History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I, Part 76

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 76
USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 76

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285

THE BAR OF ESSEX COUNTY.

Guild, editor and proprietor of the Newark Daily Jour- mal, was born in Denville, Warren Co., N. J., Sep- tember 5, 1829. Having heen thoroughly prepared for a university course, he entered the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, and was graduated from that institution in 1851. Soon thereafter he began the study of law in the office of llon. F. T. Frelinghuysen, then a practitioner in Newark, N. J. In June, 1854. he was admitted as an attorney, and in February, 1859, as a counselor-at-law. He established himself im- mediately in the work of his profession in Newark, where he has now labored industriously and success- fully for more than thirty years. Quite carly in his professional career he became city attorney, ste- creding Hon. Theodore Runyon in that office, and holding it for one year, Mr. Runyon being, at the same time, made city counsel. In 1865 he received the ap- pointment of city counsel, but was again obliged, by reason of political changes, to retire at the end of a twelvemonth. On the death of City Counsel N. Perry, Jr., in March, 1875, Mr. Guild entered once more upon the duties of that office, and once more suffered an overthrow, together with his politi- cal party, at the commencement of the following year. His ability, however, as a lawyer was so notable. that when, in 1884, his party came again into power he came also, and for the third time, into the office of city counsel, where he is at present performing his duty in a manner creditable to himself and bene- ficial to the city.

Mr. Guild has for many years enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice. His reputation as an advo- cate has brought him into a large number of impor- tant cases, especially of a criminal character, and when- ever he has failed to win, it has not been for lack of dili- genre, or learning or eloquent advocacy of his client's case. In the matter of the State es. Benjamin Noyes. for conspiracy, he was one of the counsel for defendant. but rather as an adviser than as a prominent partici- pant in the trial. Noyes was past saving when the case was opened, and so was Botts, the murderer of Pet Halsted, whom Mr. Guild reluctantly defended, well knowing that the man could not escape the gallows. As for Mrs. Mcierhoffer, for the murder of her husband, there was no hope except in the circum- stance that her woman's gear might operate in her favor with the jury. In these and many other cases Mr. Guild won for himself great applause.

On numerous occasions he has been solicited to areept public office, but has steadfastly refused every- thing that was not in the line of his profession, und in the practice of this he enjoys the respect and nemiration of his brethren and of all who know bim.

CALEB S. TITSWORTH was born at Metuchen, Middlesex Co., N. J., September 16, 1826. After a thorough preparatory course of instruction in the De Ruyter Institute, Madison County, N. Y., with a view to entering college, he engaged in teaching, first in

the public schools of Middlesex County, N. J., and subsequently as principal of the Shiloh Academy, in Cumberland County, of the same State. At this time he was enrolled as a student-at-law in the office of Hon. John T. Nixon, then a practitioner in Bridge- ton in the county last named, and now a judge of the United States District Court for the State of New Jersey. In 1847, after spending the summer at Rut- gers Grammar School, New Brunswick, he entered Union College, New York, and was thence graduated in 1850 with high honors. Ilis health being somewhat impaired by close application to study, he journeyed leisurely, and not altogether aimlessly, southward until he reached the neighborhood of Natchez. Find- ing himself in good condition physically, he con- cluded to resume his old occupation, and engaged as a classical teacher in the Bridgeton Grammar School, situated about nine miles from that city. Here he remained until 1853, when he returned to his father's home, now removed to Plainfield, N. J., and entered, as a law student, the office of John Annis, Esq., of that place. Subsequently he made his r sidence in Newark, and there, in the office of the present Chan- vellor Runyon, having completed the course of study prescribed by law, he was admitted to the bar in No- vember, 1855. He entered at once upon the practice of his profession in Newark, and with such success that in January, 1866, he was elected city coun- sel. This office he held until March. 1867, when he resigned it in order to assume the duties of prose- cutor of the pleas for Essex County, to which posi- tion he had been appointed. These duties he con- tinned to discharge for a full term of five years, when, the party politically opposed to him coming into power, he was superseded. In 1874 he was elected by the Legislature, in joint meeting, president judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and in this office he also remained a full term, to find himself at its ex- piration again at the mercy of his political oppo- nents, and again at liberty to resume his practice, which he has since that time continued with great success.

JAMES C. MCDONALD was born at Princeton, Mer- eer Co., N. J., October 1, 1>31. He is the son of the late Hon. William K. McDonald, notice of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. James C. McDonald was graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1852, and immediately afterwards entered upon the study of law. Having been admitted to the bar in 1855, he began the practice of his profession in Newark, N. J., where he is still residing. His business is chiefly in the Court of Chancery, and in the investigation of land titles, for which he has a well-deserved reputation for great skill and conscien- tious care. Mr. McDonald is a gentleman of culture, fond of study, and travel, and well versed in the modern languages.

JAMES W. FIELD .- Robert Field, the progenitor of the family in America, on his arrival from England,

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

was a patentce at Flushing. Long Island, in 1645. His son, Robert, settled at Newtown, and was a land- owner in that village in 1670. He died April 13, 1701, leaving four sons, named Robert, Nathaniel, Elnathan and Ambrose. Elnathan died January 3, 1754, leaving children,-Robert, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Susannah. Benjamin had one son, Hezekiah, whose birth-place was Newtown, where he was an ex- tensive land-owner and farmer. He married Phebe, daughter of Robert Coe, of Newtown, whose children were seven in number, all of whom, with the excep- tion of Benjamin and James, having died unmarried. Although Mr. Taylor takes all the interest in public affairs that is becoming in, and even obligatory upon, every good citizen, he is not, in the ordinary sense of the word, a politician. Almost from the first day that he began to practice, his professional business has so constantly occupied his time and thoughts that he has been obliged to avoid the political arena in which he has been, on various occasions, invited to take a part. In 1869, however, so strong was the pressure brought to bear upon him by the leaders of the Republican party, that he was indneed to become its candidate for Senator for the county of Essex, of The latter was born in 1779 and died in 1863, having, : which he is a resident. The vote at this election was at the beginning of his business career, removed to comparatively small, but Mr. Taylor was chosen Senator by two hundred and fifty-eight majority. After having served three years with great eredit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constitu- ents, he was renominated in 1872, and, with an in- creased general vote, he was, on this occasion, elected by a majority of four thousand five hundred and thirty-two. On his return to the Senate he was, in 1873, unanimously chosen president of that body, and with such efficiency and impartiality did he dis- charge the duties of that high position that he was again, in 1874, unanimously chosen president. It has been said of him that "he proved himself to be a most ethicient presiding officer, displaying intimate knowledge of parliamentary practice, holding the scales evenly between both parties, and at all times upholding the dignity of the position and of the Senate." New York, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which were continued until 1835, when he retired to Orange, his subsegent home. He married, first, a Miss trop- sey, of New York, and, second, Miss Lydia Lindsley, of Orange, whose only child was James W., born September 1, 1831. He received his early educational training at St. Mark's Hall, under Rev. Anthony Ten Broeck, and later under Rev. Samnel S. Stock- ing, as also private tutors. Having decided upon the law as a profession, he entered the office of Philip Kingsley, of Orange, and concluded his studies with John L. Blake, of that city. He was admitted to the bar November, 1855, and at once began the practice of his profession in Orange, where he has since re- sided. Mr. Field soon established a successful prac- tice, and won an extensive clientage. He was on October 15, 1856, married to Miss Josephine Kissam, daughter of Joseph and Ann M. Embury Kissam. Their children are Joseph K., an attorney in Orange, and Lizzie Embury.

Mr. Field is in his political predilections a Demo- crat, but during his active life has avoided the allur- ing arena of politics, having little taste for its ex- citements, as he is also indifferent to its honors. He is a member of St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal Church of Orange, in which he has been a vestry- man since 1865.

JOHN W. TAYLOR was born in Buckland, Frank- lin Co., Mass., in 1830. Having received a good academic education in his native State, he deter- mined to pursue a literary or a professional career. and, with this intent, engaged temporarily in teach- ing as a means not only of living, but of making further advances in learning. His first efforts in this direction were made in New England, and subse- quently he taught school with great success, as is -aid, in Morristown, N. J. While in that place, it seems, he resolved to enter the legal profession, and removing to Newark, became a student in the office of Hon. Amzi Dodd, afterwards vice-chancellor. In June, 1857, he was admitted as an attorney, and in June, 1860, as a counselor-at-law. Soon after receiv- ing his first license he established himself as a prac- titioner in Newark, and has since that time been continuously engaged in the work of his profession.

Mr. Taylor is a gentleman of scholarly attainments, and, notwithstanding his extensive practice, keeps well abreast with the literature of the day. His law library is one of the largest in the State, and his mis- cellaneous collection is not only very extensive, but contains many rare and valuable works. With a love for books and study, it is quite natural that he should be a warm friend of public instruction. As such he was several times elected a member of the Board of Education of the city of Newark, in which body he proved himself highly useful during his connection with it. At present his attention is given to his pri- vate practice, holding no office whatever except that of counsel to the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Essex County, which he has held since 1868.

STEPHEN VAN CORTLANDT VAN RENSSELAER was born in Belleville, N. J., March 24, 1836. After receiving a good preparatory education he entered Rutgers College, New Jersey, and was graduated there- from in 1854. In 1857, having been admitted to the bar, he settled in Newark, N. J., where he began to prar- tice. On the breaking out of the Rebellion he offered his services, and was commissioned as captain in the Thirteenth Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers. On the 28th of December, 1863, he was promoted major in the Third Cavalry Regiment. Having retired from the service, he returned to Newark and resumed his practice. In 1875 he was elected a men-

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THE BAR OF ESSEX COUNTY.

ber of the General Assembly, and in 1876 was re- elected to the same position. In 1877 he was chosen a member of the Common Council of the city of Newark, and while still a member of that body was elected sheriff of Essex County, in which office he served for three years. At the present time Maj. Van Rensselaer is the general agent of the Equita- ble Life Insurance Company, and a resident of New- ark.

JOSEPH L. HALSEY was admitted as an attorney - at-law in February, 1858. Ile is a resident of New- ark, N. J.

WILLIAM VANDERPOOL, son of the late Hon. Beach Vanderpool, of Newark, N. J., was born in New York City, December 4, 1835. In 1854 he was grad- uated A.B. from Burlington College, New Jersey, and in 1857 received in course the degree of A.M. Soon afterwards he entered the Law Department of Har- vard University, and in 1859 received from that institution the degree of L.L.B. He also prosecuted his studies for some time in the city of Berlin, Prus- sia. In 1858 he was admitted to the bar as an attor- ney, and in 1861 as a counselor. Mr. Vanderpool practiced law in Newark seven years, during six of , which he was secretary of the Morris and Essex Railroad Company. In 1865 he retired from general practice on being elected secretary of the New Jer- sey Insurance Company, a position which he has since that time occupied.

JAMES N. FITZGERALD, grandson of the late Aaron Boylan, Esq., and son of Mr. John D. Fitz- gerald, was born in Newark, N. J., July 27, 1837. that place holds a high position among its public- He was admitted to the bar in 1858, and immediately began the practice of law in his native city. In 1861 he determined to enter the ministry, and soon after became a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His success as a preacher was such that he commanded first-class appointments, and in time was made presiding elder of the Newark District. His election to three successive General Conferences indicates the estimation in which he is held by his own conference. Dr. Fitzgerald is a trustee of Drew Seminary, and vice-president of the board.

ABRAHAM MANNERS was born in Mercer County, N. ... , July 14, 1835. At a very early age he removed with his parents to Hunterdon County, N. J., where he remained until 1859, and where he received his early education. After graduating from the Pough- keepsie Law School, he entered, as a student, the ollice of Bennett Van Syckle, Esq., now an associate justice of the Supreme Court, and in 1859 was admitted to the bar. Ile began to practice soon after in Newark, N. J., where he still resides and retains his office.

CONRAD MEYER ZCLICK was born ut Easton, Pa., June 3, 1839, and was educated at Minerva Hall, in that place. In June, 1860, he was admitted to the bar of New Jersey. On the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861, he offered his services to the

government, and received the appointment of adju- tant in the Second Division of Colored Volunteers. He was subsequently appointed lieutenant colonel commanding, and in this capacity did faithful service until he received an honorable discharge on account of disability incurred on the fickl and in the line of duty. Soon afterwards he was appointed by President Johnson United States internal revenue assessor, to succeed Hon. George A. Halsey. In 1880, he was chosen a delegate-at-large to the Democratic National Convention at Cincinnati. In November, 1879, he was elected surrogate of Essex County, a position which he has filled for nearly five years with great satisfaction to the public.

ASA WHITEHEAD, JR., was admitted as an attor- ney-at-law in November, 1859. He is a resident of Newark, N. J.

J. HENRY STONE was born in Rahway, N. J., November 19, 1835. Having received a careful pre- liminary education, he entered Rutgers College, and was graduated from that institution in 1856. Soon thereafter be entered, as a student, the law office of Hon. Cortlandt Parker, and in 1859 was admitted to the bar. He began as a practitioner in Newark, N. J., and, in conducting his law business, was alone until 1866, when he became associated with John P. Jackson, Jr., Esq., with whom he continued in part- nership, under the style of Stone & Jackson, until a short time before the death of Mr. Jackson. Although a member of the Essex County bar, MIr. Stone has always been a resident of Rahway, and in

Ispirited men. He is a director in the Rahway Gas Company and the Rahway Savings Institution. As a member of the Common Council of that city he was prominent and useful. For two years he held the high position of mayor, and for a long period filled the office of city attorney. In 1872 he was elected a member of the State Senate for I'nin County for the term of three years, and served on some of the most important committees of that body. Among the important services which he rendered to the State at this time was his earnest advocacy of the General Railroad Law, a measure for which he earnestly contended until its passage was secured. The benefits to the State resulting from this law are inestimable. It is said of Mr. Stone that, although a stanch Republican, he has always been governed by a desire to promote the public welfare.

CHARLES BORCHERLING, son of the late Charles F. Borcherling, a former highly-respected citizen of Newark, N. J., was born in the city of Berlin, Prus- sia, January 11, 1827. When a child he accompanied his parents to the United States, and subsequently visiting his native country, received there a partial eduention, which was afterwards continued on his return to America. His original intention was to lead n business life, but his fondness for study, as well as a high regard for his father's wishes, induced him

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

to apply himself to the study of law. He entered, accordingly, the office of Hon. Cortlandt Parker as a student, and, in June, 1860, was admitted to the bar of New Jersey, and subsequently to that of the Supreme Court of the United States. His entrance upon the practice of his profession soon followed his admission to the bar, and as a practitioner he became immediately successful. Although greatly sought and trusted as a counselor, he is regarded as an able advocate, and has, at present, a full share of the business before the several State and County Courts. In the celebrated Meierhofer murder case he won for himself a great reputation, not only as a lawyer of abundant learning and acumen, not only as an officer of the court entirely willing to obey its behests, what- ever might be to him the costs, but as a man of ten- der feelings and generous instincts. His client on this occasion was a poor, ragged, friendless tramp, charged with the high crime of murder. Mr. Borch- erling was assigned by the court to defend him, with- out the hope of any pecuniary reward whatever. This service was not only faithfully performed during a trial of four long weeks but the accused was clothed and otherwise cared for at the expense of his counsel, who firmly believed at the time, and who is still of the opinion, that the unfortunate wretch was innocent of the crime for which he finally suffered.

Although a man in easy circumstances Mr. Borch- erling is an industrious and painstaking laborer in his profession. In all matters affecting the public welfare he has ever taken a commendable interest, while he has never held or sought any public office. In August, 1869 he was married to Eliza S., daughter of James M. Quimby, Esq., of Newark. Mrs. Bor- cherling died September 20, 1865, leaving an only son, Frederick Adolph Borcherling.

SAMUEL F. BIGELOW was admitted as an attorney in June, 1860, and as a counselor-at-law, in June, 1866. After practicing in Newark, N. J., for several years, he removed elsewhere.

JOSEPH CoULT was admitted as an attorney in Feb- ruary, 1861, and as a counselor-at-law in February 1869. He is at present a resident and practitioner in Newark, N. J.

DAVID A. RYERSON was admitted an an attorney in June, 1861, and as a counselor-at-law in June, 1871. He resides in Newark, N. J., and is engaged in practice.

ERNEST EUGENE COE was born in Newark, N. J., February 14, 1862, and is the descendant of one of the early settlers of that place, being a son of the late Joseph Coe. Mr. Coe received his education in his native city, and is a graduate of the Wesleyan Insti- tute, a school which formerly held a high rank among the educational institutions of Newark, but which was discontinued a few years since. In 1862 he was admitted to the bar, and soon after began the practice of his profession, which he still pursues, doing chicfly an office business.

FREDERICK H, HARRIS was born in Newark, N. J., March 7, 1830. After receiving a good education in the schools of Newark and at the academy of Bloom- field, he studied law at first in the office of Judge Charles R. Waugh, and subsequently in that of David A. Hayes, Esq. Ile was admitted to the bar in June, 1862, and in August following entered the military service in defense of the Union, as captain of Company E, of the Thirteenth Regiment of New Jersey Volun- teers. In August, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of major, and in March, 1865, to the rank of lieu- tenant colonel. While in the service, he had for some time command of a brigade, and was twice breveted by the President, once for "gallant and meritorious service in Georgia and the t'arolinas, and afterwards for gallant service in the battle of Bentonville, N. C. At the close of the war, in June, 1865, he re- turned to his home, and entered upon the practice of his profession, in which he continued until the spring of 1866, when he was appointed secretary of the American Insurance Company of Newark. On the death of Mr. Stephen H. Gould, its president, Col. Harris was elected to fill the vacancy, and since Feb- ruary, 1883, has been at the head of this well-known institution.

EDWARD M. CARRINGTON was admitted as an at- torney-at-law in February, 1862. He is a resident of Newark, but for many years has not practiced his profession.

JOHN O. FORD was born at Morristown, N. J., July 22, 1841. He read law with Hon. Van Cleve Dalrimple. In 1863 he was admitted as an attorney, and in 1867 a counselor-at-law. He began at once to practice law in Newark, N. J., and is still engaged in the duties of his profession.

BEACH VANDERPOOL, JR., was admitted as an attorney-at-law in November, 1863, and is a resident of Newark, N. J.

JOSEPH E. TRIPPE, JR., was admitted as an attor- ney-at-law in June, 1864.

EDWARD S. WILDE was admitted as an attorney- at-law in June, 1864.

WALTER M. LYON is a native of Lyons' Farms, Essex Co., N. J. In that place and in the schools of Newark he received his education. lle was ad- mitted to the bar Nov. 3, 1864, and has since that time been a practitioner in Newark, where he still resides.

FREDERICK FRELINGHUYSEN MERCER was horn in Newark, N. J., November 7, 1840. He was grad- uated from Rutgers College in 1861, and subse- quently entered, as a student-at-law, the office of his uncle, Hon. Frederick Theodore Frelinghuysen, and was admitted to the bar, June 1840. For a few years he engaged in the practice of law, and then retired for the purpose of entering into other business.

JOHN R. EMERY was admitted as an attorney in February, 1865, and as a counselor-at-law in February, 1868. He is a resident and practitioner in New- ark, N. J.

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JOSEPH L. MUSS was born in East Orange, Essex Co., N. J., December 5, 1540. Having received a good preparatory education at the Newark AAcademy, he entered the College of New Jersey, and was gradu- ated therefrom in 1862. In 1865 he was admitted as an attorney and in 1868 as a counselor-at-law. He soon after began the work of his profession in New- ark, and is still a practitioner in that city. Hlis interest in educational matters led to his appointment, in 1867, as county superintendent of public schools. In 1881 he was a member of the General Assembly, and took an active part in the business of that body. For nineteen years, almost continuously, he has been cousel for the town of East Orange, and in November, 1884. he was elected surrogate of Essex County.

EDWARD L. DOBBINS WAS born at Mount Holly. N. J., July 29, 1838, and was educated at Pennington Seminary, Pennington, N. J. In 1865 he was ad- mitted to the bar, and soon after established himself in Newark, N. J., where he practiced his profession until 1872, when he was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Mutual Benefit Insurance Company. In 1880 he became its secretary and assistant treasurer, both of which positions he still holds. In 1875 he was elected a member of the Board of Education of the city of Newark. In 1876 he was chosen president of that body, and continued to hold that office until his retirement from the same in 1880.

FREDERICK W. LEONARD was admitted as an at- torney in June, 1865, and as a counselor in February, 1865.

WILLIAM H. FRANCIS was admitted as an attorney in June, 1865, and as a counselor-at-law in February, 1870. He is now engaged in practice in Dakota. in 1869 as a counselor-at-law. Soon after his admis- For several years he was city counsel for the city of Newark, N. J.

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I, Part 76

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