USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume II > Part 22
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Dr. Johnson married, in Troy, New York, January 23, 1878, Clara Brownell, of Troy, New York, daughter of the Hon. Edwin and Mrs. Katherine (Whitbeck) Brownell. Professor and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of two children: Edward Francis, and Marguerite Brownell Johnson. The family residence is at No. 7 Seminary place, New Bruns- wick, New Jersey.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOWELL .- The Howell family is a very old one in the United States and one that has always been well known and highly respected. In nearly every war in which this country has been engaged, the family has been represented, some one of them hav- ing taken a creditable part in the struggle. They originally came from England, settling first on Long Island, and later on a portion of theni migrated to New Jersey, where the homestead was built in Cumberland county. The line of descent from the founder of the branch herein followed is through William Howell, of England; Henry, Edward, Major John, John, John, Charles, Charles, Elias, Edmund, Benjamin Franklin Howell.
Benjamin Franklin Howell was born upon his father's farm in Cumberland county, New Jersey, January 27, 1844, his parents being Edmund and Hannah (Nixon) Howell. Edmund Howell spent his life on the homestead farm and there he died at the age of fifty-four, his wife surviving him by a few years, dying in Bridgeton, New Jersey, when fifty-eight years old. They had a large family, four of whom are now living, as follows: Mrs. Ruth N. Cassedy, of Estes Park, Colorado; Benjamin Franklin, of further mention; Mrs. Cornelia B. Simms, also a resident of Estes Park, Colorado; George M., living in Kansas.
Benjamin Franklin Howell attended the village school at Cedarville, New Jersey, later being sent to Fort Edward, New York, to finish his education, but before this was accomplished the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in Company K, 12th New Jersey Volunteers. and served during the entire war, a period of four years, and was mustered out in July, 1865. Mr. Howell was engaged in many very serious battles, among them being Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, where he was wounded, also taking part in many small engagements and numerous skirmishes.
After the close of the Rebellion, Mr. Howell located in South Amboy, Middlesex county, New Jersey, where he was appointed to serve on the township committee ; at the end of three years he was chosen to be one of the Board of Freeholders, acting as such for two years, and then was made director of the board for one year. In 1882, Mr. Howell was elected surrogate of Middlesex county and reelected in 1887, holding that office for ten years. In 1894, Mr. Howell was elected to represent his district in Congress and was reelected at the end of the term; for six- teen consecutive years Mr. Howell retained his seat in Congress. While in Congress, Mr. Howell served on some of the most important com- mittees, among which were emigration and naturalization, public buildings and grounds. He was appointed one of nine-three by Senate,
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three by House, and three by the president-this commission appointed to investigate the emigration question, both in this country and in Europe. Mr. Howell was one of the committee to go abroad on the investigation, and reported on same. He secured appropriations for public buildings in New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Asbury Park and Long Branch. Mr. Howell is connected with two of the banking insti- tutions of New Brunswick, being elected president of the People's Bank on George street in 1890; he is also vice-president and director of the New Brunswick Savings Institution on Church street. In fraternal circles, Mr. Howell is equally active; he is a member of St. Stephen's Lodge, No. 63, Free and Accepted Masons, South Amboy; and of the Knights of Pythias ; and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is also a member of the Society of Colonial Wars, his eligibility com- ing through his father's side of the family; tracing his descent from a maternal ancestor, Mr. Howell is also a member of the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Mr. Howell attends the First Pres- byterian Church of New Brunswick. He is trustee of the Presbyterian church at Spring Lake.
At South Amboy, New Jersey, January 27, 1869, Benjamin Franklin Howell was united in marriage with Amelia Furman, born in Middlesex county, New Jersey. They have one child now living, Mary Amelia, the wife of Holmes Van Marter Dennis, Jr., a resident of New Brunswick; they have two children: Holmes Van Marter Dennis, 3rd, and Mary Amelia Dennis. Mr. and Mrs. Howell have a delightful home at No. 32 Union street, New Brunswick.
JOHN VINCENT SMITH, M. D .- The profession of medicine is the most ennobling and helpful to mankind, and the members thereof should be men of high character and integrity, capable of sacrifice and of the utmost devotion to the interests of their fellowmen. These traits are very prominent in the character of Dr. John Vincent Smith, whose careful preparation, supplemented by close application to his profession, has enabled him to gain high rank among his professional brethren.
John Sheppard Smith, father of Dr. Smith, was born at Fort Mont- gomery, New York, coming to Middlesex county thirty-five years ago. He is now with the Lehigh Valley Railroad. He married Anna Eliza- beth Owens, whose great-grandfather came to this country from Ireland and located at Peekskill, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both living and reside at Perth Amboy, New Jersey ; they are the parents of the following children: 1. Edward, living at Keyport, New Jersey. 2. John Vincent, the subject of this review. 3. Thomas, a pharmacist at Perth Amboy. 4. Francis, an assayer at Perth Amboy. 5. William, a student at Perth Amboy. 6. Eugene, died in infancy. 7. George, deceased. 8. Mary, died in infancy.
John Vincent Smith, son of John Sheppard and Anna Elizabeth (Owens) Smith, was born August 3, 1888, in the same house where he now lives and has his office, No. 463 State street, Perth Amboy. He was educated in St. Mary's Catholic School, and the Perth Amboy High
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James &. Berry
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School, from which he was graduated in 1908. He then matriculated at Long Island College Hospital, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1912, and after serving his interneship of one year at St. Peter's Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, he established himself in the practice of his profession at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where he is at present located, and where he has, by his comprehensive knowledge of his profession and the interest he has displayed in every case entrusted to his care, gained the confidence' of the residents of this community, together with a liberal patronage which is steadily increasing year by year. On March 30, 1920, he received the appointment of health officer from Governor Edwards. Professionally, he holds membership in the New Jersey State Medical Association, the Middlesex County Medical Society, and the Perth Amboy Medical Society. In politics Dr. Smith is a Democrat, and in religion, a Roman Catholic, being a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Dr. Smith married, October 3, 1916, Catherine Frances Regan, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (-) Regan. Dr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of one child, Anna, born January 23, 1918.
JAMES E. BERRY .- The fine clay deposits of Middlesex county have brought population, wealth and commercial prestige to many of the county towns and villages, Woodbridge having particularly pros- pered through the industries growing out of this rich deposit. William H. Berry, of Gardiner, Maine, a mariner, after retiring from the sea, located in Woodbridge, New Jersey, in 1832, and there, in 1845, he began the manufacture of fire brick. He was succeeded by his son, James E. Berry, whose family and personal history follows. He is a great-great-grandson of Captain Nathaniel Berry, whose son, Nathaniel Berry, was born in Maine, December 22, 1755, who served throughout the Revolutionary War with bravery and daring, receiving honorable discharge in January, 1780. In December, 1777, he became a member of General Washington's life guard, a body of fearless men who were with General Washington at Valley Forge, and saw service on the northern frontier. He was the last member of the Washington life guard to pass away, he living to within three years of a full century of years, dying at Pittston, Maine, August 20, 1850. He married Lydia Berry, born in Maine, August 22, 1765, daughter of Lieutenant Samuel Berry, born in Maine, August 10, 1737. She is said to have been the first white girl born in either Gardiner or Pittston, Maine.
John Berry, son of Lieutenant Nathaniel and Lydia (Berry) Berry, was born February 17, 1783, and died in Gardiner, Maine, in October, 1860. He married Elizabeth Robinson, born in Maine, October 26, 1784, and there died, August 21, 1867. They were the parents of Wil- liam H. Berry, and grandparents of James E. Berry, of Woodbridge, New Jersey.
William H. Berry, son of John and Elizabeth (Robinson) Berry, was born in Litchfield, Maine, September 18, 1805 or 1807, died in Woodbridge, New Jersey, March 5, 1891. He attended Gardiner schools
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in his youth, and from seventeen to twenty-three years of age followed the sea, rising in these six years from seaman to the rank of first mate. He was a deep sea sailor, and several times crossed the Atlantic to different foreign lands. In 1830 he abandoned the sea, then for two years was associated with his brother, Albert Berry, of Jersey City, in the baling and shipping of hay. In 1832 they separated, William H. Berry locating in Woodbridge, New Jersey, where he continued in the hay business until 1845, when he added coal to his line, and in that year brought from Rondout, New York, the first anthracite coal ever seen in Woodbridge. It came slowly into favor, only forty tons being sold in the town during the first two years. In 1845 Mr. Berry began utiliz- ing the rich clay deposits he owned on Woodbridge creek and started a plant for the manufacture of fire brick. He used his tremendous energy in the development of that business, and the firm of William H. Berry & Company continued a highly prosperous business until 1896. Two of his partners were associated with Mr. Berry for thirty-eight years and a third partner for forty years. At the time of his death, in 1891, he was the senior fire brick manufacturer of the country, as well as the oldest clay miner, his connection covering the period 1845-1891. The firm he founded continued under his name until 1896, then was suc- ceeded by that of James E. Berry, his son.
William H. Berry was an official member of the Methodist Episcopal church, was superintendent of the Sunday school, and intensely progres- sive and public-spirited. It was largely through his efforts that the first public school building was erected in Woodbridge, and for many years he was president of the board of trustees of the consolidated schools. For many years a Democrat, he split with his party on slavery, and in 1856 voted for the first candidate of the Republican party, John C. Fremont. He held several local offices, and was for a number of years chairman of the Township Committee. He was an ardent sup- porter of the Union cause during the war, 1861-1865, aiding in raising troops and in furnishing needed supplies for the men in the field. His eldest son, William C. Berry, lieutenant in Company H, 5th Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, was killed in battle, May 5, 1862, and in his honor William C. Berry Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Wood- bridge, was organized and named. The Soldiers' Monument, raised in Alpine Cemetery, Woodbridge, was an object of Mr. Berry's interest, and he was most active in securing funds for its erection. In the winter of 1871 he obtained from the Legislature a charter for a Dime Savings Bank, and was chosen president of the board of trustees. He was for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Woodbridge, a trustee, class leader, and a pillar of strength to his pastor.
William H. Berry married, April 28, 1835, Margaret I. Coddington, born in Woodbridge, January 9, 1817, died January 5, 1893, daughter of William Inslee and Christian (Crowell) Coddington, the last-named a descendant of Edward Crowell, who came to this country on the "Cale- donia." Mrs. Berry was a granddaughter of Robert Coddington, who served under General Washington for seven years, was twice wounded,
Um r. Barry
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and crippled for life. He was one of the party of three who captured a British vessel off Perth Amboy one bitter winter night and brought the stores taken from her to the shore on the ice. A cannon was also brought from the ship in the same way, that gun after doing local service now being one of the exhibits at General Washington's headquarters at Morristown, New Jersey, the Woodbridge Town Committee presenting it to the custodians of that property. Robert Coddington married Mary Inslee, whose family record dates back to 1669. The names Coddington, Crowell, and Inslee are of frequent appearance in Revolutionary annals. William Inslee Coddington, father of Mrs. William H. Berry, was a farmer and also followed the sea. He carried supplies to American troops at Sandy Hook during the War of 1812, and otherwise proved his patriotism.
William H. and Margaret I. (Coddington) Berry were the parents of ten children, five dying in childhood. The others were: Elizabeth, wife of L. F. Browning, of Woodbridge; William C., killed at the battle of Williamsburg. Virginia, May 5, 1862, a lieutenant of Company H, 5th Regiment. New Jersey Volunteer Infantry; James E., of further mention : Albion R., died in 1900; Arthur E., of Woodbridge.
James E. Berry was born in Woodbridge, New Jersey, September 4, 1845. and there has spent his life. He was educated in the Woodbridge public school, Elm Tree Institute, and Fort Edward Collegiate Institute, then taught school for a time prior to conducting the Woodbridge "Gazette" for two years. He next was in business in New York for four years, after which he entered the employ of his father's firm, William H. Berry & Company, manufacturers of fire brick. This was in 1870, and later he was admitted to partnership. When the father's health began to fail, in 1885. he surrendered the active management to his son, who remained at the head from the time of his father's death, in 1891, to the passing of William H. Berry & Company, in 1897. In the last- named year the business was reorganized under the name of James E. Berry, and so continued until Mr. Berry's retirement, about 1915, through ill health. He is now (1921) largely interested in real estate, is president of the Woodbridge Building and Loan' Association, and is treasurer of the Barron Library Association. The business with which the Berrys were so long connected comprised an extensive plant covering several acres along Woodbridge creek, and in addition to the fire brick kilns and furnaces erected thereon, these acres were valuable for their clay and sand deposits. The property originally belonged to William H. Berry and passed to his heirs.
James E. Berry for many years was active in public affairs. From 1873 to 1877 he was town collector of taxes, and for the same period township treasurer. From 1889 to 1894 he was school trustee, serving as president of the board for two years. He served the Srate as com- missioner to appraise lands for a railroad right of way, being chosen for that post by Chief Justice Beasley. Mr. Berry was active in the erection of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument of Woodbridge, serving as chairman of the Site and Design Committee, also as treasurer. He
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is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution; in politics a Republican.
Mr. Berry married Virginia Hancock, of Woodbridge, and they are the parents of four children: I. Jennie, who married Lewis E. Potter, and they have four children : James Berry Potter, a lieutenant of the United States army, who served in the cavalry on the Mexican border during the World War, and is now connected with the Lawrence Cement Company ; Runyon Potter, who was a sergeant in the American Expedi- tionary Force, on duty in France during the World War, formerly con- nected with William H. Jackson & Company, of New York City, now with Tompkins Brothers, of Newark; Donald Potter, a Pennsylvania State College student (1921); and Ruth Potter, a student in Wood- bridge. 2. William H. (2), a mechanical engineer with the New Jersey Steel Company, of Rahway ; married Maria Drake, and they have three children : Clyde, now teller in the Perth Amboy Trust Company ; Natalie, clerk in the First National Bank of Woodbridge; and Muriel, a student at Woodbridge. 3. George H., who at the time of his death was assistant postmaster of Woodbridge. 4. Mable, who died in infancy.
THOMAS ELY SCHANCK .- All of Mr. Schanck's active career has been spent in connection with banking, and his identification with the People's National Bank, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a proud record of thirty-three years of service. Mr. Schanck is a native of New Jersey, and a descendant of families old in the State. He is a son of Keortenus H. Schanck, born November 7, 1830, died May 26, 1916, and Rebecca M. (Ely) Schanck, born May 20, 1838; grandson of Henry Schanck, born in 1805, died in 1891, and Mary A. (Mount) Schanck, born in 1806, died in 1882; and great-grandson of Peter V. Schanck, born in 1775, died in 1857, and Sarah (Shepperd) Schanck, born in 1775. Sarah Shepperd was a daughter of Captain Elisha Shepperd, born in 1750, died in 1834, who gained his rank in the American army in the Revolutionary War, and Alette (Smock) Shepperd, his wife.
Keortenus H. Schanck was a farmer by occupation, and spent his entire life in Freehold, New Jersey. His wife survived him, a resident of New Brunswick. Their children were: Anna M., deceased ; Thomas Ely, of whom further; Henry, a resident of Adelphia, New Jersey ; Charles B., a resident of Freehold ; and Sarah M. Lyle, who lives in New York City.
Thomas Ely Schanck was born in Freehold, New Jersey, in 1860, and obtained his scholastic education in the Freehold Institution and Rutgers College of New Brunswick. After leaving Rutgers College he entered the First National Bank of Hightstown, New Jersey, beginning a finan- cial career that has extended throughout his entire active business life. From Hightstown he went to the Farmers' National Bank of Allentown, New Jersey, in the capacity of cashier, and in 1887 accepted the cashier- ship of the People's National Bank of New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was one of the organizers of this institution, and after thirty-three years in the office he entered at the time of its incorporation, he was
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elected in January, 1920, vice-president of the bank. The People's National Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System, is capital- ized at $100,000, and has a surplus and undivided profits of $200,000. It is a strongly substantial institution, its officiary and board of directors rep- resenting the soundest and most progressive element of the city's busi- ness, and it has pursued a career of uninterrupted prosperity from the time of its formation. Mr. Schanck has made its interests the chief concern of his active life, and has served it faithfully and capably throughout the entire period of its existence. Mr. Schanck is well known in his community, is a member of the Second Reformed Church of New Brunswick, and also affiliates with the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion.
Mr. Schanck married (first) in Hightstown, New Jersey, in 1884, Elizabeth M. Mason, who died July 12, 1911. They were the parents of one child, Alta S. Woodland, born in 1888. He married (second) in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1913, Sarah G. Stryker, daughter of John and Laura (Voorhees) Stryker.
CONDIT SNIFFEN ATKINSON .- The career of Condit Sniffen Atkinson, the present secretary of the Board of Trade, of New Bruns- wick, New Jersey, is one of exceptional interest, embracing, as it does, many branches of executive work involving the leadership of men, rather than the conduct of affairs. In this field of effort his personal magnetism, which is so strong a characteristic of the man, has carried him far and high. The individual history of a man of this caliber is of interest to every observer of the trend of public affairs.
Condit S. Atkinson is a son of Frank A. and Emma M. Atkinson. His father was a merchant, and prominent in the National Guard, having served for ten years in the Seventh New York Regiment.
Condit S. Atkinson was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Sep- tember 10, 1867. He received his education in the public and private schools, finishing at Rutgers Preparatory School, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. As editor of the "Daily Fredonian," of New Brunswick, Mr. Atkinson began his business career. He accepted this position in 1893, and for three years placed the stamp of his individuality on the editorial columns of this journal. Next, at the national capitol, Mr. Atkinson filled the position of clerk of the Committee on Immigration in the House of Representatives. His tenure of this office was long and eventful, covering a period in the nation's history when legions of people from every corner of the earth poured into the "land of opportunity," blindly seeking the fame and fortune which come to but few. Resigning in 1912, Mr. Atkinson was sought by the Republican National Committee for public activities in the campaign of 1912. Long familiar with the affairs of the nation, he was an acquisition to the forces of the party, and remained with them until the decision of the people swung in the opposite direction. This class of work, however, brought out his latent ability as a public worker, and he continued in newspaper and publicity work up to 1914. In the course of his activities along this line. Mr.
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Atkinson was thrown more or less closely into association with United States Senator Frelinghuysen, who sought his services as secretary and State manager of his campaign in 1916. Accepting this arduous task, Mr. Atkinson carried the candidate forward to success.
At this time United States intervention in Europe was the question of the hour; Mr. Atkinson was made publicity director for the State of New Jersey in the United War Work Campaign in 1917. He threw himself into this work with all the force of his nature, and the splendid record of the State of New. Jersey during this period is ample notation upon his work as a leader. In the spring of 1918, Mr. Atkinson was made director of the Near East Relief Fund, and again led the people to such excellent effect that the aggregation of their benefactions mounted to a magnificent total. He continued in publicity work of various kinds up to 1920, when he was persuaded to interest himself in a local project-the Raritan Terminal and Waterways Association, of New Brunswick, New Jersey. In May, of that year, he was elected secretary of the Board of Trade of New Brunswick, which position he is filling to the marked advancement of the interests of the city and its numerous mercantile investors.
No record of Mr. Atkinson's life would be complete without mention of his military record. He served in the National Guard of New Jersey, fourteen years as a commissioned officer, seven years as first lieutenant, and seven years as captain and regimental commissary. He passed the physical examinations for service abroad during the World War, but to his great disappointment was unable to obtain a commission. In every branch of public activity, Mr. Atkinson has taken a constructive part whenever opportunity offered. During his residence in Highland Park, he was for four years secretary of the Board of Education.
Socially and fraternally Mr. Atkinson is widely connected. He is a member of Palestine Lodge, No. III, Free and Accepted Masons, of New Brunswick: Jersey City Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, of New Brunswick ; also of Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a prominent member of the Republican Club of Highland Park, and is now serving that organization in the capacity of treasurer.
Mr. Atkinson married, September 10, 1889, Mary Jane Morris, daughter of William and Rachael Morris, and they are the parents of four children : 1. Frank S., born May 15, 1893 ; he served as first lieu- tenant of the 318th Infantry, American Expeditionary Force, during the World War. 2. E. Mildred, now Mrs. Josephson, born February 7, 1898. 3. Lillian M., born May 23, 1900. 4. Condit S., Jr., born January 3. 1903. The family are members of the Livingston Avenue Baptist Church, of New Brunswick, and prominent in all the social and benevo- lent activities of the church.
WILLIAM CLIFFORD JAQUES for many years has been a prom- inent politician in New Brunswick, New Jersey, holding offices in city, county and State at different periods. He is very well known, with a
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