im- provements have been expended already, and much more arranged for. Hence, this self-made man may be now classed as journalist, lawyer, soldier, and home builder, all of which are praise- worthy, honorable callings.
Captain Valentine married a Miss Ferguson, whom he met at her home in Pickins, South Caro- lina, while his regiment was in camp at Green- ville. She is a daughter of Major John Fergu- son, a planter, who was on General Wade Hamp- ton's staff during Civil war days.
EDWARD STEWART PARKINSON, city comptroller of Trenton, New Jersey, was born October 18th, 1861, at Mt. Carmel, Wabash county, Illinois.
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