USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 11
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Meyer Karkus, father of Jacob Sylvester Karkus, was born in Rus- sia and came to the United States when a young man. It is interesting to note here that while on the boat he met and later married in New York Golda Miller, who too, had left Russia for the purpose of making her home in this country. Mr. Karkus with his wife made his home in Brooklyn for a while, later moving to a farm in Franklin Park, Mid- dlesex county, New Jersey, and still later removing to Perth Amboy, where he and his family now reside and where Mr. Karkus is a suc- cessful real estate broker. Mr. and Mrs. Karkus are the parents of nine
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children, all of whom are still living: Bessie, wife of Alexander Kosene, of Perth Amboy; Dora, wife of Benjamin Goldberger; Kate, a teacher in the public schools of Perth Amboy ; Jacob Sylvester, of further men- tion ; Louis, assists his brother Jacob S. as secretary ; Bernard, associ- ated with Mack International Truck Company, of Newark, New Jersey ; Ezra, a student of the New Jersey Law School; Monroe, attends City College of the City of New York; Irwin, a grammar school student.
Jacob Sylvester Karkus was born in Brooklyn, New York, April 27, 1893, and when he was eight years old moved with his parents to Frank- lin Park, Middlesex county, New Jersey, where he attended the public schools for two years, at the end of which time he continued to pursue his studies in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where the family then removed, graduating from the local grammar school in 1908. After spending one year at the high school, he accepted a position as stenographer in New York City, and here the ambition of the young man is clearly shown in the fact that during these three years that he was thus employed he was pursuing a course of study evenings to meet the requirements of the New Jersey State Board of Education and reading on his own account for the purpose of fitting himself for his entrance into law school. It is needless to say that the goal for ambition such as he portrayed is always sure to gain its just reward; entering New Jersey Law School in 1912, he graduated from this institution three years later as the vice- president of his class. The following two years he gained much valuable and practical knowledge in the law offices of Isaac Sprangenthal, of Newark, and with the leading specialist, Murray Apfelbaum, also of Newark, and in June, 1917, he passed the New Jersey State bar exami- nations. But three months later, in September, 1917, he was called into the service of his country and was sent to Camp Dix, later transferred to Camp Gordon, Georgia, becoming a member of Company H. 325th Infantry. In a short time he was made sergeant major, and in March, 1918, was sent overseas, saw active service, being in many of the import- ant encounters, was a victim of shell shock, and returned to the United States, September, 1918, receiving his honorable discharge, November. 1918, since which time he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession in the Ranton building.
Mr. Karkus is a member of the Hebrew synagogue. He is unmar- ried and makes his home with his parents. His hobby is baseball and when in school was very clever. "at the bat." He is public-spirited and progressive, ever ready to cooperate in any movement that is for the common welfare, or that tends to promote the material advancement of the community, and his success, which he so thoroughly deserves, is assured.
RALPH VAN MATER GORSLINE, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, is filling a position of grave responsibility. With long experience in the mercantile world, he has reached his present high position by his own efforts.
Mr. Gorsline was born in Flushing, New York, June 9, 1879, a son of Peter Gorsline, who was an expert accountant, following this line of
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endeavor through all his business career. Peter Gorsline was born in Elmhurst, Long Island, and died in Flushing, at the age of sixty-five years. He married Elizabeth Van Mater, who was born in Tennent, New Jersey, and died in Laurel Hill, New York, at the age of thirty- eight years. They had two children : Eva, who died at the age of twenty- eight. November 19, 1909; and Ralph Van Mater, whose career is of interest to the people of New Brunswick.
Beginning his education in the public schools of Spotswood, New Jersey, and continuing at the schools of Asbury Park, New Jersey, Mr. Gorsline was graduated from the Asbury Park High School in the class of 1897. Immediately thereafter the young man entered upon his business career in the employ of J. J. Parker, a grocer then doing busi- ness in Asbury Park. This was in the capacity of counter man, and he remained in this connection until the Spanish-American War, when he enlisted in the service. He came to New Brunswick, April 9, 1902, and accepted a position with the Nelson T. Parker Company, then one of the leading insurance firms of this city. Later he went on the road as special agent for the London-Lancashire Indemnity Company, thereafter holding its agency, under the firm name of the Cramer-Gorsline Com- pany, Incorporated. Mr. Gorsline was president of this company, which office he held until April 9, 1917. On that date he entered upon the duties of his present position, cashier and accountant for the Reckitts Company, U. S. A., Limited, manufacturers of laundry bluing.
During the Spanish-American War, Mr. Gorsline served in Company A, 3rd Regiment, United States Army. For two years and a half, and until mustered out, he was captain of the local militia, Company E, 3rd Battalion, New Jersey State Militia. Mr. Gorsline is prominent in various circles in New Brunswick. He is an influential member of the Board of Trade, is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association, and is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, and of Good Intent Council, Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
On June 29, 1910, Mr. Gorsline married Helen Brower, who was born in New Brunswick, October 1, 1884. She is a daughter of Joseph Farmer and Lydia (Graham) Brower, of this city, Mr. Brower being a well known contractor. Mr. and Mrs. Gorsline have one daughter, Jean Graham, born November 24. 1912. The family are members of St. John's Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Gorsline has been vestryman for the past ten years.
WILLIAM WEDEEN, D. D. S .- At about the time Dr. Wedeen arrived at legal age, he received from the University of Pennsylvania, at the close of a three years' course in the Dental School of that institu- tion, the degree of D. D. S. With this equipment for manhood's respon- sibilities, the young man began his professional career in his native city, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and is building up a good practice. He is a son of Louis Oscar Wedeen, born in Russia, where his wife, Ida Bernice (Bodine) Wedeen, and two children, were also born. After coming to the United States, they first lived in Elizabeth, New Jersey,
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but in a short time moved to Perth Amboy, which has since been the family home, the father now retired from active business. Four chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wedeen since coming to the United States, the two eldest born in Russia: Esther, wife of Louis E. Kemler ; Samuel, died in Hartford, Connecticut, aged twenty-one years ; William, of further mention; Arthur, died aged seven years ; Matilda, resides with her parents; and Belle, also residing with her parents.
William Wedeen was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, June 26, 1895, and there completed grade and high school courses with gradua- tion from grammar school in 1908, high school in 1912. He then spent a year in Pennsylvania State College, entering the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1909, and finishing with the class of 1916, D. D. S. He at once began practice in Perth Amboy, a year, however, being spent in the United States army during the war with Germany. Dr. Wedeen entered the army in March, 1918, and was sta- tioned at Camp Wadsworth, South Carolina, until January 15, 1919, when he was honorably discharged and mustered out. He was enlisted as a member of the Medical Enlisted Reserve Corps. He is a member of Prudence Lodge, No. 204. Free and Accepted Masons. Perth Amboy ; Amboy Chapter, No. 41, Royal Arch Masons ; Forest No. 68. Tall Cedars of Lebanon; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; the Young Men's Christian Association; the Young Men's Hebrew Association, and the Orthodox Jewish Church.
WILLIAM PETER CLEMENSEN, prominent among the younger business men of Perth Amboy, where he is the owner of the large and flourishing flour, grain and hay business at the corner of Market and South Second streets and the Central Railroad of New Jersey, is of Dan- ish descent and parentage, and a son of Soren and Christine (Christensen) Clemensen, both natives of Denmark, who came to the United States in early youth. The elder Mr. Clemensen received his education in his native land, and served an apprenticeship there in the baking trade. Upon reaching his majority he left Denmark, came to this country and located in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and there secured employment in a local bakery. He later founded a similar establishment, Clemensen & Nelson, on Smith street and remained at the head of that concern for four years. The success of the enterprise was considerable, but in 1913 Mr. Clemensen sold his interest and established himself in the flour, grain and hay business of which his son is now the head. His death occurred in 1916, when he was but forty-seven years of age, in Perth Amboy. He and his wife, who survives him, were the parents of two children, as follows: William Peter, with whom we are here con- cerned ; and a daughter Mamie, who became the wife of Herbert Jensen, of Perth Amboy.
William Peter Clemensen was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, July 20, 1895. He attended the public schools of his native place until he was fifteen years old. At that age his parents removed to the town of Metuchen, New Jersey, and the lad attended the high school there
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for three years longer. The family then returned to Perth Amboy, where his father engaged in the present line of business and took his son into partnership. In 1916, on the death of the elder man, Mr. Clemensen became the sole owner of the prosperous concern and has continued to conduct it with a notable degree of success up to the present time. Be- sides its main offices in Perth Amboy, there is also a branch of the house in Tottenville, Staten Island, New York, where a thriving business is also done. Mr. Clemensen is exceedingly fond of out-door life of all kinds and especially of hunting, spending much of his leisure time in the latter pursuit. He is also an accomplished musician and has studied that art for two and a half years at the National Conservatory of Music in New York City. He is prominent in social and fraternal life in Perth Amboy, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Danish Brotherhood, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. During the great war in Europe, Mr. Clemensen entered the service of his country and spent sixteen months at Forts Dix and Stewart, at the former as a member of Company D, 311th Infantry Regiment, and at the latter with the 11th Regiment, United States Cavalry, to which he had been transferred.
William Peter Clemensen was united in marriage, November 4, 1917, in Matawan, with Helen Isadore Kelly, a native of Matawan, New Jersey, and a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Kelly, old and much esteemed residents of that place, where the former is engaged in busi- ness as a stone mason. Mr. and Mrs. Clemensen are the parents of one child, William Melville, born June 20, '1919.
WILLIAM HENRY RUCKLE .- After coming to the United States a young man, William Henry Ruckle established a bakery in the city of New York at Third avenue and Eighty-sixth street, continuing until 1895, when he located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He resumed the baking business in his new home, establishing his plant and store at Nos. 101-103 Neilson street, there continuing in successful operation until his death. March 19, 1918, aged sixty-four. He had trained his son, also William Henry Ruckle, to follow the same trade, and when the elder Ruckle passed away the young man succeeded him and the business established by the father a quarter of a century ago, is successfully conducted by the son who has greatly widened its scope and increased the output.
William Henry Ruckle, Sr., married Catherine Ingner, born in Alsace- Lorraine, France, died in New Brunswick, New Jersey, December 10, 1917. They were the parents of five children: Elsie, married Simon Boyce, and resides in Weatherly, Pennsylvania; William Henry (2), of further mention ; Anna Mary, a resident of New Brunswick : Everett G., a radio operator of New Brunswick; Catherine B., residing at home.
William Henry Ruckle, Jr., was born in New York City, New York, November 21, 1887, and there spent the first eight years of his life. In 1895, his parents moved to New Brunswick, and the lad attended school until eighteen years of age, then became a baker's apprentice, learning
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the business under the instruction of his father. He continued his father's assistant until the latter's death in 1918, then became head of the business which he yet continues. Mr. Ruckle is a young man of good business ability, and during the less than two years since coming into full management has greatly increased the business. He is well liked and popular, a member of several fraternities and clubs, his favorite recreations yachting and hunting. His fraternal orders are the Elks, Red Men, Foresters and Eagles, his club the New Brunswick Yacht. He is a communicant of St. John's Roman Catholic Church.
LEWIS HOLLANDER, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is actively engaged in a line of business which has largely to do with the public health and well-being-the milk business.
Andrew Hollander, father of Lewis Hollander, was born in Wood- bridge, New Jersey, but for a large part of his life was a resident of Atlantic City. There he followed the carpenter's trade for many years, and for twenty-five years was a member of the police force. He died in Atlantic City, New Jersey, June 11, 1916, at the age of sixty years. He married Mary M. Dow, who died in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of fifty-seven years. She was a woman of fine characteristics, and devoted to her family. Her mother was an Indian squaw. Andrew and Mary M. (Dow) Hollander were the parents of two children: Lil- lian, now deceased, and Lewis, the Perth Amboy milk dealer. The grandfather, Andrew Hollander, was born in Germany.
Lewis Hollander was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 2, 1876. The family remained in that city until he was twelve years of age, when they removed to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Soon after that the boy went to work with his father in the carpenter business, con- tinuing thus for two years. The boy then came to Perth Amboy and went to work on the Lehigh Valley Railroad. This was in 1890. He continued railroad work for three years, then entered the employ of the C. Pardee Works, where he remained for five years. His next con- nection was with the American Smelting and Refining Company, with whom he remained for fourteen years at their plant in Perth Amboy.
Knowing the city thoroughly, after his long residence here, Mr. Hollander decided upon a business venture of his own. He started in the milk business, which he still carries on at No. 343 Barclay street, Perth Amboy. From the beginning he was successful, and with the growth of the city and his own constant attention to business, he has placed himself at the lead in his line. He has now followed this business for twelve years, and handles a very large trade. Mr. Hollander is a progressive citizen, interested in everything that affects the welfare of the community. He is affiliated with the Republican party, but has never sought nor accepted public office. When his exacting business interests give him opportunity he spends his leisure motoring. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Foresters of America.
Mr. Hollander married, September 27, 1893, Martha G. Yates, daugh- ter of James W. and Alfretta (Gardener) Yates. Mrs. Hollander was
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born in Perth Amboy, October 25, 1874. Her father was an engineer for many years, and died at the age of sixty-three years. Her mother died at the age of forty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Hollander have two children : Edna M., born November 17, 1896, now the wife of Michael C. Burns, of Perth Amboy ; and Andrew C., born August 14, 1901, who is now a clerk in the employ of the American Smelting and Refining Company. The family are members of the Methodist church, and active in all its work.
CHARLES HENRY BRUNS .- Nearly everyone in the State of New Jersey is familiar with the widely known catering establishment of "Bruns of New Brunswick." The business was started many years ago by Frederick Bruns, as an ice cream and confectionery store and con- ducted by him personally, assisted by his sons. After his death the family continued to run the business, it being made an incorporated company under the name of "Bruns of New Brunswick," Inc., high grade caterers and confectioners.
Frederick Bruns was born in Hanover, Germany. When the lad was twelve years old he came to this country alone, landing in New York City, and started a single handed fight for a living. He eventually achieved success, conducting a catering concern at No. 71 Church street for a number of years, and latterly being assisted by his son Charles, Frederick Bruns married Mary Meyer, a native of Germany ; they came to New Brunswick in 1888, where she died June 21, 1907, and one year later. January 19, 1908, her husband died. They had four boys, all living at the present time (1921), three of them now being connected with the catering business. They are : Charles Henry, in New Brunswick ; Fred- erick W., in a branch store in Plainfield; Harry Edward, a resident of Albany, New York; Otto, in charge of another branch store at No. 220 Raritan avenue, Highland Park.
Charles Henry Bruns was born February 7. 1884, in Somerville. New Jersey, but when he was four years old his parents moved to New Brunswick. Here the boy attended school, graduating from the grammar and high schools, and followed this by a course at the Wilson Business College of New Brunswick. After finishing there, Charles Henry Bruns went into his father's store, assisting him until his death, when the son carried on the business, moving in 1910 to the present establishment at No. 361 George street. There may be found the most complete concern of its kind in the State, their catering work extending over a large territory and their daily deliveries being of a considerable number. Mr. Bruns has a hobby-it is music, of which he is devotedly fond, especially symphony concerts, chamber music, etc. He is also much interested in the Young Men's Christian Association, of which he is a member. and is active in the Rotary Club. He is a member of the First Reformed Church of New Brunswick.
On January 17. 1910, in New Brunswick, Charles Henry Bruns mar- ried Mabel C. Harvey, born in this city, March 11, 1886, the daughter of Charles W. and Mary C. (Cole) Harvey ; they reside in New Bruns- wick where Mr. Harvey was formerly engaged as a pattern maker, but
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is now leading a retired life. Mr. and Mrs. Bruns have one child, Doro- thy Virginia, born May 12, 1912. Their home is at No. 14 Remson avenue, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
JOSEPH JOHN FEASTER, numbered among the successful mer- chants of New Brunswick, New Jersey, is the proprietor of a grocery and provision store at No. 165 Throop avenue. Not only is Mr. Feaster prominent in business circles, but he also takes an active part in the political life of the community, and is known throughout the city for his public spirit and interest in the welfare of the place.
John Feaster, father of Joseph John Feaster, was born in Germany, but was brought by his parents to this country when a baby, the family locating at once in New Brunswick. Upon reaching manhood he served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, and followed this particular line throughout his entire lifetime. He died January 29, 1920. He married Caroline Feaster, whose surname was the same as his although they claimed no relationship, and to them were born six children : Mary, who married William F. McGrath, of New Brunswick, New Jersey ; Edward, deceased; Frank; John; Joseph John, of further mention ; Nicholas, a resident of New York City.
Joseph John Feaster, son of John and Caroline (Feaster) Feaster, was born June 24, 1880, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the old homestead. He obtained his education in the public schools of his native place and St. John's Academy, and after finishing his studies at the age of nineteen established himself in his present business in which he has met with great success.
The same qualities that Mr. Feaster has exhibited in the conduct of his own business he has also shown in that of the city administration, which he has served so efficiently, having served as alderman from 1907 until 1915, as recorder from 1915 until 1917, and elected commis- sioner, March 1917, serving to 1919, when he was reelected for another term of four years. He has indeed always been very active in politics, and enjoys a wide and well-deserved popularity, and the entire com- munity, without regard to party differences, has expressed itself emi- nently satisfied with his work. Mr. Feaster is affiliated with many important organizations here, among them being the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. In his religious belief he is a Roman Catholic and attends St. John's Church of New Bruns- wick.
Joseph John Feaster was united in marriage, November 15, 1906, at New Brunswick, with Anna E. Crennar, of East Brunswick township, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Crennar, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Feaster two children have been born, as follows: Anna M., born August 16, 1907; Frank J., born May 16, 1910. The family reside at No. 127 Throop avenue, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Mr. Feaster is ardently devoted to hunting and fishing, and during the seasons for such sport, he devotes whatever time he can spare from his ever increasing business affairs to this particular line of outdoor recreation.
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PATRICK JOSEPH LYONS, rising by the force of his own char- acter from the position of laborer, now owns an independent manufactur- ing business in Perth Amboy, building many kinds of water craft.
Thomas Lyons, father of Patrick J. Lyons, was born in Ireland, and came to this country alone when a very young man. He came first to Jersey City, New Jersey, where he obtained employment as a sticker in a slaughter house. He removed to England when the boy, Patrick J., was three years old. Some years later his wife died there, and he brought his children back to America. He came to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in 1889, and there was employed on the coal docks. He was killed there by a train, in 1901, at the age of fifty-four years. He married, in Jersey City, Elizabeth Bath, who was born in Jersey City, and died in England. They were the parents of three children : Thomas, of Perth Amboy, who is a mason's tender, unmarried ; Patrick Joseph, of whom further men- tion follows ; and Mary, who died in Perth Amboy, at the age of thirty- four years; she was the wife of Peter Martin and the mother of nine children, all of whom now live in Perth Amboy.
Patrick Joseph Lyons was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, October 15, 1875. Going with his parents to England, he remained there for five years. Then at eight years of age he returned to America, mother- less. For a time he was in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and there attended the public schools, completing the course at the age of fourteen years. He then came to Perth Amboy, and began life driving a dump cart. This work he followed for two years, then worked in a brick factory. By industry and thrift he accumulated enough money to start in business, and for eleven years he was proprietor of a hotel located on the corner of Smith and Maple streets. He was always in touch with the shipping interests in the city of Perth Amboy, and when he was able to follow his tastes more closely in business he disposed of his hotel and began the manufacture of boats. He has done very attractive work along this line, and is making a success of the venture. Mr. Lyons is unmarried. He is connected with several fraternal organizations. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, the Foresters of America, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is foreman of the Perth Amboy Engine Company. In the Spanish-American War, Mr. Lyons served in Com- pany D, 3rd New Jersey Infantry, of New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was first sent to Sea Girt, then to Sandy Hook, then to Pompton Plains, and last to Athens, Georgia, where this company was discharged from the service.
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