USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > Jersey City > History of Jersey City, N.J. : a record of its early settlement and corporate progress, sketches of the towns and cities that were absorbed in the growth of the present municipality, its business, finance, manufactures and form of government, with some notice of the men who built the city > Part 55
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
CHARLES W. LAWS.
On April 24, 1874. Mr. Laws married Miss Stella E. Ireland, of Melville, L. I. One son and two daughters have been the fruits of the happy union. He resides at 625 Pavonia Ave-
385
HISTORY OF JERSEY CITY.
nue. He is a member of the Bergen Reformed Church. Mr. Laws is captain of the Young Ladies' Brigade, a military organization connected with that church.
ORESTES CLEVELAND was born in Schenectady County, N. Y., March 2. 1829. He began his business career as a boy in New York City, but resided in Jersey City from 1845. He became identified with the Dixon Crucible Works in their infancy, and developed an immense business with a capital of $1.000,000. He was elected an alder- man in Jersey City in 1861, and became president of the board the following year. In 1864 he was elected mayor, and re-elected in 1865 and 1866. In 1868 he was elected to Congress. In 1869 he secured the passage of the act by which Congress ordered the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, and he was the first vice-president of the Centen- nial Commission. In 1886 he was re-elected mayor of Jersey City. In 1880 he was a candidate for governor, but was defeated in the convention. He was re-elected mayor for several terms until 1892. He was for many years president of the American Institute in New York, and was one of the most prominent citizens for more than forty years. He is now a resident of Bergen County.
ORESTES CLEVELAND.
FREDERICK PAYNE was born in England. In 1864 he came to America and settled in Jer- sey City, where he has continued to reside ever since. When he was but twelve years of age he commenced to make his own way in the world. Two weeks after his arrival in this country he was in business for himself as a fish and oyster dealer. He prospered, and in two years' time he was the sole proprietor of the largest meat and provision house in Jersey City. After several years of successful business life he sold out, intending to return to Europe and live on the comfortable fortune he had made, but he was dissuaded from this, and again entering the busi- ness world, his success continued.
FREDERICK PAYNE.
Mr Payne has filled a number of public posi- tions. He was elected a member of the board of aldermen in 1879, defeating his opponent, who was ex-Alderman Butler, and one of the most popular democrats in Hudson County, by 475 majority. In 1872, and again in 1876, he was elected a justice of the peace, both times by large majorities. In 1880 he represented the third district in the assem- bly, having defeated R. S. Tilden by a majority of 140. That his opponent in that contest was a well-known and popular democrat, is a testimonial of the esteem in which Mr. Payne is held by his fellow-citizens. He resides at 636 Jersey Avenue.
WILLIAM H. SPEER was born in the old town of Bergen (now a part of Jersey City), February 27. 1839. He obtained his early education in the old school-house that formerly stood on the site of the present school building No. 11. He completed his studies in a private school, at one time conducted by the late Hon. Lewis A. Brigham, of Bergen.
In the fall of 1853 Mr. Speer entered the dry goods house of Messrs. Cromwell, Haight & Company, of New York City, in the capacity of a clerk. He remained in the employ of that
386
HISTORY OF JERSEY CITY.
firm five years. In 1858 the concern became insolvent. It was during that year that Mr. Speer entered upon the profession of funeral director, in which he continued until 1868. During the last-mentioned year his business assumed such enormous proportions that he interred about one thousand dead, and was regarded the foremost funeral director in the State of New Jersey. The strain of attending to so much business greatly impaired his health, so that in 1869 he retired to private life. He continued in retirement for four years, after which he re-entered upon his profes- sion, and has since then continued in it.
Just prior to the commencement of the Civil War, at the time of the Erie tunnel riots in old Hudson City, Mr. Speer was a member of the Washington Guard, one of the companies compos- ing the old Second Regiment of the New Jersey State Militia, and was appointed by Col. D. S. Gregory, Jr., to the sergeant-majorship of the regiment, and from that he was promoted to adjutant. He was a member of the common council of old Bergen City before its annexation to Jersey City. He has repeatedly been tendered the nomination to the offices of freeholder, police WILLIAM H. SPEER. commissioner, member of the assembly, and other offices of trust. He has almost invariably declined all honors of that nature.
In 1862 Mr. Speer married Miss Eleanor C., daughter of the late Cornelius Brinkerhoff, of Jersey City.
Mr. Speer is a member of the Carteret and Jersey City Athletic clubs, the Knights of Pythias, the Free and Accepted Masons and a number of other organizations. He is also an active member of Rev. Dr. Brett's church.
Having considerable unimproved property, he commenced in 1864 to improve it. He has greatly improved that portion of Jersey City Heights known as Monticello Avenue. He is one of the largest property-owners in Jersey City.
CHARLES BIRDSALL Was born in Buffalo, N. Y., July 3, 1838. His ancestors came to America prior to 1680. His great-grandfather was the founder of Quaker Hill, Dutchess County, N. Y. In 1841 his parents removed to New York City, and he was educated in the public schools of that city, and the Nassau Academy in Rensselaer County, N. Y. At the age of twenty he entered in partner- ship with his father, who had a restaurant at the corner of White Street and Broadway. He re- moved to Jersey City in 1857. In 1870 he was elected a member of the Jersey City board of aldermen from the third district, and created the first city board of health. In 1877 he was appointed clerk of the police court and detective. He re- signed to go into business. In 1885 he was elected a member of the board of freeholders, and was re-elected in 1886. In 1887 he was appointed jailor of Hudson County, and held the office five CHARLES BIRDSALL. years. In 1892 he was appointed judge of the second criminal court, and held the office until 1894. He married Miss Eliza McDowell, a sister of Dr. James H. McDowell, and has three surviving children, one son and two daughters.
387
HISTORY OF JERSEY CITY.
WILLIAM H. TURNER was born in London, England, in 1839. He received but a limited education, and when thirteen years of age he was apprenticed to the grocery business. In 1865 he came to America, locating in New York City. In 1867 he settled in Jersey City and engaged in the grocery business, in which he has been very successful. Mr. Turner is a member of Masonic Lodge of the Temple, No. 110, and has been its treasurer for the past fifteen years. He is a trustee of the Children's Home, and has held that position for many years ; also a trustee of the Provident Savings Bank of this city. He is a charter member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and has been an active member of the People's Palace work for a number of years, and is still its treasurer. In 1870 Mr. Turner married Miss Matilda de Lara Holwill, of Jersey City. Four children have been born to the union, Flor- ence E., William R., Harry and Emily. Mr. Turner resides at 332 York Street.
HUGH COYLE was born in Ireland in 1848. His father, Michael Coyle, was a prosperous farmer of County Monaghan, and a man who stood high in the community in which he lived.
٣
WILLIAM H. TURNER.
Mr. Coyle received his education in the national schools of his native place, and when but thirteen years of age he became a junior teacher. After teaching four years, he stood a competitive examination before the board of education, and passed, having stood first of third. After devoting another year to teaching, in June of 1866 he came to America, locating in Jersey City, where he held a similar position at the Catholic Institute for several years, being one of the first instructors in that institution. During the latter part of 1868 he accepted a position as bookkeeper and general manager in the undertaking establishment of Michael Brady. So successful was he, that after the death of Mr. Brady (which occurred in 1874) he continued to conduct the affairs for the estate until 1889, when he decided to engage in business for him- self. He purchased the premises 213 Newark Avenue, where he opened his present undertaking establishment.
1
On February 27, 1878, Mr. Coyle mar- ried Miss Lizzie E. Kelly, daughter of Patrick Kelly, Esq., a well-known citizen of Jersey City.
Mr. Coyle is a prominent member of the Catholic Club of Jersey City. He resides at 97 Mercer Street.
WILLIAM BROWN, the senior member of the firm of Brown & Miller, was born in HUGH COYLE. Roslin, a town six miles from Edinburgh, Scotland. When he was thirteen years of age his father apprenticed him to a machinist in Dalkieth, with whom he served six years. He secured employment in Glasgow, after complet-
388
HISTORY OF JERSEY CITY.
ing his apprenticeship, and remained there one year. He left to accept a position in a large ship-yard at Birkenhead, opposite Liverpool. He there obtained much experience in marine engineering, of which he had made a specialty. In 1859 he married Miss Ellen Brass, of Roslin, and in 1862 he removed to New York to accept a position in the Delamater Iron Works, the largest engi- neering works in the city. At that time it was extensively engaged in building engines and turrets for monitors under government contracts. After remaining in this establishment two years he made an extended tour of the United States. On his return he was appointed assistant- superintendent of the Camden & Amboy Marine Shops at Hoboken. In 1873 he resigned and bought an interest in a small machine shop in Jersey City. He sold this in 1879, and in partnership with a Mr. McWilliams opened a boiler-shop. Two years later he purchased his partner's interest. In 1888 the present firm was organized. It was successful from the start, and is now the largest machine and boiler establishment in the city, occupying Nos. 42 and 44 Hudson Street, and Nos. 10, 12 and 35 Morris Street. Marine work is a specialty, but all kinds of engineering WILLIAM BROWN. work is done in the place. Mr. Brown is the patentee of the Brown babbitted cleats and chocks, which are in use in all countries, and from which he derives a large royalty. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Jersey City Board of Trade and the Masonic fraternity.
SETH BILLINGTON was a descendant of Francis Billington, who came over in the Mayflower in 1620. He was born in Wayne, Maine, in October, 1816. He passed his early years on his father's farm, and removed to Jersey City in 1840. In 1841 he married Mary Ann Paddock, of Barnard, Vt. Four children were the issue of the union. Horace W., George H., Addie L., and Sherwood H. Billington. George H. died in 1867 ; Sherwood H., in 1880. Horace W., of Jersey City, and Addie L., wife of Dr. S. B. Sprague, of Maine, are the survivors. Seth Billington erected a soap mann- factory at First and Cole streets, and retired after twenty-five years, leaving the business to his sons. Mary A., wife of Seth, died in 1881, and he married Mrs. Gertrude L. Ryer in 1882. Seth died Feb- ruary 7, 1890, and his widow still survives. Seth was treasurer of Mechanics' Lodge, 1. O. O. F., more than twenty-five years.
SETH BILLINGTON.
ALEXANDER MILLER. The subject of this sketch, Alexander Miller, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1857, and when he was two years of age, with his parents, came to America, they settling in New York City. Mr. Miller
389
HISTORY OF JERSEY CITY.
attended the public schools of that city, after which he took the course of engineering in the evening classes at Cooper Institute. His time was specially devoted to mathematics and engineering. He was graduated from that institution with honors in 1878. During the time he was prosecuting his studies at Cooper Institute he served an apprentice- ship of three years at Hoboken with his present partner, Mr. William Brown. He subsequently spent six years with the Delamater Iron Works Company of New York. In 1888 Mr. Miller engaged in his present business as a partner of his early instructor.
Mr. Miller has made a special study of marine engineering, and has devoted much time and expense in developing an improved process for manufacturing salt. He has patented several devices devoted to that process, and his efforts have been crowned with success, his apparatus being generally adopted in this great industry. His patents have reduced the cost of manufacture fully one-half.
Mr. Miller is a member of the Board of Trade, the American Society of Mechan- ical Engineers and the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of New York. He is unmarried, and has always led an active business life.
ALEXANDER MILLER.
MICHAEL J. O'DONNELL was born in Ireland, September 21, 1856. His parents removed to this country during his childhood, and in 1865 located in Jersey City, where he has continued to reside. He attended schools in this city until his sixteenth year, when he found employ- ment with a New York mercantile firm, and remained with it several years. In 1883 he accepted a clerical position in the office of the Jersey City board of public works. Subsequently he filled the positions of clerk of the court of general sessions, assistant postmaster of Jersey City, tax commis- sioner and police justice. In January, 1895, he was appointed a member of the county board to equalize taxes in Hudson County, and was made assistant- deputy internal revenue collector. He has been a member of the county democratic committee for a number of years, and was its presiding officer. He is engaged in the real estate and insurance busi- ness in Jersey City, and is agent for several steam- ship lines.
GEORGE O. OSBORN was born at Elmira, N. Y., June 24, 1845. After receiving a common school education he began life on his father's farm, located near Vernettenville, N. Y., and where he MICHAEL. J. O'DONNELL .. remained until 1863, after which he eame to Jersey City, filling the position of farmer and clerk at the county almshouse at Snake Hill for one year ; he was made warden of that institution, a position he held until 1876. During the latter-named year he resigned his position and
390
HISTORY OF JERSEY CITY.
engaged in the livery business in Jersey City. In 1880 he was appointed to a clerkship in the Barge Office, New York City. In 1882 Mr. Osborn was appointed to his present position, that of warden of the City Hospital. It is needless to say anything of the enviable reputation he has already made during his administration of affairs at that institution.
Mr. Osborn is president of the Columbia Building and Loan Association, and a director of the Fairmount and Home Building and Loan Associations. He is a member of Highland Lodge, No. 80; Triune Chapter, No. 29; Hugh de Payens Commandery, No. 1; Scottish Rite, 33d Degree, F. and A. M .; a charter member of Excelsior Council, No. 206, R. A. ; Central Assembly, No. 42, Royal Society of Good Fellows. He is also a member of Emory Meth- odist Episcopal Church.
On September 19, 1866, Mr. Oshorn married Miss Mary E. Kerr, of New York. One son and a daughter have been the fruits of the marriage. After a happy married life of some years, Mr. Osborn was deprived of his wife's companionship by death. In 1882 he married his present wife, who was a Miss Elsie T. Andrews, also of New York City.
FRANK STEVENS was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., August 19, 1851. When he was four years of age his parents removed to Wisconsin, where his father had large interests in mills .and lumber. After a number of years the family removed to Chicago, where he received his earlier education in the city schools. After a few years the family again removed and located in New Jersey. He was sent to Oberlin College, and remained through the preparatory and junior scientific years. He began his business career in Cleveland, Ohio. From there he removed in 1870 to New Jersey, and entered a flour and grain commission house in New York City. He subsequently entered the employ of the ship-building firm of Michael S. Allison, in this city. In 1874 he began a real estate business on his own account at 55 Mont- gomery Street. During the twenty-one succeeding years he built up a business which is second to none in his line in New Jersey. In January, 1893, he organ- ized his extensive business into an in- corporated company. By this means he FRANK STEVENS. associated with himself a number of specialists in finance and organization, and increased the possibilities of the business. He is largely interested in real estate and in numerous companies. He is president and treasurer of the Real Estate Trusts Co .; was one of the organizers and owned the valuable charter under which The New Jersey Title Guar- antee and Trust Company operate, and has attained such wonderful success. He is one of its directors and the chairman of its finance committee ; is treasurer of the local Board of Trade; was president of a building and loan association ; is a member of all the principal clubs in Jersey City, and a director in many companies. He is an aggressive, prudent financier, and has always been active and very successful in managing new and difficult undertakings, both of large and small degree. Under his immediate supervision the Jersey City Academy of Music, the Arlington flats, the Fuller building, the Davidson building and numerous other large under- takings have been carried to a successful completion. The Real Estate Trusts Company are agents for the Fuller and Davidson buildings, and as these are the principal office buildings in the city, they are worthy of mention.
391
HISTORY OF JERSEY CITY.
FRANK J. MATHEWS. The name of Frank J. Mathews has, for the past fifteen years, been well known in connection with real estate and financial matters in old Jersey City.
The large real estate and insurance business which Mr. Mathews has personally conducted for the past ten years was established by Frank C. Hollins in October, 1869, the office then being located corner Ninth and Erie streets. In 1871 offices were taken in the bank building, northwest corner Pavonia Avenue and Erie Street, where they are now located. On April 6, 1870, Mr. Mathews entered the employ of Mr. Hollins as clerk, and was admitted to partner- ship on May 1, 1877, under the firin-name of Frank C. Hollins & Co., the firm consisting of Frank C. Hollins, Robert W. Webb and Frank J. Mathews. Mr. Hollins retired from the firm on December 1, 1879, the firm-name then being changed to Webb & Mathews. On July 26, 1884, Mr. Webb retired from the firm, and the business since that date has been conducted solely by Mr. Mathews. Mr. Mathews is a prominent figure in the financial interests of Jersey City. He is a director in the Third National Bank, and a stockholder in other corporations in this city and the West. He is commissioner of sinking fund, appointed by Mayor Wanser April 23, 1893, to serve three years. Hc is paymaster of the Fourth Regiment, National Guard, and a member of the Palma, Carteret and Union League clubs; a member of Lodge of the Temple, F. and A. M., Hugh de Payens Commandery, Knights Templar, of Jersey City, and Aurora Grata Consistory, S. P. R. S., of Brooklyn.
Mr. Mathews was born at Lumberton, N. J., on December 21, 1856. On January 12, 1886, he married Miss Eugenie S. Ross, and they now reside at 28 Duncan Avenue.
.
DAVID W. LAWRENCE. There are few business men in Jersey City who have been more successful, and none more popular or more highly respected than Hon. David W. Lawrence. He was born in New York City, November 10, 1850. The year after his birth his parents moved to Pike County, Pa., and continued to reside there and in the contiguous county of Monroe until 1863. That region was then a wilderness. While the family lived in Monroe County the Civil War broke out, and two of Mr. Lawrence's brothers FRANK J. MATHEWS. enlisted. In 1863 the family returned to New York City, and Mr. Lawrence's father enlisted. He was wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness, taken prisoner, and subsequently died in the Andersonville military prison. This left Mr. Lawrence, then a boy of thirteen years, as the main support of his widowed mother and two brothers younger than himself. He obtained employment in a retail store, and not having had even the advantage of a primary education up to this period of his life, he at- tended the New York night sehools.
In 1868 Mr. Lawrenee came to Jersey City and engaged in the retail shoe business. In 1872 he accepted an appointment in the registry department of the New York post- office, where he remained eight years. In 1877 he was elected a member of the board of alder- men over ex-Mayor John B. Romar, a popular democrat. He declined renomination in the spring of 1879, but accepted the nomination for the assembly in the fall, and was elected over D. J. Post, receiving more majority than his opponent had votes. He was re-elected in 1880 and in 1881. At the session of 1881 he was appointed chairman of the house committee selected to represent the State of New Jersey at the centennial celebration of the Battle of Cowpens at
392
HISTORY OF JERSEY CITY.
Spartanburg, S. C. At the session of 1882 he was the republican nominee for speaker of the house. At the close of the session of 1882 he was elected a police justice for three years in Jersey City. At the expiration of his term as police justice Mr. Lawrence decided to retire from politics. Two days later, however, he was appointed assessor for the fifth aldermanie district, which posi- tion he filled for three consecutive years, each year being unanimously elected president of the board. In 1888 he was nominated as a republican and citizens' candidate for sheriff of Hudson County. Though not elected, he received a very gratifying endorsement. In 1889 he was appointed as a member of the board of tax commissioners for the long term of three 1 years, and was again elected president of the board. Before the expiration of his term he publicly announced that he would not accept any other political position. He has since devoted himself to his private business with remarkable success.
DAVID W. LAWRENCE.
Mr. Lawrence was a charter member of the Palma, Carteret and Berkeley clubs, and is now a life member of the Carteret. He is also a member of the Bergen Lodge of Masons, and connected with a number of social organizations. He has been faithful and popular in every position.
FRANK W. COLES is a native of Jersey City, having been born on May 8, 1849. Mr. Coles is a son of Edward Coles, Esq., of New York City, and a grandson of the late John Butler Coles, who in 1804 purchased about five hundred acres of land in Jersey City, in the neighborhood of Pavonia Avenue, and which is now a part of the city. The extensive docks now occupied by the New York, Lake Erie and Western Railway Company were erceted by him. He also laid out avenues and streets, grading many of them. But little of the property was sold prior to his death, which occurred January 2, 1827. Edward Coles, the father of the subject of this sketch, managed the estate for many years, and it has always yielded a handsome income to the heirs of John Butler Coles.
Frank W. Coles received Lis education at the Columbia Grammar School of New York City, graduating in 1870. After completing his educa- tion he read law in his father's office in New York City, where he remained three years. In 1875 he returned to Jersey City, engaging in the real estate business, looking after the interests of the family estate. In 1885, on the retirement of his father, he assumed full charge of affairs, in which he is still engaged.
FRANK W. COLES.
Mr. Coles is a member of the Real Estate Exchange. His office is located at 127 Erie Street, which he has occupied since 1890.
·
393
HISTORY OF JERSEY CITY.
In October, 1875, Mr. Coles married Miss Grace W. Wilson, of Tarrytown, N. Y. Five children have been born to the happy union, three sons and two daughters. He resides during the winters in New York City, while the summers are spent at his villa, located at Belmont, N. J.
EDWIN VAN HOUTEN was born in Hoboken, N. J., August 10, 1849 He is the son of the late Gilliam Van Houten, whose biography appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Van Houten has been a resident of Jersey City since 1851. He re- ceived his education in the public schools, and in 1870 he engaged in the insurance business on his own account at 254 Washington Street, his present location. In 1890 he associated with him Mr. Louis Sherwood, under the firm-name of Van Houten & Sherwood.
Mr. Van Houten was a member and president of the board of education during the years of 1881-82. He has at various times been offered responsible public positions, but, on account of his extensive business requiring his entire attention, he has been forced to decline all honors of that nature. Mr. Van Houten is a director of the North Hudson Building and Loan Association, and of several insurance companies of New York City. He is a member of the United Workmen and the Berkeley clubs.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.