USA > New Jersey > Bergen County > History of Bergen county, New Jersey > Part 45
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of the charter members and was the first treasurer of the Royal Arca- num of Rutherford. He is also treasurer of the Exempt Firemen's Association of Rutherford and is in many other ways identified with the growth and prosperity of the borough.
BENJAMIN YATES.
Benjamin Yates, one of the promotors of Rutherford was born in the city of New York in 1831. His parents were Benjamin and Miriam (Le Count) Yates, the father coming from an ancestry in Nova Scotia, the mother being of Huguenot extraction. Mr. Yates, Sr., was an engineering ship builder and died when only thirty-two years of age, during the cholera epidemic in 1832. Benjamin's early life was spent in New York when that city hardly extended above Twelfth street.
He attended school in an old building yet standing on Madison Street, near Jackson Park, in the old Seventh Ward, and still known as School No. 13. His old teacher Andrew V. Stout afterwards organized the Shoe and Leather Bank, becoming its first president. He also organized the Police Department of the city and subsequently became City Chamberlain. Out of a school of about one hundred pupils, twelve are still living. all prominent men in the various walks of life to-day. These old school friends hold annual reunions. Their last meeting was in October, 1897, at Mr. Yates' residence on Orient Way.
Mr. Yates became an engineering ship builder, learning his trade in the Novelty Iron Works. He worked on the Arctic Ship which col- lided with the French steamer many years ago, a catastrophe in which so many lives were lost. He built a number of vessels which left the port of New York.
In 1857 Mr. Yates married Miss Tryphena Finch, of New York, and became the father of three children. In 1867 he came to Ruther- ford, engaging for a time in the manufacture of iron castings. subse- quently becoming a builder; but after erecting about a dozen houses for himself he retired from business.
Mr. Yates is a member of the Methodist Church.
HARRY R. HARDEN.
Harry R. Harden, Cashier of the Rutherford National Bank, Ruther- ford, N. J., was born in New York city December 23, 1867. The family moved to Westfield, N. J., in 1875, where Harry R. was graduated from the public school at the age of fourteen years. After receiving a course of instruction at the New Jersey Business College, Newark, N. J., he entered the employ of the United States National Bank, New York city at the age of sixteen, and remained in the employof that institution for about twelve years.
Mr. Harden was appointed cashier of the Rutherford National Bank, May 16, 1895, and opened the Bank for business June 27, 1895.
CHARLES EDWARD WATERS.
Charles Edward Waters, gold and silver refiner and assaver of New York city, is a son of John and Anna Waters, his father having estab-
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lished this business in 1839. It is now carried on in the name of John Waters' Son. Mr. Waters was born in New York city, August 4, 1846, and was educated in his native city, afterward completing a course of instruction in the Commercial College at Middletown, Connecticut. He is a man of character and dignity, taking high rank in social circles, and other places in which he is called to act.
On January 7, 1874, he enlisted in Company A, 23d Regiment, N. G., State of New York, in Brooklyn, and was elected Corporal March 1, 1875; elected Sergeant May 15, 1876, 1st Sergeant August 7, 1878; 1st Lieutenant May 6, 1879; Captain March 4, 1880, and Major April 19, 1886. On June 20, 1892, Major Waters was honorably discharged, hav- ing missed but three roll calls during his term of service.
During his residence in Brooklyn, he was a member of all the lead- ing social Clubs, of that city; the Oxford Club, Union League Club and Marine and Field Club at Bath Beach. Since his removal to Ruther- ford, he has become a member of Union Club, the most prominent social organization of that locality. Major Waters' wife was Miss Belle F. Keeney of Hartford, Connecticut.
REV. WILLIAM WICKHAM CASE.
Rev. William Wickham Case, son of Rev. John B. Case and Eliza- beth Wickham, is a native of New Jersey, born at Perth Amboy August 30, 1839, and was graduated from Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, July, 1863. His first charge was at Chestnut Hill, Phil- adelphia, following which were New London, Connecticut, and other places. Mr. Case served at Hamilton Square, N. J., ten years and was at Holmdel, N. J., for a period of twelve years. In 1896 he came from Hoboken to Rutherford where he is located at this time.
CHARLES R. SOLEY.
Mr. Charles R. Soley, is a native of New Jersey, born at Lyndhurst forty-three years ago. He began business as contractor and builder, in 1878. Eventually he improved his fortunes by launching out in the broader field of steam sawing, moulding, turning, &c. Experience had taught him the wants of the trade, and the necessity of good and well manufactured material, in carrying out specifications in detail. In 1890, Mr. Soley built his factory in Rutherford, N. J., where he carries a heavy and varied stock, and is able to fill orders without delay. Mr. Soley is prepared to furnish any article in wood or glass, in the con- struction of a house. He is serving his second term as freeholder ; was a member of council one term; and takes an active interest in the fire department of the borough, having acted as its chief for several years.
EDWARD W. DEAN.
Thirty-one years ago, Mr. Edward W. Dean, a New Englander by birth, and a Bostonian by education and prestige, changed his residence from New York city, to Rutherford, N. J., where he has been recog- nized as a leading factor, in the growth and development of that little city. His father, Christopher C. Dean, was a well known publisher of
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
religious books, in Boston. His mother's maiden name was Martha W. Peck, both families being well known throughout the country gener- ally. Mr. Edward W. Dean, the subject of this sketch, inheriting the literary tendencies of his progenitors was prepared for college at Phil- lips Academy, Andover, Mass., but failing health necessitated his enter- ing at once upon a business career, which now, at the age of sixty-nine years, can be reviewed with a feeling, somewhat akin to pride. In Boston Mr. Dean became associated as partner, with Stoddard, Lover- ing & Co., importers, and in 1866, he came to New York city, and opened a branch store, where a large business was carried on till 1887, when he retired, the firm going out of existence. Mr. Dean's wife was Miss Sallie B. Emerson of Cincinnati, Ohio, whom he married Novem- ber 1, 1859. In 1867, ground was bought, and building begun for the new home in Rutherford. The house which is on the plan of an English cottage with commodious apartments and all the appointments of a comfortable home including gas and water, was erected at a time when Rutherford had no public water or gas. It was named "The Deanery," and completed in 1868, when the family took possession. The death of Mrs. Dean in December of 1893, left a vacancy in the beautiful home, which can never be filled. Mr. Dean has been prominently identified with church work, in connection with the Presbyterian church of Rutherford, and superintended the building of their elegant church edifice. He has been a leading citizen in all public improvements and affairs in the little city. Mr. Dean has traveled extensively in many lands.
MAJOR RICHARD ALLISON.
The first ancestor of the Allison family in America was Lawrence, who is supposed to have emigrated to this country with Robert Win- throp and Sir Richard Saltonthal in 1630. In direct line from him came John, John second, and following him Joseph, the great-grandfather of the present Richard. Joseph married Elizabeth Benson, and their son. Richard, married Eliza Ruckel. Mr. Allison's parents were Michael Allison and Susan Gentil, whose home was in New York city where Richard was born July 7, 1838. After receiving his education in the public schools of New York, he immediately entered upon a business career, acting as clerk for John W. Quincy at 98 William street from 1853 to 1861. When the war broke out Mr. Allison joined the Seventh Regiment N. G. I., N. Y., April 19, 1861, and was made Captain in the 127th New York Volunteers in 1862, serving during the war. He made an enviable record in the army and after the surrender, he was made Provost Marshal of Charleston and commanded the "Boat Infantry" in Charleston Harbor during the siege. He was further honored by being made Inspector General, of the Northern District of the South. Upon his return at the close of the war Mr. Allison was elected a captain in the Seventh Regiment, N. G. I., N. Y., serving fifteen years and was then elected Major, after which he resigned upon the completion of twenty-five years of service.
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Major Allison is a progressive man along all lines which tend to high citizenship, culture and refinement, and to the best growth and development of his borough. He was president of the Rutherford Improvement Association out of which grew the Borough of Ruther- ford; president of the Protective Association, and active in all public and social events. Mr. Allison is a member of Union Club and nearly all the clubs or associations leading up to the promotion of Union Club.
Mr. Allison's wife was Miss Mary A. Love. His brother, Thomas Allison holds a judgeship in New York city.
While in command of the Boat Infantry, in Charleston Harbor, with three boats he made on August 2, 1864, a reconnoissance of Fort Sumter, which General Foster formally acknowledged as follows: Headquarters, Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C., August 6th, 1864.
"The Major General commanding, desires to express his thanks to the officers and men who made the reconnoissance of Fort Sumter on the night of the second of August and is much pleased with their energy in the enterprise." Signed, Thomas J. Robinson, A. A. A. G.
MR. COOK CONKLING.
The Conkling family came to America from Staffordshire, England, in 1639. Ananias Conkling, the first of the name to come to this country settled in Salem, removing with his brother John to East Hampton, L. I., where he married Mary Gardiner, daughter of Lyon Gardiner, of Gardiner's Island, near Moutauk Point. Many of the descendants of Mr. Conkling are still residents of that part of Long Island, although others. among them Alfred, the father of Roscoe Conkling, have removed to other parts of the state of New York. About forty-two years ago, Calvin B. Conkling the father of Cook, removed from Sag Harbor to the farm in Morris county, New Jersey, where he still lives. It was upon this farm, near Stanhope, that Cook Conkling was born, Novem- ber 4, 1858. Mr. Conkling's mother was Harriet A. W. King, daughter of Silas D. King, Silas D., being a son of John Phoenix King.
The paternal grandmother of Mr. Conkling was descended from the Cooks of Lancastershire, England, who became famous as merchants and shipowners. She was a relative of Aaron Burr.
Mr. Conkling was educated in Stanhope, N. J., public school and prepared for college at Stoutenbourgh's Latin School at Schooley's Mountain Springs, N. J. Afterward at Mount Union College, Ohio. After leaving college he taught school for three years, following which he travelled in a business capacity through the United States and Canada. In 1888 he formed a partnership with Addison Ely and in 1898 a new partnership was entered into with Luther Shafer, Mr. Conkling being admited to the bar. in November of this year, continuing practice ' as Shafer & Conkling. Mr. Conkling has resided in Rutherford since 1888, conducting a private banking business and reading law. In 1895, he procured the organization of the Rutherford National Bank, was
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elected Justice of the Peace in 1897, and is now devoting all his time to the practice of law in connection with farming on a large scale.
MR. PETER H. KIP
Peter H. Kip is a descendant of Roeloff De Kype, who distinguished himself in the war waged against the Huguenots in the 16th century by Catharine De Medicis through her weak son, Charles IX.
Roeloff, fled to Holland and remained there till 1559, when he returned to France and assisted the Duke of Anjou to subdue the Prot- estants. A son of Roeloff, embraced the Protestant faith, however, dropped the "De" and became the parent stem of the Kipp family in America. His son was prominent in the organization of the company which dispatched Hendrick Hudson to explore the New World, and he himself came to New Amsterdam, where the family from the first have played an important part in the public life of New York.
The first to settle in New Jersey was Nicholas, who bought a large tract on the Polifly road in 1865, and became the progenitor of all the Kips, now residing in this vicinity. His eldest son Hendrick, in due time, bought a large tract of land in that part of Boiling Springs town- ship now constituting Rutherford and built a fine mansion of cut brown- stone, which is still standing on the Meadow Road in the borough where four generations of the Kips were born. Peter Kip, his son, occupied the homestead and married first Clarissa Marcelus, and after her death he married Sally Van Iderstine. His children were Henry, Edo, John, and Peter, who was the father of the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Peter H. Kip is a prominent land owner and a director in the Rutherford National Bank, He was born in 1843, in the old homestead where he still resides. . Mr. Kip is a man of simple tastes and habits, and is unmarried.
MR. THEODORE MUEHLING.
Mr. Theodore Muehling is a native of Germany, born in the city of Leipzig, January 2, 1843. Coming to America with his parents in 1849, the family lived in New York until 1855, when they removed to Carl- stadt, N. J. At the age of fifteen years his father apprenticed him to a cigar manufacturer in the town, where he continued until the death of his employer in 1863, when he succeeded to the business. By dint of industry and perseverance, he soon established a flourishing trade and a reputation as a manufacturer of fine cigars, and is known as a conscien- tious and reliable business man. In 1879, he built the fine brick building at the corner of Hackensack and Broad Streets, known as Odd Fellows' Hall, he occupying the lower part of the building as a factory, the upper being used for lodge purposes. Mr. Muehling is a charter men- ber of the Carlstadt Fire Department, organized in 1872, of Wieland Lodge I. O. O. F., organized in 1879, and of William Tell Council O. C. F., organized in 1886. He has also been an active worker for many years in other fields of labor, which have for their object the advance- ment of our youths both mentally and physically. He has served on
V
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the Board of Trustees several terms, on the Township Committee and Board of Chosen Freeholders. Mr. Muehling has been an active fire- man ever since the first organization, and was Fire Commissioner nearly as long. He was also a trustee of the public schools for many years. Mr. Muehling moved his business to Rutherford in 1893, where he built the handsome brick building which he occupies, and now resides in Rutherford. He employs eight hands, while he looks after the sale of his goods himself. He is thorough master of all the details of the manu- facturing part of the business as well as the selling part.
EAST RUTHERFORD.
That portion of the old township of Union, known as East Ruther- ford, after the organization of the borough of Rutherford, became in- corporated by an act of the Legislature in April, 1899. under the name of " Boiling Springs Township."
The first election was held May 1st of that year, and was as follows: Judge of Elections, William Begnell; Inspector of Elections, James Talbot, David Taylor: Township Clerk, Luther M. Axford; Assessor. Peter J. Post; Collector, Edward A. Jeanneret; Chosen Freeholder, Louis Lane; Township Committee, Louis H. Beck. William Sanders, Joseph Huber; Overseer of the Poor. William Conirie; Commissioner of Appeals, Jules Ducommun, Theodore Wood. John V. S. Van Winkle: Surveyor of Highways, George Stettler, Henry Bachmann; Justice of the Peace, Edward J. Sutton, Charles E. Griffith: Constables, L. B. Van Alstyne, Henry Quintle, Paul Jeanneret; Pound Keepers. John Tuma, Louis Handel. John Miller.
Township Purposes, S800; Township Roads, $900; Poor Purposes. $50; Fall and Spring Elections. No. 3. Engine House.
In March, 1891, Mr. Axford was succeeded by W. H. Taylor, who has held that office both for the township and borough, virtually, since that time. During a portion of the months of April and May, 1894. P. B. Spencer Hodges was clerk of the borough, and Luther Shafer has been the only counsel for these two corporations.
The election of Borough officers, for East Rutherford. took place April 17, 1894, Theodore G. Hoster, serving as Mayor until released by William McKenzie in May following who has filled that office to the present time.
On May 23, 1893, the last meeting of the Committee for Boiling Springs township was held, for the purpose of closing up the township business and for making transfer of all properties to the borough officers.
The officers of the borough for the year 1897 were as follows: Mayor. William McKenzie; President of Council, William Gramlich: Councilmen, James P. Edwards. Charles Uhl. Charles Albertine, J. V. S. Van Winkle. John F. Randolph; Clerk, William H. Taylor; Assessor. Henry Bachmann: Collector, Edward A. Jeanneret; Counsel, Luther Shafer: Recorder. James A. Morgan; Engineers, Wise and Watson.
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
THE EAST RUTHERFORD LOAN AND BUILDING ASSOCIATION.
This institution with its several advantageous features has become one of the useful organizations for the poor men of this borough. It owes its promotion to a number of citizensof East Rutherford and vicinity who in a public spirited manner incorporated for business in 1895. Among those who were the first to promote this enterprise should be mentioned the names of William McKenzie, president of the Company from the first; E. A. Jeanneret, first vice president; Rudolph Dannheim, second vice president; William Fleming, Sr. secretary; J. F. Randolph, William H. Taylor, E. H. Turner, Theodore Wood and Charlotte Cooper, all of whom belong to the Board of Directors at the present time.
One of the useful features connected with this association is its Juvenile Savings Bank. The liabilities to the association from this
EAST RUTHERFORD SCHOOL
source alone during the last year amounted to $1158.88. £ The number of shareholders belonging to the association is two hundred and sixty- two, total liabilities $79,794.80 and net profits for 1898 $4, 764.15.
CHURCHES.
The Methodists erected a building for Worship in East Rutherford in 1898. The Rev. Mr. Hubach was the first pastor. The congrega- tion is constantly increasing, and a flourishing church is in prospect. There is also a gospel Mission here which is a branch of the Passaic Mission Church Society, Rev. James R. Morris in pastoral charge. Be- sides a flourishing Sunday School, the Mission, though small in mem- bership, exercises the influence and does a work creditable to a good
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sized church organization. It was this mission that sent one hundred Testaments to Company L at Sea Girt, N. J.
WILLIAM M'KENZIE.
William McKenzie, Mayor of East Rutherford borough, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on August 22, 1841. From a boy the business of cotton bleaching possessed a strong attraction for him, and he was already proficient in the art when, in 1866, he came to the United States. In Norwich, Coun., and in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, he followed the business, winning a high reputation as superintendent in a large con- cern. With the natural energy of an active man, Mr. Mckenzie con- stantly sought opportunities of improving his position, and in 1885 he took advantage of the opening which has resulted in his becoming so largely interested in East Rutherford and Bergen county.
Standing alongside the Erie Railway track at Carlton Hill at that time was a large brick building which had become known in the neigh- borhood as a white elephant. A cotton bleachery had been established their fifty years ago, and its record had been one of ruin for the men who put their money into the enterprise. Mr. Mckenzie, whose knowl- edge of the business was accurate, and who was sanguine of success under the right conditions, interested John Ward, a wholesale jeweler, in a plan for starting up the works; the place, including machinery which had lain idle for years, was bought and the wonderfully success- ful career of the Standard Bleachery, with a reputation for fine work as wide as the continent, began. Obstacles which appeared to be insur- mountable were overcome, and success was fairly forced from apparent failure by the indomitabe energy and enterprise of Mr. Mckenzie. This to-day is one of the most important industries in Bergen county, and gives employment to nearly 500 people.
Like many men deeply immersed in business cares, Mr. Mckenzie reached middle age before taking any active part in public affairs. When the call came for him to take a part in the government of his town, which was then Boiling Springs township, he reluctantly con- sented, and served two terms as chairman of the Township Committee. His judicial temperament and unvarying fairness quickly made for him a name which went far beyond the confines of his town, and strong pressure was brought to bear to induce him to run on the Republican ticket for Assemblyman in 1892. This was the year of the Democratic tidal wave, and Mr. Mckenzie was defeated; nevertheless, he headed the ticket, and was beaten by a margin so small that his prestige was greatly increased, in a county hitherto always Democratic.
Mr. Mckenzie was still chairman of the Township Committee when the movement began which resulted in the changing of Boiling Springs township into East Rutherford borough. The success of the movement was largely due to him, and he became the first Mayor of the borough. His entrance into the office was marked by a stirring incident, the local election board having unwittingly counted him out in favor of another
Im Ulenzia.
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man. An appeal to Judge Dixon, however, led to a recount, and he was seated. In 1897 he was elected for the third time, and he had no opposition.
For many years Mr. Mckenzie had served as a member of the Ber- gen County Republican Executive Committee, and his marked services to the party were recognized this year by his election as chairman of the committee, to succeed Judge D. D. Zabriskie. He is also vice presi- dent for the Fifth Congressional District of the Republican State League.
Recognizing the need of some association to set forth the advan- tages of Rutherford and its neighborhood, Mr. Mckenzie last year took an active part in forming the Rutherford and East Rutherford Board of Trade, of which he was chosen president, a place which he now holds. He has just been re-elected vice president of the Rutherford Public Library Association. He is a director in the Rutherford National Bank, of which institution he was one of the founders.
Being a strong believer in the maxim that "a penny saved is a penny earned," Mr. Mckenzie has for years been interested in loan and building associations, being a pronounced advocate of local associa- tions. Three years ago he was one of the active organizers of the East Rutherford Savings, Loan and Building Association, of which he ac- cepted the presidency, which he still holds, and the remarkable progress of the young association has been due largely to his interest and to the prestige which his name bestowed upon it. He is a Governor of the Passaic Hospital, and, in addition to being President of the Standard Bleachery Company, holds the presidency of a Paper Manufacturing Company. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the Union Club of Rutherford.
Mr. Mckenzie lives in a handsome residence at Carlton Hill, sur- rounded by acres of grounds, and located near the bleachery. He is married and has four sons and a daughter. His eldest son, James J. Mckenzie, is actively connected with the management of the Bleachery, and his third son is a student in a textile college at Philadelphia. His only daughter is married and lives near Boston, Mass.
Mr. Mckenzie is a man of sanguine temperament; level-headed, warm- hearted and true; a staunch friend and a manly foe. A deep interest in all that tends toward the uplifting of his community has been marked by many unostentations deeds of generosity on his part; but no man can be sterner toward an unworthy cause. A mental habit of looking diffi- culties squarely in the face makes him a tower of strength in trouble; and his advice is constantly sought by those who know his absolute integrity. A certain sturdy independence of manner and an insistence upon his rights have combined to attract toward him a circle of friends whose entire confidence in him is at once a tribute and a sign of proper appreciation of his worth. His fine mental fibre has been shown in every position of trust which has been given to him, and a deep strain of reverence in his nature for what is grand and ennobling has left its impress on his life. He possesses a rare sympathy for those who are
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