History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I, Part 146

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 840

USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 146
USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 146

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

E. GOULD & EBERHARDT, manufacturers of ma- chinists' tools and special machinery, 97 to 113 New Jersey Railroad Avenue and 122 Green Street. This house was founded in 1833 by Ezra Gould, who is a native of Paterson, N. J., and a venerable gentleman. Mr. Eberhardt, the junior member of the firm, served

E la Hay

David Mo Meter

INDUSTRIES OF NEWARK.

his time with Mr. Gould, and subsequently became a partner, and now has the entire management of the business. The business was first started in the Heden- berg Works, in a place sixteen feet square, and was removed to its present location several years since, when the establishment was half its present size. The main buildings on New Jersey Railroad Avenue are one hundred and fifty by thirty-five feet, sixty by twenty feet, sixty by twenty-five feet, and on Green Street thirty-five by fifty-one feet, all four stories high. The foundry on Railroad Avenue is sixty by forty feet. The average employment is one hundred and fifty persons. The trade of this establishment is all over the world, notably to South America, Mexico, Australia and Germany.

THE LYON BOILER WORKS .- These large works "and in 1861, Mr. Mecker purchased the entire business. are the outgrowth of a small establishment started on the site of the present buildings, 291-297 Commerce Street, by Lewis J. Lyon, in 1847. He has carried on the business without intermission since, constantly enlarging it and making it more successful. Ile manufactures boilers and all of their connections, for which he finds a market in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, the Eastern States and South America. The employes number about sixty.

MALLEABLE IRON WORKS,-Malleable and gray iron foundry, Nos. 87 to 95 Clay Street, was established in 1843 by Gardner, Harrison & Co. In 1858 the firm- name was changed to Pierson & Meeker, and during 1861, Mr. D. M. Mecker, who had been connected with the firm from its inception, became sole proprie tor. The business was continued without further change until 1873, when the firm-name became D. M. Meeker & Son, by the admission of the son, Stephen J. Mecker, as a partner.

The productions of the foundry were at first con- fined to malleable iron castings, subsequently gray iron was included, and now comprise bronze and German-silver castings. A general business of iron founding is carried on, and a great variety of small castings are made here.

DAVID M. MERKER .- The Meckers are of English extraction, the progenitor of the family in New Jersey having been Joseph, who removed from Con- necticut and settled in Elizabeth. Among his sons was John, to whom was born a son James. A second James, son of the one already mentioned, married and became the father of Stephen J. Meeker. The latter was twice married,-first, to Phobe Magie, whose children were a daughter who died in infancy, and a son, David Magic, the subject of this biogra- phical sketch ; and a second time to Eliza Woodruff, whose three daughters are Phebe, Jane H. and Ilan- nah. Phebe became Mrs. Charles E. Brown, of Eliza- beth; Jane married Theodore Dufford, of Orange; and Hannah, deceased, became Mrs. George Harrison, also of Orange. David Magie Mecker was born Nov. 26, 1819, at t'onnectient Farms, Union Co., N. J., and received such educational advantages as the

- hole adjacent to his home afforde I, supplemented by a period at the academy at Madison. He was, on the completion of his studies, apprenticed to the trade of harness-making, and at the expiration of his terni of service removed to New York, and became a jour- neyman. In 1840 he made Newark his residence, and embarked with a partner in the lumber business. Two years later a wider field for his energie was opened in the manufacture of malleable iron. This enterprise was, however, but just begun when a dis- astrous fire ended all hope of immediate alleers. Mr. Meeker then organized the firm of Gardner, Harrison & Co., for the manufacture of the same material, and continued with this firm until 1557, when Messrs. Pierson and Meeker became proprietors, His son, Stephen J., the same year entered the office, and was in 173 made a member of the firm. Mr. Meeker was, in December, 1840, married to Olivia, daughter of Samuel H. Gardner, of Irvington, N. J., whose children are Mary E. (Mrs. W. t. Miller), Stephen J. (married, in 186%, to Lizzie P., daughter of Rev. John HI. Townley, of Morristown. N. L., whose children are two sons, David M. and Gardner,. Fannie D. (Mrs. James E. Harrison), and one who died in infancy. He was a second time married, on the 12th of May, 1859, to Julia .A., daughter of Ralph 11. Pier- son, whose only child is 5. Julia. Mr. Meeker was in polities a Democrat, but not an active worker in the political arena; much of his time, aside from his business pursuits, having been given to the interests which centred about his home. He was a member of the executive committee of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and member and the third president of the Newark Industrial Insti- tute. He was in his religious views a Presbyterian, and a regular attendant of the Park Presbyterian Church. The death of Mr. Meeker occurred June 16, 18sa, in his sixty-first year.

Passaic Machine Works-WATTS. CAMPBELL COMPANY .- The business from which has grown this mammoth establishment was commenced in a small way, in 1851 by William Watts and Zachariah Belcher, at the old Washington Factory, near the reservoir. In 1853 the lot now occupied, corner of Ogden and Passaic Streets, was purchased, and a small building erected, thirty-six by seventy-two feet, to which the business of the firm was transferred. Mr. Belcher withdrew from the firm in 1855, after which it was composed of William and George Watts, and in 1865. Daniel T. Campbell became a partner with the Watts' brothers, when the firm-name was changed to Watts, Campbell & Co., which continued till May, 1883, at which time William Watts died. Nov. I, 1853. the Watts, Campbell Company was incorpor- ated, with George Watts, Daniel T. Campbell, Mary Belcher, and Charles Watts a> incorporator -.

The business of this firm or company has steadily grown from twenty thousand dollars, and two or three

595

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

men employed annually, to the employment, in 1884, of three hundred and twenty men, and sales amount- ing to three hundred thousand dollars. The shops have grown from thirty-six by seventy-two feet until they now cover one and a half acres of ground. The customers have increased from a few local purchasers to thousands in all parts of the world.

WILLIAM WATTS .- The Watts family are of Eng- lish extraction, William Watts, the grandfather of the subject of this biography, having resided in Bris- tol, England. He was by trade a plumber, and gained some distinction as the inventor of patent shot. His children were seven in number, of whom George, born in Bristol. England, emigrated to America in 1-21. Hle was by profession a chemist, and in his adopted country engaged in the smelting and refin- ing of stereotype and type metal. He married Eliza Sage, who was of Welsh descent, and had children,- George, William, Charles, Eliza (deceased) Helen. Emma (deceased) and Mary (Mrs. Hezekiah Belcher.) William, the second son, was born Aug. 10, 1825, in New York City, and in 1827 removed with his pa- rents to Newark. He received a rudimentary educa- tion, and when a youth entered the shops of Seth Boyden to learn the trade of a machinist. On the completion of his apprenticeship and for several years after, he was employed as a journeyman, and in 1850, under the firm-name of Watts & Belcher, es- tablished a machine shop. George Watts, his bro- ther, having erected a spacious shop in Newark for mechanical work, William subsequently became asso- ciated with him in business. In 1865 the firm of Watts, L'ampbell & Co., was organized for the man- ufacture of Corliss steam-engines and other machin- ery, in which Mr. Watts was one of the active part- ners. In the management of this business he partici pated actively until his death, on the 27th of May, 1×53. He was a skillful mechanic and a man of progressive ideas, keeping pace with the modern improvements in mechanical science. By his know- ledge and aptitude he added greatly to the value of many inventions, though not himself an inventive genius. Ile possessed a genial nature and an exu- berance of spirit which rendered him universally popular. Mr Watts was a Republican in politics, though not actively a participant in the publie ques- tions of the day.

SKINNER & LEARY, (Charles N. and John N.) have since Istit been extensively engaged in the manufacture of steam engines and all kinds of machinery at 5-7 Rail- road Place. The buildings were erected especially for them, and are consequently well adapted to their use.

Tool Manufacturers .- Among tool makers is Iler. man Fiedler, of 363 Market Street, who is also an engraver and die-sinker. The business was established by Kunze & Pryor in 1872, and they were sue- ceeded by Mr. Charles Kunze. Mr. Fiedler became ; associated with him, and in July, 1881, bought out his interest and became sole proprietor.

Another firm engaged in making edge-tools is that of Schureman & Hager, of 8-12 Commercial Street. The business was started in 1877 by 11. B. Schure- man, and B. G. Hager formed a partnership with him in 1881. The firm employs about forty hands, and turns out four hundred dozen edge-tools per week.

HENRY FOERSTER carries on the manufacture of hardware and mechanics' tools at the Hedenberg Works. The business was founded by Foerster & Kraeuter in 1874, and the senior member became the sole proprietor in 1879.

Still another manufacturer in this line is William Johnson, also of the Hedenberg Works. The business was established in 1830 by the father of the present proprietor, who bore the same name.

DODGE & LYONS, Montelair Railroad, machinery and tool manufacturers. Firm composed of James Dodge and William W. Lyons, (formerly Dodge Heller & Lyons). They are conspicuous among leading manufacturing concerns in the city, occupy- ing a large plant, furnishing employment to many operatives and doing an extensive business.

CHARLES BURROUGHS, 141 Commerce Street, man- ufacturer of fine machinery of all descriptions,- hydraulic presses and pumps, screw-presses, dies, punches and moulds. Business established on Mul- berry Street, in Wagner's building in 1875; prior to that time had been in employ of Seymour Whitlock, and Celluloid Manufacturing Company. Mr. Bur- roughs employs twenty men.

Metal Fancy Goods .- This business was first es- tablished at Bloomfield by James Bishop about the year 1837, when George Havell became one of his apprentices, and in 1842 the business was removed to Newark, where Mr. Bishop continued till 1863, when he was succeeded by Stevens, Roberts & Havell. That firm was succeeded by Roberts & Hav- ell, and in 1883, Mr. Roberts died, leaving Mr. Havell sole proprietor. The business is conducted at Nos. 284-286 Washington Street, where Mr. Havell gives steady employment to three hundred and fifty persons.

GEORGE HAVELL .- The parents of Mr. Havell resided in Reading, England, where their son George was born on the 19th of February, 1828. With them he emigrated in 1830, when but eighteen months old, to America, and as a youth enjoyed but limited ad- vantages of education, having been placed by his stepfather, James Bishop, in a factory when but nine years of age. lle early developed great mechanical ingenuity, and at the age of twelve years was able to make many of the tools used in the business. His stepfather, on the discovery of the fact, encouraged his genius in this special department of mechanical labor, and at the age of fifteen years he was able to make the most difficult set of tools without having had previous instruction. Among these implements was a complete set of jewelers' tools. Mr. Havell continued

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George Flanell

Ro. Heinisch

599

INDUSTRIES OF NEWARK.

to follow assiduously the trade he had learned, and in the year 1862 succeeded to the business, which is that of a manufacturer of steel, brass, nickel-plated, silvered, gilt and enameled goods. He was married, Dec. 25, 1850, at the age of twenty-two, to Miss Sarah Clark, of Newark, to whom were born five children, the survivors being two daughters, Elizabeth (wife of A. G. Williams) and Tillie C.

Mr. Havell has also an adopted son, who became a member of the family on the death of his mother, who was a sister-in-law of Mrs. Havell. In politics the subject of this biographical sketch is a Republi- can, and although frequently solicited to accept office, has invariably declined such honors. He is a Presby- terian in his religious faith and a supporter of the Park Presbyterian Church of Newark.

Cutlery Business .- HEINISCH's SONS, Nos. 109 to 121 Bruce Street. The pioneer in the manufacture of fine cutlery in Newark was the late Rochus Heinisch, who came to this country from Leutmeritz, Bohemia, his native land, early in the present century. For a time he manufactured surgical instruments in New York, and came here about the year 1830, having before that been in Elizabeth. In Newark he con- tinued the same industry. Mr. Heinisch was a mechanie of superior attainments. The inventive faenlty was largely developed in him. This he ap- plied to his trade, and while building up for himself and his children a splendid business, at the same time, by his improvements in scissors and shears, conferred incalculable benefits on all who used them in their labor. Prior to his death, which occurred in .August, 1874, he associated his sons-Rochus, Jr., Henry C., Albert A. and Edmund E .- with him in business, under the firm-title of R. Ileinisch & Sons. The sons continue the business founded by their father, under the title of R. Heinisch's Sons, at 349 High Street. The goods of the firm find a market not only in this country, but in far-off Australia, and even English tailors pass by Sheffield and come to Newark for their shears.

Rocuus HEINISCH .- Mr. Heinisch was of therman extraction, and born in Bohemia, Austria, on the 14th of February, 1801. After receiving an excellent edu- cation, he learned the trade of a surgical instrument maker, and on completing his apprenticeship removed to l'aris, where he was soon promoted to the position of foreman of the establishment in which he was em- ployed. Amerien, however, offering a wider field to the artisan, he emigrated, and choosing Brooklyn as a location, there pursued his trade. Ile at this time conceived the idea of manufacturing shears of mal- Jeable iron faced with steel, and removed to New York for the purpose of making an experimental test of his invention. Having demonstrated its practica- bility, he established in the city of Elizabeth a factory for the manufacture of shears. Some years later he removed to Newark, and engaged in a similar enter- prise, with which he was identified until his death, in

1874. He was the pioneer in this branch of industry, and known as a successful inventor, his most promi- nent achievement having been the invention of the tailors' shears, which have since found a market in nearly every portion of Europe and America. He also made many improvements on these shears, all of which are protected by patents. Mr. Heinisch married Susanna Dievenbach, a lady of Swiss descent, of whose twelve children eight survive. Hle became favorably known as an inventor and suo- cessfol manufacturer, and continued business until a short period prior to his death, when his sons suc- eceded to the interest. He was, as a Whig, and later as a Republican, actively interested in the political issues of the day, and though not an aspirant for otlice, served as alderman of the Sixth Ward of New- ark. He manifested a keen love for military tactics, and served as captain of the Putnam Horse Ginards, of which, on its formation into a battalion, he became major. Mr. Heinisch was one of the earliest German residents of Newark, having come to the city in 1829. He possessed a genial and kindly nature and an urbane and courteous hearing, which won universal regard.

BANNISTER & Co. make table cutlery superior in finish and equal in quality to the best Sheffield manu- facture. The same is true of Charles Felder, E. G. Koenig, F. Wickelhaus, Gus. Widman, and J Wiss & Sons.

ROMER & Co., lock manufacturers, No. 141 to 115 New Jersey Railroad Avenue. This manufactory was established in 1837 by H. C. Jones, who was the inventor of the double-acting switch and ear locks. Mr. Charles W. A. Romer was in the employ of Mr. Jones as foreman of his factory, and succeeded him in the business. Mr. Romer was associated with different persons until 1868, when J. N. Wilkins was admitted as a partner in the business, and the present firm-name was adopted. The principal productions of the factory are pad and prison loeks. They also mannfacture buiklers and bronze ware, and a general line of piano and sewing-machine locks, and other locks of a similar character. Their goods are sold in all parts of the United States and South America.

CHARLES W. A. ROMER .- Henry C. Romer, the father of the subject of this biographical sketch, was born in 1787 in the city of Hanover, in the kingdom of Hanover, and removed in 1809 to the city of Bruns- wick, in the principality of Brunswick, where he con- tinued to reside and pursue his trade, that of a carriage and wagon maker. He married Frederika M. Denecke, of Brunswick, and had children,-Herman, Eliza, Charles W. A., August, William and one who died in infancy. Atl the members of this family, with the exception of t'harles W. A. and Eliza, are decrased. The former was born in the city of Brunswick on the 27th of October, 1827. He continued .a pupil of the citizens' school, where a thorough rudimentary educa- tion was obtained, until thirteen and a half years of age when he was apprenticed to a locksmith, serving

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

four years at his trade. He was employed for three and a half years in various portions of the country and on returning to his home, decided, in view of the superior advantages offered the artisan in America, to emigrate. He embarked in a sailing-vessel on the 19th of April, 1849, and after a journey of five weeks landed in New York with a eash capital of fifty cents. Mr. Romer was influenced soon after to locate in Albany, N. Y., where a position in a blacksmith shop was opened to him, the wages being four shillings per day. After a service of two months he was obliged to relin-

while, in connection with a partner, in 1855, begun the manufacture of lamps, and continued this enter- prise until 1860. Mr. Romer associated with him in the lock business Peter Hassinger, under the firm-name of Romer & Co. John H. Wilkins meanwhile became a partner, and Mr. Hassinger in 1870 retired, leaving the remaining partners to conduct the business, under the firm-name of Romer & Co. Mr. Romer was mar- ried, in 1851, to Jane, daughter of Albert Smith, who was of Holland descent, and emigrated in 1847. Their only child is John Albert. Mrs. Romer died in 1860,

Chat Hol Romer

quish the place, there being no demand for skilled labor. ; and Mr. Romer was again married, in 1863, to Frederica Gladly accepting such work as was offered in a brick- C. Grimm, daughter of Adam Frederick tirimm. Their children are Jane E., Clara S., Carrie E., Birdie M. and four who are deceased. Mr. Romer in politics votes the Republican ticket, though not active as a politician. He is a director and was one of the founders of the German National Bank of Newark. He has been since 1853 a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he holds the relation of local preacher. He is class-leader and steward in connection with the German Methodist Episcopal Church of Newark. yard, at seventy-five cents per day, he finally returned to New York, and was persuaded to make Newark his home, where he obtained a position in a lock factory as a worker upon trunk loeks. One year after he effected an engagement with Henry C. Jones as a skilled workman on padlocks and bank locks. On the expiration of the second year he became superintend- ent of the factory, and retained the position ten years, his relations with his employer being severed only by the purchase of the business in 1863. He had, mean- MOCKRIDGE & Sox, dealers in mechanies' tools,

INDUSTRIES OF NEWARK.

builders' hardware and manufacturers of planes. The and R. Nuemann & Co. have carried on much the same business was established in 1835 by Abraham Mock- business as Walsh.

ridge and Elias Francis, at what was then No. 145 Washington Street (now No. 255.) Here they con- ducted the business with marked success until 1868. when Mr. Francis retired, and the firm-nanie he- came Mockridge & Son, Oscar B., son of the senior member of the firm, having become a member of the same, in 1866. The father, Abraham, died in 1872, leaving the son in control of the business, which he continues under the firm-name of Mockridge & Son. His trade in planes comes from all sections of the country, while the hardware trade is more of a local character. Mr. Mockridge is a native of Newark, and is well and favorably known in business as well as social circles as an enterprising manufacturer and dealer.

Saddlers' and Harness-Makers' Tools, Hatters' Tools, Edge-Tools, Saws-C. S. OSBORNE & Co. - From the smallest beginnings, fifty-eight years ago, there have grown up in Newark nearly a score of hard- ware and tool factories. The firm of C. S. Osborne & Co. claim to he the pioneers in the United States in the manufacture of saddlers' and harness-makers' tools. Joseph English established the business here in 1826. English made small headway until 1856, when C. S. Osborne and William Dodd became asso- ciated with him in business, when the firm-name be- came William Dodd & Co. In 1861 the firm was C. S. Osborne & Co., and in 1883 the partners were C. S. Osborne, Jasper C. Osborne and Walter D. Osborne, the firm-name being C. S. Osborne & Co. Their works were destroyed by fire in 1863, rebuilt in 1864, and enlarged in 1883. They give steady employment to seventy-five men.

JOHN CARLTON was early established here in pro- ducing mechanics' tools, especially those used by hat- ters. llis business spread until finally his goods reached and became extensively used by the Mor- mons at Salt Lake City. Charlton's wares also go as far as the West Indies and Germany.

In the manufacture of edge-tools, such as carpen- ters use, the house of William Johnson is one of the very oldlest in the country. It was founded by the present proprietor's father in 1834. MI. B. Provost, in the same line, was established about the same time. M. Price started in 1846, and Henry Sauerbier in 1848.

Several years before this John Toler began the manufacture of castors.

Locka and builders' hardware have for a quarter of a century been manufactured by Langstroth & C'rane.

Axes, adzes, hatchets, and the like have been spe- cialties with William White.

In 1844, Cornelius Walsh began, in a very small way, to manufacture bag-frames and trunk hardware. (. A. De Hart-the Newark Edge-Tool Manufactory- Foerster & Kraeuter, Henry Sommers and Wichel- haus & Roothe, have likewise long been engaged in the manufacture of edge-tools, while Charles Kupper

One firm, Spaeth & Guelicher. have been engaged in manufacturing fine skates exclusively.

In 1859, t'. Richardson began the manufacture of saws.

Besides the foregoing formidable array of workers in iron and kindred metals, Newark has had a smoothing- iron manufactory | Bless & Drake's, now at 173 New Jersey Railroad Avenue), a number of file manufac- tories, an iron safe manufactory, several iron railing manufactories, several spring and axle manufactories, a wire manufactory, a scale manufactory, and an ex- tensive steel manufactory, the founders being Prentice, Atha & Co. The steel manufactured is the finest pro- duced in Aussica, and is used for every purpose, from the finest pocket-knife cutlery to the rails on railroads.

The Jewelry Manufacture of Newark .- The pioneer in the jewelry trade of Newark was Epaphras Hinsdale, who came here about the year 1801. and started business in a building on the site now occupied by the stately and substantial Metiregor structure. Ilinsdale is supposed to have been the first person in America to establish a factory for the exclusive man- ufacture of jewelry. In a few years he took as part- ner a journeyman in his employ named John Taylor. The firm established a very high character for fair dealing and superior workmanship. Among their customers none used to cut a greater dash while shop- ping than Col. Mayor, the brother-in-law of the late distinguished soklier, Gen. Winfield Scott. The colonel used to drive into town with an elegant equipage, six horses, driver and postilion,-a grand turn-out. The eredit. however, of first winning ex- tended fame for Newark handiwork in the jewelry business is generally awarded to Taylor & Baldwin. Of existing houses, that of Thomas G. Brown Sons, 'of Marshall and Halaey Streets, claims to be the old - est,-to have been established in 1834. In 1837-38 the manufacturing jewelers of Newark were Taylor, Baldwin & Co., (John Taylor, Isaac Baldwin, Horace E. Baldwin) ; C. E. Chevalier, doing business at No. 6 Franklin Street, near Broad ; John Mederaft, Bos- tou Street, near Richmond ; Bliss & Dwight ( Elihu Bliss, George Dwight), Broad Street, "opposite the Third Church ; " Colton & Alling (Demas C'olton, Stephen B. Alling), Franklin Street, near Mulberry ; and Taylor & Nichols, (John Taylor, Jr., S. O. Nich- ols), Broad Street, between Green and Franklin Streets. In 1840, Stephen B. AAlling, Demas t'olton, Jr., and John Taylor conducted business separately. In 1845 there were nine manufacturing firms in oper- ation. These were Baldwin & C'o. (the old firm, minus Taylor) Bliss and Dwight, Demas Colton, Bald- win, Osborn & Co. (E. A. Baldwin, E. Osborn and E. Crane). John Annin, 48 Kinney street, John Tay- lor, Jr., Aaron C'arter, Jr., I. A. and J. C. Alling, and Jennings & Pierson (J. C. Jennings, John R. Pierson). It was during a later period, however,

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I, Part 146

Author: Shaw, William H Publication date: 1884 Publisher: [United States :] Number of Pages: 840

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 840