USA > New Jersey > Bergen County > History of Bergen county, New Jersey > Part 43
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The following seventeen members of the lodge were the main ones instrumental in the organization of the order in this town: James Ley- land, Charles T. Johnson, Win. J. Singerland, George K. Thomas, Julius Jaeger, Horatio N. Fish, David R. MacNeil, John J. Dupuy. C. Henry Kotzenberg, William Henkelman, George Ruckstuhl, James H. Smith,
* From "Things Old and New."
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Rensselaer Furman, William W. Butler, Joseph W. Beebe, William Gibson, Frank Spitz.
Forty-five members were taken in on the night of institution, making a total of sixty-two members to start with.
While the growth of the order here has been slow, it has been sure, the present membership being about eighty-five.
The lodge is sustained by the payment by each member of $8.00 per year dues, the member receiving in case of sickness the sum of $5.00 per week, and in case of death his benficiary is entitled to $100.00 funeral benefits, and in case of the death of a member's wife he receives $50.00
The order in this State has increased from 51 members in 1833 to about 30,000 in 1897, while the membership in the country at the present time is nearly 700,000.
The amount expended for relief of distressed brothers in this State for 1897 has been nearly $150.000.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
The great American Order of Knights of Pythias was introduced in Rutherford on September 16. 1893. by the organization of Rutherford Lodge, No. 150. Among the names of those found on the charter of this lodge are A. H. Brinkerhoff, J. C. Sares, Dr. J. J. Ketchum, H. R. Harden, S. T. Davy, W. H. Smith, G. Y. Renshaw and John Patrick. An active interest in the work of the lodge has been taken by nearly all the charter members, so that at the present time the roster of the lodge contains the names of considerably over one hundred members, and all are men of good social standing, as well as being fitted physically and morally for membership in the lodge.
The endowment or life insurance plan in this order is a well con- sidered and admirably conducted business. Members may insure in amounts from $500 to $3000, with rates according to age. Payments monthly. and only one payment per month, or twelve per year required. under any circumstances. This is made possible by a reserve fund being on hand of half a million dollars, which is so invested as to be absolutely safe, draws good interest, and can be called upon to any amount required in an emergency. Confidence is shown in this by the one fact that about $30.000 of this insurance is being carried by members of the Rutherford Lodge.
BOARD OF TRADE. RUTHERFORD AND EAST RUTHERFORD.
This Association was formed for the encouragement of trade and commerce for the Rutherfords, the certificate of incorporation having been taken out and recorded at Hackensack May 18. 1897. The follow- ing list of names records the promoters of this business enterprise and are as follows: Joseph P. Cooper, William McKenzie, E. J. Turner. Luther Shafer, Charles Burrows, W. H. Smith, C. R. Soley, John G. Niederer, Frank E. Hatch, Robert M. Watson. A. P. Hackett. I. B.
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Nichols, John E. Tyler, Edward A. Jeanneret, William Gramlich, Charles F. Harrington, J. L. Chapman.
The officers for 1898 are as follows: President, William McKenzie; Vice President, Joseph P. Cooper; Secretary, Luther Shafer; Treasurer, Charles Burrows: Directors, Edward J. Turner, Charles F. Harrington, Charles R. Soley, John G. Niederer, Robert M. Watson, William H. Smith, Frank E. Hatch. A. P. Hackett.
RUTHERFORD NATIONAL BANK.
Established May 3, 1895, its career since its inception has been characterized by the most gratifying degree of prosperity. It has a paid up capital of $50,000, with a surplus and undivided profits of $13,000, which success is attributed to the fidelity with which its officers and directors have administered their trusts. The building occupied is owned by the bank, and is a great attraction to the place. It is hand- somely finished in hardwood, and contains all the latest improvements, including fire and burglar proof vaults and safes. A legitimate national banking business is transacted in loans, deposits, exchange, collections, etc., its facilities not being surpassed by any contemporaneous institu- tion in this section. The following well and favorably known gentle- men comprise its officers and board of directors: President, Henry R. Jackson; Vice President, Robert D. Kent; Cashier, Henry R. Harden; Directors, H. R. Jackson, R. D. Kent, Julius Roehrs, E. J. Turner, Carl Von Hartz. A. W. Van Winkle, Peter H. Kip, J. P. Cooper, William Mckenzie, A. L. Watson and F. B. Poor.
COMPANY L, SECOND REGIMENT, NATIONAL GUARD, N. J.
The military spirit seemed to take possession of the youth of Rutherford early in the year 1892 and Robert A. Brunner and Wilkin Bookstaver, formerly of Company G, 2nd N. G., N. J., both of whom afterward became officers of Company L, were active in securing enroll- ments for the purpose of organizing the National Guard Company. After the enrollment in some measure had been completed the members met in the upper part of the Shafer Building, and afterward in the old Union Hall and were drilled in military tactics by Lieutenant Book- staver and Mr. George M. Pollard. Early in the Spring of 1893 an election of officers was held and Addison Ely a prominent lawyer of Rutherford was invited to command the Company as its Captain. Cap- tain Ely had formerly belonged to Company C, Third Regiment, N. G .. N. J., commanded by Captain W. H. DeHart, for many years the crack company of the National Guard. Prior to Captain Ely's election there had been several applications to the State Military Department to mister the company into the State service, but although much effort and influ- ence were used these applications had met with no success.
Captain Ely secured the services of Lieutenant J. M. Poole an expert tactician, a Lieutenant and afterward Captain of one of the companies of the 9th Regiment N. G., N. J. Lieutenant Poole drilled
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the company one night a week for several weeks and pronounced them efficient, and they were finally mustered into State service.
The Fourth Regiment at Jersey City, and the Second with head- quarters at Paterson under Colonel Moore had recently been reorganized, and it was to one of these that the company sought to be assigned. Colonel S. V. S. Muzzy who had secured a high reputation as a military officer, about this time succeeded to the command of the Second Regiment, and Captain Ely applied to him for admission as one of the companies of his Regiment. After much urging Colonel Muzzy accepted the company and used his influence to secure the desired order, which was finally made and on the 22nd day of June, 1893, the company was mustered into the State service. In the fall of 1896 the company undertook the con- struction of an Armory on Park Avenue, having previously acquired a plot of ground 50 by 150 feet for $6000. The Armory building contains a flat for a janitor, a large company room and two stores in the front part, and a drill shed 118 by 50 feet in the rear, fitted up with a stage and equipments for public entertainments. The basement is arranged for a bowling alley and rifle range.
The company has occupied this Armory since the early Spring of 1897. The total cost of building and ground was about $24,000 of which a large portion has been paid. In April 1897 a fair was held netting a large sum of money, the ladies' association contributing much to its success.
In April, 1898, when war with Spain was declared and the National Guard called out, Company L responded with the full quota called for. Fifty-eight men and three officers of Company L were accepted and mustered into the United States service with twenty-three volunteer recruits on May 14, 1898. The officers mustered in were: Captain, Addison Ely; First Lieutenant, Joseph J. Blake; Second Lieutenant, Robert A. Brunner.
The company having gone into camp at Sea Girt on May 2d remained there until June 1st, when they were ordered to Jacksonville, Florida, to await further orders. They were returned to New Jersey in September and on November 17th were mustered out of the United States service. Under the re-organization of 1899 the company was relieved from service.
GERSHOM MOTT POST.
The Post bearing this name was instituted April 30th, 1891, with twenty-four members, N. W. Hawes being its first Commander, which office he held for two years. Then came Robert Leeds, who held the office for three years, the members recognizing the fact that it was due solely to his indefatigable labors that the Post was instituted. Under his command the Post flourished and added to its membership until it reached the number of fifty-four. Horatio N. Fish then succeeded to the command, holding the office for one year, and then came John Amery, who died in command. Clifford K. Reece was then elected to serve for the unexpired term, and at the last election was again elected
LUTHER SHAFER
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Commander. Through harmony and wise leadership the Post has accumulated quite a fund for the relief of sick or disabled soldiers or sailors or their wives or orphans.
During the Spanish-American war the Post was among the fore- most in giving money to relieve the families of those who had gone to the front.
LUTHER SHAFER.
Mr. Shafer is one of the substantial and progressive citizens of Rutherford. He is a wise counselor, and was one of the leading public spirited citizens of the place who originated its borough government in 1881. Mr. Shafer is a native of New York State and was born in Mont- gomery, Orange county, in 1848. His father was a farmer and the son had a share of the farm work to perform, attending the district school as his duties would permit. His parents planned to give him a college education but circumstances changed the course of events. His father
dying when young Luther was but twelve years of age, made it neces- sary for him to contribute to his own support. He attended the Mont- gomery Academy for a time, and afterward entered the law office of R. R. Lea in New York city. Later he secured a clerkship in the office of Downing & Couert at Flushing, L. I., and although but seventeen years of age, was made assistant postmaster. In 1867 he entered the Albany Law School, going soon after leaving that institution into the office of David Dudley Field, where he filled an important position. From there he went as managing clerk for Vernam & Wilcox, where he remained until he began the pratice of law in New York city in 1872. One year later Mr. Shafer was admitted to practice in New Jersey, and in 1876 was made a counselor. This gave him the legal right to full active practice both in New York and New Jersey. From 1877 until 1889, he was counsel for Union township, during which time he secured the passage of the Tax Act of 1879. He has always been a Republican. Mr. Shafer's services and abilities having been recognized, he was elected Mayor of Rutherford in which office he proved an efficient and worthy incumbent, for a period of several terms. From the incorpora- tion of the borough in 1881, until 1890, Mr. Shafer was noted as its coun- sel. absolutely refusing any compensation for his services. He has also been counsel for Union and Boiling Springs townships and for the vil- lage of Carlstadt and also solicitor of the Rutherford Mutual Loan and Building Association and is now counsel for East Rutherford. Carlstadt and Montvale.
JOHN M. BELL.
When John M. Bell came to Rutherford, less than ten years ago. he immediately set about a preparation for active usefulness in his adopted home. He is a Scotch-Irishman, born at Kells, Ireland, August 3, 1860.
Although of foreign birth Mr. Bell is an ideal American citizen, having been educated in this country imbibing the tastes and acquiring the habits of the people. He was six years old when he came to America
JOHN M. BELI.
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with his parents, who located in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. Young Bell received his education in the public schools of Schuylkill county, and came to Rutherford in 1891.
After studying law for some time in the office of Addison Ely, Mr. Bell entered the office of Luther Shafer where he completed his course and was admitted to the Bar at the November Term, 1894. He first opened an office for the practice of his profession, in the Shafer Build- ing in March of the following year, and was almost immediately made counsel to the Borough of Rutherford, which office he still holds. He has also been counsel to the Borough of Lodi since March 1897. Mr. Bell is at present member of Assembly, elected on the Republican ticket at the last election, 1897.
REV. EDWIN A. BULKLEY, D. D.
Rev. Edwin A. Bulkley, D. D., who was born in Charleston, S. C., January 25, 1826, is a descendant in direct line from Rev. Peter Bulkley, whose wife was Lady Grace Chetwode. He came to America in 1634, from Odell, England, and was born in 1583.
This man, distinguished among the early colonists, was descended from a long line of noble ancestry, easily traceable to Robert de Bulkley (1200), his descendants still holding one of the ancestral seats in Eng- land. He succeeded his father, Rev. Edward Bulkley, D. D., in the rectorship of Odell or Woodhill. His earnest preaching, and resistance to ecclesiastical tyranny compelled his emigration to New England, where he became the founder of Concord, Mass., and pastor of its first church. Cotton Mather in a funeral sermon speaks of his noble birth, and praises his benevolence in spending his wealth, his eminent learn- ing and devoted piety. In his old church at Concord, the first provin- cial Congress was held, and in its assembly were made those stirring speeches by Hancock, Adams and other patriots which hastened the events of the Revolution. Rev. Gershom Bulkley son of Peter married Sarah, daughter of Charles Chauncey, D. D., President of Harvard College, and their son Edward married Dorothy Prescott. Next in line comes Charles Bulkley whose wife was Mary Sage, their son Charles being the great grandfather of Dr. Edwin A. This Charles married Mary Griswold. Dr. Bulkley's grandparents were Charles and Eunice (Robbins) Bulkley, whose son Erastus, father of Dr. Edwin A. married Mary Walbridge.
The maternal line traces back to Henry Walbridge who came from Dorsetshire, England, about 1650. His son Ebenezer married Mary Durkee. Their son Ebenezer and his wife Elizabeth Stebbins were the parents of Adolphus Walbridge and Mary Deming, the grandparents of Dr. Bulkley, his mother being their daughter Mary. Elizabeth Walbridge, "The Dairyman's Daughter," memoralized by Leigh Rich- mond, was of this family. In Dr. Bulkley's children, early colonial lines of distinction unite; through him from Rev. Peter Bulkley; through their mother from Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, of whom she
REV. DR. EDWIN A. BULKLEY
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is a lineal descendant. He was the Patriarch of the Lutheran Church in this country, and the father of those men of Revolutionary fame, Henry Augustus Muhlenberg, the first speaker of the first congress in New York city, and General Peter Muhlenberg, whose statue Pennsyl- vania has placed in the Rotunda of the capitol at Washington.
Dr. Bulkley pursued his preparatory studies in New York city, entered Yale College in 1841, when not yet fifteen years of age, and was graduated in 1844, subsequently finishing his professional studies in Union Theological Seminary in 1847.
Last Fall (1897) he celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his ordin- ation to the ministry, October 11, 1847, from which time his pastoral work had been almost unbroken. His first charge was at Geneva, N. Y., from 1847 to 1850, then in Groton, Mass., from 1850 to 1864, in Plattsburgh, N. Y., from 1864 to 1878, and in Rutherford, N. J., from 1878 to 1898. On March 27, 1898, having labored about twenty years in the last place, and the condition of his health requiring a cessation from the active charge of a large congregation, he was released from his pastorate, and made "Pastor Emeritus."
The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him in 1868, by the University of Vermont. The wisdom of his counsel, with his executive ability, has often been acknowledged in high official places in the gift of the Presbyterian Church. For twenty-five years he filled the most important Presbyterial office in the Presbyteries of Champlain, and of Jersey City. In 1883-84 he was moderator of the Synod of New Jersey, and had twice previously presided over the Synod of Albany. He was Clerk of the General Assembly of 1879 at Saratoga Springs.
September 27, 1848, Dr. Bulkley was married to Miss Catharine F. Oakley of Huntington, L. I.
MR. DAVID B. IVISON.
David B. Ivison, ex-president of the American Book Company, a prominent figure in the organization and development of the borough of Rutherford in Bergen county, is a son of Henry Ivison, one of the pioneers in the school book trade of the country. Mr. Ivison is of Scotch ancestry, his father coming to this country in 1820, at the age of twelve years. Soon after completing an apprenticeship with the book- binding and bookselling house of William Williams, of Auburn, N. Y., Mr. Ivison become the head of a prosperous business of his own. With a keen sense of the business conditions of the country, prevailing at that time, and with a full knowledge of the needs in his especial line, he decided to make the metropolis his field of operation. The business grew and prospered with the name of Ivison at the head of the firm, under the various names of Ivison & Phinney; Ivison, Phinney & Com- pany; Ivison, Phinney, Blakeman & Company; Ivison, Blakeman, Taylor & Company and Ivison, Blakeman & Company. Mr. David B. Ivison began his business career with this house, under which he received a
IVISWOLD- - RUTHERFORD
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skillful training and had assumed a large share of the interest and all the responsibilities of his father, Mr. Henry Ivison, before his retire- ment in 1881, three years before his death. Mr. Ivison became a full partner in the business, in 1863, which was then under the name of Ivison, Phinney, Blakeman & Company. At the time of the retirement of Mr. Henry Ivison, the firm was known as Ivison, Blakeman, Taylor & Company, which continued, until 1887, when ill health caused Mr. Taylor to withdraw, making it necessary to again change the name to that of Ivison, Blakeman & Company, which continued until the consoli- dation of the several book concerns, resulting in a new corporation known as the American Book Company, in 1890. In this Mr. Ivison took a leading part, holding positions of the highest responsibility, until 1894. He was then chosen president and held that office two years, when he resigned in 1896, with the most cordial relations existing among his as- sociates who became reconciled to his withdrawal from the fact of his remaining on the board of directors, thus assuring his co-operation and continuance of interest in the company and the helpfulness of his large experience and wise counsel. The business life of these two successful men, father and son, covered a period of the greatest activity in the school book trade. The public were passing through an educational period in the matter of text books, for use in public school work, and in this the Ivison house took a leading part in supplying good school litera- ture. Mr. Ivison is a member of the Union League Club of New York and Union Club, of Rutherford, N. J. where he now resides. In religion he is a Presbyterian holding the office of ruling elder in the Rutherford congregation. At present he is traveling abroad for recreation and pleasure.
Mr. Ivison's eldest son, Henry Ivison, also formerly a member of the original firm. succeeded his father, and was for ten years head of the Manufacturing Department of the American Book Company. He re- cently resigned from this position, and is now a member of the New York Stock Exchange.
JOSEPH J. BLAKĘ.
Joseph J. Blake, formerly proprietor of the well-known Blake Res- tauant and Hotel, was born in New York city July 5, 1857. It was in the public schools of the city of New York young Blake was given an educa- tional start in life, but as soon as he was old enough to earn his living, necessity compelled him to relinquish the pursuit of knowledge for food and clothing. His business career was begun in the employ of Justice William Haywood, who was operating a factory in New York for the manufacture of wall paper, and came to Rutherford with him in 1875. Upon returning to New York Mr. Blake was made superintendent of Bar- tholmae & Company's factory, having charge of more than two hundred hands. He remained with them until 1891, when he returned on account of failing health, and has been a resident of Rutherford since 1883, at which time he built his house at the corner of Grove Street and Eric Avenue.
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JOSEPH J. BLAKE.
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Mr. Blake has taken an active interest in the affairs of the borough, and in 1892 was elected Councilman on both the Democratic and Citi- zens' tickets by a large majority. He has been an active member of the Fire Department twelve years, and is a member of Engine Company No. 2, of which he was assistant foreman two years and foreman three years. He was one of the originators of Company L, Second Regiment, N. J., and elected Second Lieutenant July 5, 1895, and First Lieutenant in the winter of 1896.
Mr. Blake is a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Royal Aracanum, Order of United Workman, and Business Mens' Pro- tective Association. He is also a member of the Rutherford Wheel- men of which organization he has been a trustee.
In 1891, Mr. Blake began business next door to the large, commo- dious structure he remodeled and occupied until called into the Spanish- Cuban war. After which he removed to New York, where he resides now. Mr. Blake, as the First Lieutenant of Company L, was one of the most popular officers of the Second Regiment.
In 1891, Mr. Blake began business in the store next door to the one he lately disposed of, remaining there five years. The present building is a pleasent and commodious structure which he remodeled in 1896.
CARL VON HARTZ.
Carl Von Hartz, president of the "Rutherford News Company," in the borough of Rutherford, is a native of Germany and was born in 1855 in Diepholz, Hanover. In 1873 he came to America, subsequently entering the employ of a banking house, but remained in this business only a short time when he became connected with the business of C. A. Auffmordt & Co., importers of dry goods. Following this he became associated with William Meyer & Co., lace importers.
Since becoming a resident of Rutherford, Mr. Von Hartz has identi- fied himself with its interests, having been elected councilman in 1890, on the ticket brought out as the "Citizens' and Democratic" ticket, and two years later he was made a member of the finance committee, of which he was chairman, and was at the same time member of the committee on streets.
Mr. Von Hartz is one of the founders of the Union Club of Ruther- ford and served for three years on the Board of Governors, then as vice- president and president; is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, and Knights of Pythias of Rutherford. In addition to these social and fra- ternal organizations he belongs to the Leiderkranz and Free Mason Societies of New York city.
Mr. Von Hartz is a progressive man, and interested in all that per- tains to the improvement and building up of his Borough.
MR. WILLIAM M'MAINS.
William MeMains, now a resident of Bradley Beach, N. J., has been prominent in Rutherford during the past thirty years. He was
CARL VON HARTZ
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
born in Myroe, county Derry, Ireland, August 6, 1828. In 1850, he came to New York and subsequently carried on the dry goods business in that city for five or six years. In 1867, he married Miss Susan Simpson of New York, daughter of Richard Simpson, of the firm of Simpson & Cooper, contractors, removing soon afterward to Burlington, Iowa. He now ventured his all in the grocery business, and having lost every- thing, a few months afterward, by being burned out, he returned to New York in 1868, without a dollar. He then went to work for Simpson & Cooper. Eventually Mr. Simpson retired and Mr. McMains succeeded to his place; but in 1871, he gave up the business and came te Ruther- ford, somewhat discouraged at his prospects. With the thought that others had risen under adverse circumstances Mr. McMains again started in business, this time being succeesful in accumulating a large amount of property.
He first built a house on River Road, Kingsland, but in 1876, he moved to Rutherford and this year erected the McMains building on Depot Square, using it as a hotel for a number of years. This was the second brick house built in Rutherford. It was burned in 1896, and was immediately rebuilt. He also built other houses in Rutherford, and in 1895, bought two cottages in Bradley Beach, N. J., where he now resides. . Mr. McMains was Town Committeeman one term during which time some of the more important improvements in the little city were made.
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