USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 22
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John Joseph Quinn began his education in the public schools of Perth Amboy. After completing the usual course, he entered the Coleman Business College, of Newark, New Jersey, and was graduated in 1903. He then entered the employ of Westinghouse, Church, Kerr & Company, engineers of New York City, as one of their statistical force, remaining with them for a year and a half, during which time he spent his evenings in advanced study at the Lenftner Preparatory School. At the end of that time he went to New York University, com- pleting his studies, and for the next five years was employed by Douglas Robinson, of Charles S. Brown Company, dealers in real estate. Returning to Perth Amboy, he became associated with Alpern & Company, as vice-president of their organization, remaining in this connection for three years. He is now manager of the real estate depart- ment of the Perth Amboy Trust Company ; and is also clerk of the District Court of Perth Amboy.
Mr. Quinn is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Raritan Yacht Club. His hobby is music, and he has a fine bass voice. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Quinn married, October 20, 1920, Florence E. Donegan, a teacher in the grammar school of Perth Amboy.
W. GUY WEAVER, now general superintendent of the New Jersey plants of the National Fireproofing Company, with local offices in Perth Amboy, was born in Newark, New Jersey, December 29, 1878, son of W. Guy and Elizabeth J. (Brannigan) Weaver, his father a railroad man and a well known resident of Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
The son, W. Guy Weaver, was educated in Perth Amboy public schools, and after school years were over, began his business career,
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his first position being as office boy with the G. B. Wilson Company, in Jersey City. He remained with that house four years, then, about 1896, became a clerk with the Perth Amboy Gas Light Company, con- tinuing here until 1898. In the same year he took a position with the American Smelting and Refining Company, as a weigher in the lead department. holding this until 1902. In July, 1902, he entered the employ of the National Fireproofing Company at Perth Amboy, a con- nection which has grown closer and stronger as the years have passed by and which he yet continues (1921).
Mr. Weaver's first place with the above company was as a clerk in the shipping department, and promotion followed, he having been suc- cessively assistant superintendent, superintendent, and, as above stated, is now general superintendent of all the company's plants in New Jersey, one being located in Perth Amboy, two in Woodbridge township, one at Lorillard, and one at Port Murray. He is a thorough master of every detail of the business over which he has direction, and is regarded as one of the best informed and most capable men in the business. He is a director of the City National Bank of Perth Amboy, and of the Wood- bridge National Bank, of Woodbridge, New Jersey.
In politics, Mr. Weaver is a Democrat, and has served the city of Perth Amboy as president of the Board of Aldermen, and as secretary of the Board of Water Commissioners. He is a past exalted ruler of Perth Amboy Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; a mem- ber of the Knights of Columbus; Royal Arcanum ; and Woodmen of the World; and his religious connection is with St. James' Roman Catholic Church of Woodbridge. His clubs are the East Jersey, the Raritan River Yacht, and the Sewaren Land and Water.
Mr. Weaver married, at Perth Amboy, October 30, 1902, Madeline R. Hartung, daughter of Bernard and Theresa (Angst) Hartung, of Perth Amboy. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are the parents of two daughters: Ruth M., and Bernice C. Since coming to Woodbridge, after a long residence in Perth Amboy, the family home has been at No. 192 Green street.
JOSEPH A. FURKAY .- Almost the entire section around James- burg is given over to farming, that portion of New Jersey having a wide reputation for agricultural development. One of the numerous farms is operated by Joseph A. Furkay, who has been a resident for some years past, though not a native of this State.
Joseph A. Furkay was born in New York City, March 11, IS74, the son of John Furkay, a cigar maker of that city, and his wife, Anna (Lowda) Furkay. The education of the young boy was acquired in the common schools, and when that was finished he began his farming career.
In politics Mr. Furkay is a liberal, and in religion he is a Presby- terian : his business interests are with the First National Bank of James- burg, and the only organization of which he is a member is the Farmers' Corporation of Monmouth county.
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In Rhode Hall, February 26, 1902, Joseph A. Furkay was united in marriage with Mae E. Scott, born April 5, 1882, in Hightstown, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Addison H. and Lydia A. (Perine) Scott, born natives of Hightstown. The grandfather of Mae E. (Scott) Furkay was James Scott, and her grandmother Mary Harding, both having been born in Mercer county, New Jersey, all her family for several gener- ations owning that county as their native place. Mr. and Mrs. Furkay have two children : Addison S., born September 4, 1903 ; and Joseph A., born September 14, 1915.
LEO C. OSBORN, an agriculturist and market gardener in the vicinity of New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a man who has won for himself a place among the prominent and highly respected citizens of that locality, who through his industry, his upright and honorable principles, and his genial nature, well merits the confidence and esteem in which he is held by his fellow-men.
Leo C. Osborn was born in New Market, Middlesex county, New Jersey, May 23, 1887, a son of Peter C. and Ida E. (Fulton) Osborn, the father devoting the years of his active career to the breaking and training of horses, a lucrative occupation in those days when horses were used almost exclusively as a means of conveyance from place to place, in addition to being used for all kinds of work. By attendance at the common schools in the neighborhood of his home, Leo C. Osborn obtained a good education, and upon the completion of his studies he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, the farm which he now owns and resides on having been in the possession of members of the family from the Revolutionary period, he being a member of the fifth generation, and a portion of the house he resides in was built prior to the Revolutionary War, this making it one of the ancient landmarks of that locality. The work and care he has bestowed on his property is amply shown in the harvests that it yields, which is housed in com- modious and modern buildings, everything kept in the best of order. In religious preference he is a First Day Baptist, and he is connected with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the local Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.
Mr. Osborn married, October 14, 1914, at High Bridge, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, Mae Cory Titus, born April 30, 1896, at Plainfield, New Jersey, daughter of Isaac and Caroline Titus, the former named born in Ohio, and the latter named in Bound Brook, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn are the parents of one child, Gorden, born Septem- ber 27, 1917.
HENRY KUHLTHAU, one of the leading business men of the bor- ough of Milltown, is the successful proprietor of a coal, hay and grain store He also carries on an extensive trade in all kinds of farm products.
While Mr. Kuhlthau is a descendant of German ancestry, he is of American birth, having been born in Milltown, New Jersey, April 23,
Mid-25
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1864. After attending the public school of that town, he assisted his father both in his general store and on the farm, growing up to man- hood in the village where he was born. His father, Conrad Kuhlthau, was born in Germany, came to this country when a young man, joined the mad rush to the Pacific coast, and became one of the gold diggers of California. He afterward came East and settled in Milltown, engag- ing in farming and conducting the village store, handling general mer- chandise. He bought and sold the farm his son now lives on. The mother of Henry Kuhlthau was Myleana (Junker) Kuhlthau, also a native of Germany.
Mr. Kuhlthau takes an active part in all the affairs of the constantly growing borough, and is well regarded by his fellow-citizens. He has been chosen president of the Milltown Building and Loan Association. He also is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and of the Improved Order of Red Men. In politics Mr. Kuhlthau is a Republican, but not a politician, though for the last nine years he has been one of the councilmen of the borough. He is also a member of the Milltown Republican Club. Mr. Kuhlthau and his family attend St. Paul's Church.
On August 4, 1886, in the city of New Brunswick, Henry Kuhlthau married Mamie Hughes, daughter of Thomas Hughes, a native of Eng- land. Mr. Hughes came to this country many years ago and settled in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where his daughter Mamie was born May 28, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kuhlthau have one child, May E., born in 1887.
REUNE FITZ RANDOLPH, deceased, who for many years was a representative of the farming interests of Raritan township, Middlesex county, New Jersey, was a lineal descendant in the ninth generation of a family that made its home in the State of New Jersey at an early date, the founder having been Edward Fitz Randolph, a native of England, from whence he emigrated to New England in the year 1630 and located in the State of Massachusetts, married, May 10, 1637, Elizabeth Blossom, and later moved to Manasquan, New Jersey. The descent to Reune Fitz Randolph was through his son, Thomas Fitz Randolph ; his son, David B. Fitz Randolph, born January 1, 1690; his son, William Fitz Randolph, born January 10, 1716, died December 10, 1795; his son, Nehemiah Fitz Randolph, born January 3, 1745, died January 3, 1806, married Sarah Walker, born 1750, died March 27, 1807; their son, Peter Fitz Randolph, born December 12, 1767, died April 24, 1815, married Phoebe Blackford, born February 12, 1763; their son, Asa Fitz Randolph, born in Plainfield, New Jersey, May 21, 1802, a farmer by occupation, married Hannah T. Drake, born August 18, 1801, in New Jersey, they the parents of Reune Fitz Randolph, of this review.
Reune Fitz Randolph was born in Plainfield, Union county, New Jersey, February 18, 1837. He attended the schools of his native place, completing his studies in the Plainfield High School, thus acquiring an education that prepared him for the activities of life. He gave his attention to farming pursuits in early boyhood, and so continued until
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his retirement from labor in his declining years, thereafter enjoying to the full the rest and quiet that should follow years of strenuous effort. He was a Seventh Day Baptist in religion, and a Republican in politics, and was looked upon in the vicinity of his home as a good neighbor and friend. His death occurred at his home, January 25, 1914.
Reune Fitz Randolph married, in Flemington, New Jersey, January I, 1862, Anna Camp, born in Flemington, August 25, 1842, daughter of Elias Camp, who was born in Cape May, New Jersey, May 23, 1816, married, September 30, 1838, Elizabeth Ann Dills, born February 1, 1814. Three children were born of this union, as follows: Ida, born August 5, 1864; Nellie, born July 5, 1866, departed this life December 27, 1901 ; and Etta, born January 27, 1874. They reside in the old homestead, and are honored and esteemed for their excellent characteristics.
PLATT J. ROWLEY, deceased, who for many years was classed among the prosperous and representative tillers of the soil of Raritan township, in the vicinity of Plainfield, New Jersey, who are noted for their excellent products, was born in Lexington, Greene county, New York, March 18, 1822, a son of Nathan and Esther (Goslie) Rowley, who resided for many years on a farm there.
The district schools of Lexington afforded Platt J. Rowley the opportunity of obtaining an elementary education, and his active life thereafter was devoted to farming in Greene county, New York, and later in Middlesex county, New Jersey. He spent a number of years on his father's farm in New York State, and later became the owner of the farm in New Jersey, whereon he spent the remainder of his days, and which since his death is occupied by his daughters. He was a man of means and experience, energetic, thrifty, and painstaking, all these qualities combining to make him a successful farmer. He also gave proof of his patriotism and allegiance to his country by enlisting in its service during the period of the Civil War, becoming a lieutenant in the Ulster New York Guard, which was ready for service at any moment, but was not called out for action. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Plainfield, an adherent of Republican principles, and highly esteemed by all with whom he associated, either in business, religious or social circles.
Mr. Rowley married, in Somerville, New Jersey, December 31, 1865, Augusta C. Cubberley, born March 23. 1829, daughter of Isaac Cubberley, of Bergen, New Jersey, and his wife, Susanna (Van Nostrand) Cubber- ley, of Paterson, New Jersey. The Cubberleys are an old English family, various members being found among the early settlers of Staten Island, and in the maternal line Mrs. Rowley is descended from the Mercereau family, an equally well known family. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rowley : Lizzie, born February 12, 1868, resides at the home- stead in Plainfield : Adelaide, born August 31, 1870, also resides on the old homestead ; she became the wife of George M. Banks, and they are the parents of five children, as follows: Luther, Everett, Adelaide, Eunice, and George. Mr. Rowley died in his residence on the farm in Raritan township, August 17, 1899, and his wife died October 25, 1913.
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PHINNEY E. AND RUTHETTA (CURTIS-DRAKE) GRAF- FAM .- In the town of Gray, eighteen miles from Portland, Cumberland county, Maine, Phinney E. Graffam was born, October 5, 1852, son of Clement and Elizabeth (Ross) Graffam ; his father was a farmer. After finishing public school, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed many years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a Republican in politics, and in his younger years a member of the militia.
Mr. Graffam married, in Newark, New Jersey, December 3, 1916, Ruthetta (Curtis) Drake, daughter of David and Katherine (Long) Curtis, and widow of David F. Drake, dealer in stocks, who was born in Plainfield, Union county, February 11, 1845, son of William W. Drake, Esq., a descendant of Sir Frances Drake, and Eunice (French) Drake, who was a sister of P. M. French. William W. Drake, Esq., filled a number of important public offices during his life. He was health com- missioner, overseer of the poor, and county surveyor, holding these positions until the time of his death.
Ruthetta (Curtis-Drake) Graffam was born in Plainfield, Union county, April 27, 1850, and has been a resident of this section all her life. She traces her ancestors (all of whom were born and lived in Union county ) back to the early pioneer days of the seventeenth century, her great-grandfather, Daniel Curtis, having fought and died in the fight for independence.
In her early life, Mrs. Graffam devoted a great deal of her time to fancy poultry raising, for which she took many prizes. Of recent years she has dealt extensively in real estate, and owns a large amount of property in Plainfield. At the present time she and Mr. Graffam reside on their farm in Piscataway township. The farm is under splendid culti- vation. She is a Methodist, a member of the First Methodist Church of Plainfield. Notwithstanding her very active life in business, Mrs. Graf- fam has always found time to minister to the wants of the poor and needy, and is well known for her philanthropic work.
By Mrs. Graffam's first marriage there are five children now living : I. William W. Drake, milk dealer, married, in Trenton, New Jersey, Lily Fermann, and has two children: Eugene and Bessie. 2. Minnie Drake, who lives in Plainfield, New Jersey ; married John Barber Car- penter, and has two children: Ethel and William. 3. Edward Drake, public service employee for twenty-one years; married, in New Bruns- wick, New Jersey, Mabel Curtis, and has five children : Dorothy, Evelyn, Walter, Katherine and Mabel. 4. Charles Drake, stock farmer, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, married Mabel Long, and has two children: Nellie and Grace. 5. Sarah Elizabeth, of Brooklyn, New York, married Edward Sanders, retired merchant, and has three children: Gladys, Victor and Ruth.
FRANK J. LAWSON .- Although Mr. Lawson has been a resident of Woodbridge for a longer period than he can remember, his business is and always has been in New York City, he having been connected
Frank J. Lawson
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with the music publishing business since his school days, and is now head of the F. J. Lawson Company, Inc., general publishers of music. He is not only a practical printer, but a practical publisher and an excellent business man.
Frank J. Lawson is a son of Peter Lawson, a one-time music pub- lisher of New York, who moved to Woodbridge, New Jersey, in 1867, and there died, February 21, 1899. He was born in New York, in 1817, and continued actively engaged in the music publishing business until 1898, when he retired in favor of his son, who had been his valued assist- ant. He was a member of the famous Seventh Regiment, New York Militia, and was with that regiment in some of its noted experiences. He married Rachel Lyons, of English parentage. She died in Wood- bridge, New Jersey, December 12, 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson were the parents of five children : James, Henry, Frank J., of further mention ; Jeannette, and Elsie.
Frank J. Lawson was born in New York . City, December 16, 1866, but in 1867 Woodbridge, New Jersey, became the family home, and there he completed public school studies. He then pursued a course of study at Paine's Business College, New York City, after which he became associated with his father in business. Under his father's direction he learned the printer's trade, and the methods of setting musical scores, printing, and every detail of the business. He became his father's trusted assistant, and when, in 1898, Peter Lawson retired from the business, Frank J. Lawson assumed sole management. In 1907 the business was incorporated as the F. J. Lawson Company, with offices at No. 350 West Thirty-eighth street, New York. The business is one of the largest music publishing concerns in the country, and at the company's plant every phase of music printing is conducted. Outside of his own firm, Mr. Lawson is interested in other activities, among them being vice- president of the Woodbridge National Bank.
Mr. Lawson is a Republican in politics, and takes a keen interest in local affairs. He is a trustee of the First Congregational Church of Woodbridge, is past chancellor commander of Woodbridge Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and member of the official board of Woodbridge Chapter of the Red Cross. He has taken a keen interest in the affairs of the community, and is one of the esteemed citizens of the town.
RUSSELL E. RUNYON .- Dunellen, New Jersey, has long been the home of this branch of the Runyon family, this review dealing with three heads of generations who have made Dunellen the seat of their business activities: Eugene Runyon, his son, Walter G. Runyon, and his grandson, Russell E. Runyon. Eugene Runyon was active in town enterprises, and one of the leading men of his day. He was one of the principal organizers of the Dunellen Building and Loan Association, and conducted a large real estate and insurance business. He was also a merchant of Dunellen, and a man genuinely respected. He married Jersey Ann Randolph, and they were the parents of five children : Walter G., of further mention; Oscar, for many years a leading mer-
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chant of Dunellen, borough councilman, and a member of the Board of Education ; William, Arthur, and Randolph, all of whom died young.
Walter G. Runyon, eldest son of Eugene and Jersey Ann (Randolph) Runyon, was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, and for thirty years was engaged in the undertaking business in Dunellen. He also conducted a successful livery business, dealt extensively in real estate, and became influential in town affairs. He was highly esteemed and widely known as a man of integrity, public-spirited and progressive, whose labors for the good of Dunellen added much to town progress and welfare. He was a member of several organizations, social and fraternal, and a devoted member of the New Market Baptist Church. He married Cora A. Apgar, of Cokesbury, New Jersey, and they were the parents of an only child, Russell E. Runyon, of further mention.
Russell E. Runyon, son of Walter G. and Cora A. (Apgar) Runyon, was born in Dunellen, New Jersey, October 1, 1891, and there was educated in the public schools of Dunellen. He finished his studies in Plainfield High School and after leaving that institution, became asso- ciated with his father in business, continuing until the passing of the elder partner, when the son succeeded him as owner and manager. He has other business interests in his town, one being his connection with the First National Bank, another, the Dunellen Building and Loan Asso- ciation, of which his grandfather was a founder. He is a member of several organizations of Dunellen, social and fraternal, and takes a deep interest in town affairs.
Mr. Runyon married (first) at Dunellen, November 18, 1914, Edna M. Shivley, of Dunellen, who died December 14, 1917, the mother of two children : Walter G. (2), born October 3, 1915; and Edythe A., born November 23, 1916. He married (second) Mabel Brown, of Boonton, New Jersey.
ALVAH GRAY .- Among the leading residents of Dunellen who have passed from a life of usefulness and service was Alvah Gray. He was one of the town's most influential citizens, highly esteemed by all who knew him, and his death. which occurred February 9. 1918, was a sad loss to the community. He was a native of the State of New Jersey, born near Long Valley, Hunterdon county, November 18, 1849, a son of Rance H. and Elizabeth (Swakhamer ) Gray, natives of Long Valley, where Mr. Gray was engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Alvah Gray was a student in the common schools adjacent to his childhood home. and being inured to farm labor, assisted his father in the work of the homestead. He gave his attention to that line of occu- pation until the year 1884, then took up an entirely different line of work, engaging in the lumber, coal, flour and feed business in Dunellen, Middlesex county. His business increased in volume and importance with each passing year until it ranked among the most successful in this section of the township. He was honorable and straightforward in his methods of conducting his business, energetic and enterprising, and the success which he achieved was the direct result of his own well-directed efforts. His connection as president of the First National Bank of
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Dunellen for many years testified to his trustworthiness and ability. He was a member of the Presbyterian church of Dunellen, and his political allegiance was given to the Republican party. For many years he was a member of the Town Board, and a committeeman of the township.
Mr. Gray married, in Glen Garden, near Spruce Run, New Jersey, December 18, 1869, Mary Elizabeth Bonnell, born in Clinton, New Jersey, October 20, 1849, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Beavers) Bonnell, natives of Clinton. Mr. and Mrs. Gray were the parents of one daughter, Sarah Louise, born in Califon, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, September 4, 1874; she married, April 20, 1898, William E. Terry, born September 29, 1872, now serving in the capacity of manager of the American Felt Company in New York City, and resides in Dunellen. Mr. and Mrs. Terry are the parents of three children: Natalie, born December 30, 1901 ; Edwin T., born July 12, 1904; and Richard G., born July II, 1907.
TRUMAN W. BILYEU, one of the successful business men of New Market, New Jersey, is a man of excellent business and executive ability, is public-spirited and enterprising, and has always adhered to a high standard of living, both in public and private life, and enjoys the esteem and respect of all who know him.
Truman W. Bilyeu is a native of Brooklyn, New York, born October 31, 1847, a son of William and Sarah (Upson) Bilyeu, the former named born in Somerset county, New Jersey, a chair maker by trade, from which he derived a comfortable livelihood, and the latter named a native of New York City. The common schools in the vicinity of his home afforded Truman W. Bilyeu the opportunity of acquiring a prac- tical education, and upon arriving at the age when he could depend upon his own efforts for making a living, he chose the trade of blacksmith, at which he became highly proficient. He also learned the trade of wagonmaker, and to these occupations he has since devoted his entire time and energy. In 1870, at the age of twenty-three years, he estab- lished a blacksmith shop on Somerset street, in Plainfield, New Jersey, which he conducted very successfully up to the year 1910, when he moved to New Market and there erected a repair and blacksmith shop, at the same time erecting a modern house for the occupancy of his family. At present he is connected with his son-in-law, Walter J. Titus, in the blacksmith and wagonmaking shop at New Market. Mr. Bilyeu is a Baptist in religion, and is staunch in his advocacy of the principles of the Republican party.
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