USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume II > Part 30
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lege, Easton, Pennsylvania, where he took the classical course and was graduated in the year 1886 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1908 his alma mater conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Arts in recognition of his eminent services in the cause of education. Immediately after graduation from Lafayette College, Mr. Shull entered the profession which has since formed his life's work and for three years taught in the country schools of his native State and of Alabama. At the end of that time he was appointed superintendent of the schools of South Easton, Pennsylvania, and served in that capacity for a period of fourteen years. In the meantime Mr. Shull had made an enviable reputation both as an educator of talent and ability and a practical administrator, and in 1895 was appointed to his present post of super- intendent of the Perth Amboy, New Jersey, schools. Since then he has devoted himself with the most indefatigable energy and singleness of mind to the development and improvement of the institutions under his care, and it has been almost entirely due to his good judgment and skill that they have increased so greatly in size, efficiency and scope of usefulness. His active and effective interest in the welfare of the youth of Perth Amboy has never flagged, and his services in their behalf well merited the general recognition they have received. Another manner in which he has contributed to the same result has been through the influence he has exerted upon the city Public Library in the capacity of trustee, for this institution has also benefited highly from his learning and good judgment and become in the last few years a potent factor in raising the educational and cultural standard of the community. Mr. Shull was also a member of the board of governors of the Perth Amboy City Hos- pital, and there also added materially to the debt which is owed him by the community. Mr. Shull is a conspicuous figure in the social and fraternal life of Perth Amboy, and is a member of Raritan Lodge, No. 61, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; and of Columbia Lodge, No. 139, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Easton, Pennsylvania, and has served as noble grand in the latter organization. He and his family are Presbyterian in religious belief and attend the First Church of that denomination at Perth Amboy.
Samuel Eakin Shull was united in marriage, August 23, 1884, in Easton, Pennsylvania, with Laura Catherine Houck, a daughter of Amos and Louisa (Meyers) Houck, highly esteemed residents of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Shull are the parents of two children, as follows: John Vergil, born September 3, 1885, and Margaret Lucretia, born March 18, 1902.
JAMES LAWRENCE BRAIDWOOD .- Combining utility and art in his attractive Gift and Art Shop on Smith street, Perth Amboy, James Lawrence Braidwood turns out many interesting bits of work to beau- tify the homes of the city.
The Braidwood family is of Scottish origin; and Mr. Braidwood's father, John Braidwood, was born in Scotland, September 14, 1824. He came to America alone in 1849, and located in Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
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vania, obtaining employment as a block cutter. Later, for a period of ten years, he lived in Chicago, Illinois. He then changed his place of residence to New Jersey and located in New Brunswick, where he died, December 12, 1897, having passed his seventy-third year. He married Jane Lawrence, who was also born in Scotland. She died in Chicago. They were the parents of two children, of whom John D. Braidwood, now retired, and living in California, is the elder. He has two children.
James Lawrence Braidwood was born in New Brunswick, New Jer- sey, May 18, 1862. Going with his parents to Chicago, in 1869, he received the greater portion of his education in the public schools of that city. Returning to the East in 1879, the family took up their resi- dence in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and the young man went to work for Janeway & Company, manufacturers of wall papers. Here he remained for sixteen years, becoming thoroughly familiar with the business, and incidentally learning considerable about those allied lines of business which cover the field of interior decoration. In association with his father, Mr. Braidwood started in the block cutting business in New Brunswick, in the Home News building, but followed this only for three years. He then came to Perth Amboy and opened a picture store, making a specialty of framing. Being an excellent craftsman, and possessing fine and discriminating taste, he has made a success of the business from the first. The modest beginning was made in 1907. Now Braidwood's Gift and Art Shop, at No. 54 Smith street, is a delightful spot to visit, and specimens of its work are on the walls of the finest homes and public buildings in this section. Mr. Braidwood has been a member of the Knights of Pythias for a great many years, and of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
Mr. Braidwood married, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Sarah A. Wood, daughter of James and Mary (Stevens) Wood. Her father was born in Ireland, and her mother in England. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Braidwood are the parents of three children, all living : Chester A., born September 27, 1885 ; Ernest S., born February 16, 1887; Leslie L., born September 13, 1896. Chester A. and Leslie L. are residents of Perth Amboy, and the latter is engaged in the uphol- stering business; Ernest S. lives in Somerville, New Jersey. All are married. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ANTHONY GRUESSNER, M. D .- Anthony Gruessner is the pos- sessor of a combination of racial characteristics; on his father's side he is of Hungarian ancestry, partaking largely of the Teutonic strain, while from his mother's side he inherits Jewish blood, she being of Hebrew extraction.
Jacob John Gruessner, father of Anthony Gruessner, was born in Hungary, in 1849, but in after years he came to America, locating in New York City, where he died, in 1905. His wife was Serena Adler, born also in Hungary, in 1849. She is still living, and resides in Schenec- tady. In this family there were eight children: Armand; Bella; Anna;
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Anthony, of whom further; Albert; Regina; Alexander, a sketch of whom follows; and Nicholas. While living in Hungary, Jacob John Gruessner had been the proprietor of a wine-producing business and continued in the same line after emigrating to the United States.
Anthony Gruessner, son of Jacob John and Serena (Adler) Gruessner, was born October 9, 1880, in Gyöngyös, County of Heves, Hungary. He attended the public school there for four years, then entered the convent school, taking four years' training in the gymnasium attached to it. Shortly after this his family migrated to this country, and taking up their residence in New York City, the young man had the advantage of four years' further tuition in the high school, following that with one year at Paine's Business College, in New York City Mr. Gruessner's next step forward was to become a student at the n _dical school of the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, from which, after f ur years of constant application, he graduated as Doctor of Medicine. After graduation he spent three years in hospital work as interr. The doctor gives special attention to surgery, in which he excels.
During the World War Dr. Gruessner volunter ed for service and was made a captain in the medical corps. His term of service was from August, 1917, to January, 1919, and was confined to the [United States, as he did not have the opportunity of going abroad.
Dr. Gruessner is connected with many organizations in New Bruns- wick; in the way of business, with the People's National Bank, and in social relations with New Brunswick Lodge, No. 324, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His connection with military societies is quite extensive, being a member of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States of America; the Society of American Officers of the World War; and of the American Legion. D Gruessner is also a member of the Association for the Advancement of Science, of the County and State Medical societies, and of the American Medical Asso- ciation.
Though Dr. Gruessner's father was in religious faith a Roman Catho- lic, and his mother of Hebraic origin, he has become affiliated with the Magyar Reformed Church of New Brunswick. D Gruessner is un- married ; he maintains an office at No. 153 Somerset street.
ALEXANDER GRUESSNER .- Many of the patrons of Walker Brothers' Hotel, at No. 4 French street, New Brunswick, have frequently commented upon the well equipped drug store which occupies a portion of the ground floor of that building. The owner of this pharmacy is Alexander Gruessner, and he asserts with pride that it is the best in Middlesex county, taking great care to keep it up to a high standard.
Alexander Gruessner, son of John Jacob and Serena (Adler) Gruess- ner (q. v.), is a native of Hungary, though he has never known any other country but America as a home, being brought here while still an infant. He was born in Hungary, October 9, 1886. He received a good educa- tion in the public schools of New York City, and at eighteen years of age took a course in business training at a business college. After this
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he entered the employ of the General Electric Company, of Schenectady, New York, remaining with them for five years. Mr. Gruessner left this concern to accept a position in a drug store in the same city. Finding this a congenial occupation, he studied pharmacy, and two years later, in 1911, he obtained a license to conduct business in the State of New Jersey. He settled in New Brunswick, opening a store at No. 16 French street, later removing to No. 143 Albany street. The business continued to prosper and he determined to open up a store in a larger field, so he secured the present location, at No. 4 French street, in August, 1920. The store has a space of 23x120 feet, modern in every particular, where everything in the drug line is dispensed.
Out-door sport. and athletics generally are favorite pastimes with Mr. Grussner, bu rif he has a hobby it is tennis, and when business permits ie may frequently be found upon the courts. He is also inter- ested in-fraternal matters, being a member of the local lodge of Free Masons, ano 'i the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
In New Brunswick, February 23, 1913, Alexander Gruessner and Esther Schwartz were united in matrimony. Miss Schwartz, daughter of Herman and Malvina Schwartz, was born in New Brunswick, and has always resided there, her father being a cigar manufacturer of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Gruessner have one child, Mildred Pauline, born April 15, 1917. The family residence is at No. 129 Codwise avenue.
MERRITT JOSEPH McALINDEN, junior member of the firm of Kelly & McAlinden, dealers in plumbers' supplies at No. 74 Smith street, Perth Amboy, has'since coming to this city identified himself with her business interests, and as a good citizen as well as an able business man he is ever ready , cooperate in the philanthropic enterprises of his adopted city.
Merritt McAlinden, father of Merritt J. McAlinden, was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and died in Buffalo, New York, June 30, 1906. In 1868 he moved to the latter city and there became the superintendent of Hall & Sons' b:'ck factory, which position he was holding at the time of his death. He Married Bridget Hendrick, who died in Buffalo, New York. May 24, 1914. They were the parents of six children : Merritt J., of further mention ; John W., Katherine, Evelyn, Ethel, Florence.
Merritt Joseph McAlinden was born in Buffalo, New York, December 18, 1880, the son of Merritt and Bridget (Hendrick) McAlinden. After graduating from the Buffalo Central High School in 1898, he was engaged in the luinber business for a while, and in 1906 came to Perth Amboy to succeed his uncle in the firm of Kelly & McAlinden, dealers in plumbers' supplies, in which capacity he has since been engaged. Mr. McAlinden is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Perth Amboy. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and of the Raritan Yacht Club. His hobby is boating. Merritt Joseph McAlinden might well be called one of the prominent business men of Perth Amboy. Such he is in the highest sense, for as a business man he has established
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an unassailable reputation for fair dealing, and his record speaks for itself with a distinctness not to be misunderstood.
Mr. McAlinden married, September 1, 1920, Ethel Holman, of Hope- well, New Jersey.
CHARLES SPENCER THOMPSON, D. V. S .- As a veterinary surgeon, Dr. Thompson is well established in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and prior to his locating there he had practiced in Rahway, not far from his present field of activity. He is a son of Robert and Hen- rietta Isabelle (Noble) Thompson, his father born in New York State, his mother in Newark, New Jersey. Both parents are deceased, Mr. Thompson dying in New Windsor, New York; Mrs. Thompson in Rah- way, New Jersey. They were the parents of one child, Charles S.
Charles S. Thompson was born in New Windsor, New York, March 30, 1883, but when he was an infant his family moved their home to Newark, New Jersey, where he was educated in the public schools. After high school graduation he entered the veterinary department of the University of New York, and thence was graduated D. V. S., class of 1904. He began professional practice in Newark, but remained for a short time only, finding a more desirable location in Rahway, where he continued in successful practice for ten years. In 1915 he located in Perth Amboy, his present home and office at No. 82 Market street. He is also health officer of the city. He is an Independent in politics, and a man highly regarded by his many friends and patrons. He is fond of all wholesome out-of-doors sports, hunting and fishing his partic- ular pleasures. He is a member of the Masonic order, an honorary member of the fire department, and affiliates with the First Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Thompson married, in Rahway, New Jersey, October 20, 1908, Harriet Mansfield Crowell, born in Rahway, daughter of Harvey Dayton and Emily (Baker) Crowell, both deceased, her mother passing away in December. 1918. Dr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of two children : Virginia, born April 2, 1910; and Robert Wallace, born Septem- ber 23, 1914.
RICHARD F. WHITE, a prominent figure in the public life of Perth Amboy, is serving in the capacity of postmaster. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, November 8, 1872, the son of Patrick and Mary White, of Perth Amboy. His father was the founder of a large foundry in Perth Amboy, and died here in 1916; the company is now known as Patrick White & Sons.
Richard F. White attended the public schools of Perth Amboy, and after attending a business college entered his father's foundry in Perth Amboy, during which time he learned every phase of the business. In 1907 he was appointed collector of revenue of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and in this way was naturally drawn into the field of public life, but fulfilled the duties of his incumbency so ably that in 1916 he was ap- pointed to his present position of postmaster, and later received a second
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commission'from President Wilson. In politics he is a staunch Demo- crat, and takes a keen interest in civic affairs. He is a man of strict integrity and great firmness of purpose, and a tireless worker. He affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Perth Amboy Lodge, No. 784, and is past exalted ruler of the order; San Salvador Council, Knights of Columbus, Division No. 229, of which he is past grand knight; and with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division No. 3. He is also a member of the Democratic Club of Perth Amboy, the Raritan Yacht Club, and the New Jersey Association of Postmasters. In religion he is a Roman Catholic and is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. White married Mary McClusky, a native of Perth Amboy, and resides at No. 18 Market street, Perth Amboy.
Richard F. White is a public-spirited citizen and keenly interested in everything pertaining to the progress of his native city.
ABEL HANSEN, owner of the great Fords Porcelain Works of Metuchen, New Jersey, the largest establishment of its kind in the world, and one of the most influential citizens of Middlesex county, is a native of Denmark, his birth having occurred in the city of Copenhagen, August 7, 1863. He is a son of Hans C. and Marie (Thomsen) Hansen, lifelong residents of Denmark, where the former was engaged in agricultural pursuits and still resides, although he has reached the venerable age of eighty-eight years. The elder Mr. and Mrs. Hansen were the parents of seven sons as follows: Thomas, Jeppe, Anton, Christian, Abel with whose career we are especially concerned; Marius, and Morris. Of this family all the members with the exception of the Mr. Hansen of this sketch have remained in their native land and are today residents of Denmark.
The childhood of Abel Hansen was passed at his father's home in Copenhagen, and it was there that he received his education, attending the local public schools for the purpose. He was graduated from the Copenhagen High School with the class of 1879, and then served for three years in the Danish army, rising in that time to the rank of ser- geant. The young man then set about learning the manufacture and baking of clay, in which he soon became a proficient worker. For nine years he worked continuously at the trade in Esberg, Denmark, and then, having perfected himself in all its details, came to the United States and located in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where he secured employment with the Perth Amboy Terra Cotta Company. After two and a half years spent with that concern he was offered a better position with the Standard Terra Cotta Works of the same city and remained there for some sixteen years. In the meantime, by dint of economy and constant industry, Mr. Hansen had amassed a sufficient capital to make it possible for him to engage in business on his own account, and accordingly in the year 1906 he established the Fords Porcelain Works in Perth Amboy, of which he has remained at the head ever since. The new enterprise met with notable success from the outset, and from that time to the
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present the business has grown and prospered, addition after addition being added to the original plant until today it is the largest Porcelain Washtray Works in the world. The great growth of the concern and its present prosperity under the management of Mr. Hansen has been due entirely to his expert knowledge of the art of making porcelain and to his unusual talent for business affairs and his organizing genius. He has never departed from the high standard of business ethics which he originally set himself, and today his reputation for fair and honest dealing and for the quality of his wares and the service he accords his patrons have given him a reputation second to no industrial house of the entire region. Mr. Hansen, besides the conduct of his own great business, has participated most actively in the general business and commercial life of the community in which he has elected to make his home, and he is at the present time prominently associated with several of the most important financial institutions in Perth Amboy. He is president of Fords National Bank, vice-president of the Raritan Trust Company, treasurer of the Perth Amboy Building and Loan Association, and president of the People's Building and Loan Association, all of Perth Amboy. He is president of the New Jersey Clay Workers' Asso- ciation, and a member of the local lodges of the Masonic crder, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of some thirty other organiza- tions, fraternal and otherwise. His clubs are the New York Athletic, the Raritan Yacht, and the East Jersey. He has also been exceedingly active in public affairs, and for a time was a member of the Excise Board of Perth Amboy. During the World War he took part in various activities necessitated by the great struggle, and served as food admin- istrator of this district.
Abel Hansen was united in marriage, December 21, 1896, in Perth Amboy, with Caroline Broderson, of that city. They are the parents of four children. as follows: Harry, a graduate of Rutgers College, wlio met his death while serving his country in the late war; Etna, now a student in Smith College ; Lynda, also a student in Smith College; and Irving, now attending the Rutgers Preparatory School.
FREDERICK BARNETT KILMER, director of the Scientific Laboratories of Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, was born in Chap- inville, Connecticut, December 11, 1851, the son of Charles and Mary Ann (Langdon) Kilmer. Charles Kilmer was a lay preacher of the Meth- odist Episcopal church for many years.
The elementary education of the boy Frederick B. was obtained in the public schools of Binghamton, New York, after which he entered Wyoming Seminary at Kingston, Pennsylvania, subsequently entering the New York College of Pharmacy. He also took special courses in chemistry at Columbia, Yale and Rutgers, and also a special course under Hoffman. In 1920 the degree of Master in Pharmacy was con- terred by the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. His early practical experience in the drug business was gained at Binghamton, New York; Plymouth, Pennsylvania; and Morristown, New Jersey ;
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after which he came to New Brunswick and until 1899 owned and man- aged a drug store on his own account. That year he severed his private business connections and became director of the Scientific Laboratories of Johnson & Johnson, where he has since continued.
Medicinal plant cultivation has been a favorite study with him, and his horticultural as well as chemical studies have added materially to the knowledge of ginger, kola, papaw, belladonna and other plants. He was one of the earliest advocates of the first aid movement, and is the author of Johnson's Standard First Aid Manual. In politics he is a Republican, and as president of the New Brunswick Board of Health, advisor of the New Jersey State Board of Health, and as a member cf the American Public Health Association, he has been able to put into practice many plans for the solution of water and milk supply prob- lems. Dr. Kilmer holds membership professionally in many scientific associations : British Society of Chemical Industry; Royal Society of Arts, London ; North British Academy of Arts; New Brunswick Histor- ical Society; New Brunswick Scientific Society; American Chemical Society ; American Institute Chemical Engineers; American Public Health Association ; vice-president of the American Drug Manufactur- er's Association; American Pharmaceutical Association; Society of Economic Biologists of England; the Institute Arzenmittelhere of Braunschweig; Societe Quimica Agricola of Buenos Ayers; and the Institute of Jamaica. His clubs are the Chemists' of New York City and the Union of New Brunswick." In religion he affiliates with Christ Episcopal Church, of which he is a vestryman, and is also a member of the standing committee of the Diocese of New Jersey.
On December 25, 1871, Frederick Barnett Kilmer was united in marriage at Sunbury, Pennsylvania, with Annie E. Kilburn, daughter of Anda and Ellen (Smith) Kilburn. To them were born the following children : Anda Frederick, January 12, 1873, deceased; Ellen Annie, September 12, 1875, deceased; Charles Willoughby, March 17, 1880, deceased; Alfred Joyce, December 6, 1886, killed in action during the World War, July 30, 1918.
WILLIAM LONDON, M. D .- Among the younger generation of physicians of Middlesex county is William London, who, although hav- ing been in private practice but a short time, has already made a name for himself as a specialist in children's diseases. Not only has he won the regard of his brethren of the profession, but he is also gaining the confidence of a large clientele as well.
William London was born in Newark, New Jersey, December 27, 1896, the son of Solomon Bernard and Bertha (Featherman) London. His father was born in New York City and is now engaged in the whole- sale grocery business in Perth Amboy. Dr. London received his pre- paratory education in the public schools of Perth Amboy. Then fol- lowed one year of pre-medical course at New York University, after which he matriculated at the Medical College of the university and Bellevue Hospital Medical College, graduating in 1918 with the degree
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of Doctor of Medicine. After serving one year on the house staff of Gouverneur Hospital, New York City, he became resident physician of the Pediatric Service of the New York Nursery and Child's Hospital until 1920, when equipped with the experience gathered in hospital work, he came to his present location, No. 256 State street, Perth Amboy, where he has since remained, limiting his practice to the diseases of infants and children, and carving out for himself a place in the front rank of the county's younger physicians and surgeons.
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