USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 23
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Mr. Bilyeu married, June 24, 1871, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Adeline Harris, born in New Market, Middlesex county, New Jersey, December 8, 1845, daughter of John and Susan (Pope) Harris. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bilyeu, namely : Emma Louise, born March 30, 1872, who became the wife of Walter J. Titus, of Somerset county, New Jersey ; and Florence, born March 5, 1882, who became the wife of George Apgar, of Plainfield, and they are the parents of two children : George, Jr., and Harold Apgar.
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JAMES SCANLON .- At the age of thirty, James Scanlon came to the United States from Ireland and became an employee of the Penn- sylvania Railroad, remaining many years with that company until an accident so crippled him that his days of usefulness to the road were ended. The company most generously compensated him by placing him upon the pension list, and he now resides at Menlo Park, Middlesex county, New Jersey, a property owner, contented and free from all care. He is a son of John and Katherine ( Dugan) Scanlon, both of whom lived and died in County Sligo, Ireland, his father a farmer. The family were members of the Roman Catholic church, and in that faith James Scanlon firmly abides.
James Scanlon was born in County Sligo, Ireland, August 15, 1853 He attended parish schools, and until 1883 resided in Ireland, employed as a farm hand and in other pursuits. In that year he came to the United States and soon afterward received employment with the Penit- sylvania Railroad. He was badly injured in a railroad wreck on thic Pennsylvania, and has since been upon the company's retired list. He was a member of that old-time organization, the Knights of Labor, now but a memory but at one time very strong. In politics he is a Democrat
Mr. Scanlon married, in Ireland, February 3. 1879. Katherine Carroll born November 27, 1850, in Ireland, daughter of Mark and Bridget (Dwyer) Carroll. Mr. and Mrs. Scanlon are the parents of four children : I. Mary, born November 7, 1882 ; she married Joseph Jan Konsky, and has eight children: Katherine, Mary, John, James, Joseph, Agnes, Michael, and Edward. 2. John, born July 24, 1884, deceased. 3. Kath- erine, born February 1, 1888; she married Stephen Walker, and has three children : Gertrude, Katherine, and James. 4. John F., born May 21, 1896.
IOW R. EDGAR .- The Edgars were formerly a Woodbridge family, and there Freeman Edgar, the father of low R. Edgar, was born. While he was yet young, his parents moved to New York City, where his life was largely spent. For a number of years he was engaged in the grocery business there, but later in life was in the same business in Metuchen, New Jersey, where he died.
low R. Edgar, son of Freeman and Sarah (Martin) Edgar, was born in New York City, March 20, 1847, and there spent the first eleven years of his youth. He attended the New York City public schools until 1858, when the family moved to Metuchen, New Jersey, and there the lad attended a private school until 1862, when school days ended. In that year he became a clerk in his father's general store in Metuchen, con- tinuing in the business until 1873. He then became engaged in general merchandising on his own account for several years, later entering the clay business, a line of activity he has been in for thirty years, having clay interests in Middlesex county, New Jersey, in Florida, and in Georgia.
Mr. Edgar is a director of the Metuchen National Bank, a man highly regarded in business circles, and in a social way has many friends
Your R. Edgar
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throughout the community. In politics, Mr. Edgar is a Republican, keenly alive to his duties as a citizen, and is interested in all things for public betterment. He and his family are members of the Metuchen Reformed Church, where he married. in 1874, Cecilia Ross Thomas, daughter of David G. and Ann (Ross) Thomas, the Ross family one of the old Revolutionary families of Metuchen. Mr. and Mrs. Edgar are the parents of two sons: Harold T. and David R. The family home is at No. 32 Graham avenue, Metuchen.
CALEB DOUGLAS FRASER .- The Fraser family, originating in the Scottish Highlands, was established on this side the Atlantic two hundred years ago, the original immigrant ancestor settling in Nova Scotia. There the family remained for many generations. William Fraser, who was born in Nova Scotia, in 1838, later came to the United States, bringing his wife and children, and located in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad for many years. William Fraser died in Perth Amboy, in 1904. His wife, Susan Douglas, also born in Nova Scotia, survives him, and is now seventy-one years of age. She is a descendant of the famous Douglas clan of the Scottish Highlands. The children of this fine couple, all born in Nova Scotia with the exception of the youngest, with the sturdy pioneer spirit of their ancestors, are : Jessie, the wife of Frank Douglas, of Providence, Rhode Island; Caleb D., of further mention ; Anne, widow of Maxwell F. Lawton, of Brooklyn, New York; Edwin Grant, a sketch of whom fol- lows; Mary, who died not long after the family left Nova Scotia; Har- riet, a resident of Perth Amboy; Emma, wife of John E. Sofield, of Perth Amboy ; and William H., a real estate man in Perth Amboy.
Caleb Douglas Fraser was born in Hants county, Nova Scotia, on July 17, 1870, on the old farm where the family had lived for many years. There he attended school until he was sixteen years of age, helping his father in the butcher business in his spare time. In May, 1887, the family came to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, the young man accompanying them. Later, he was employed in a grocery store in Brooklyn, New York. Returning to Perth Amboy after a year spent thus, he was apprenticed to Thomas Langan, a carpenter. He worked at this trade for a few years here in this city, then entered the employ of the American Smelting and Refining Company, and remained in that connection for ten years. Dur- ing that time, however, he kept in close touch with the construction work constantly going on in the rapid development of the city. The out- growth of this interest was the formation in 1907 of Fraser Brothers, real estate dealers. The Fraser Realty Company was also formed. of which Caleb Douglas Fraser is treasurer. He is also a director and sec- retary of the People's Building and Loan Association.
Closely identified as he is with the growth and development of the city, Mr. Fraser is interested in every phase of its progress, and while always preferring to forward the welfare in an unofficial way, he was at
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one time induced to become a candidate for alderman of the First Ward. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and an elder and trus- tee. He at one time taught in the Sunday school.
Mr. Fraser married, October 12, 1899, in Pluckemin, New Jersey, Margaret Huff, daughter of David and Henriette (Van Arsdale) Huff. Mrs. Fraser was born in Pluckemin, and her mother now resides there, but her father died in Perth Amboy. Mr. and Mrs. Fraser have three children, all living : Mary Douglas, born August 14, 1902 : Douglas, born June 12, 1904; and Margaret Melick, born February 29, 1908.
EDWIN GRANT FRASER, fourth child of William and Susan (Douglas) Fraser (q. v.), was born in Shurbenacadie, Hants county, Nova Scotia, February 4, 1875, and there spent the first thirteen years of his life. In 1888 he came to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and there com- pleted his school years. At the age of fifteen he began his business career in a Perth Amboy real estate office, and so well was he adapted to that business that he has always continued therein. He began business under his own name at the age of thirty-one, in 1906 opening his first office at No. 81 Smith street. Later he moved to No. 95 Smith street, thence to a building of his own at No. 194 Smith street, and in April, 1918, to his present offices, No. 210 Smith street, in the Perth Amboy Savings Institution building. He has been very successful in business and holds the confidence and high regard of his fellowmen. He is a director of the First National Bank of Perth Amboy; vice-president of the People's Building and Loan Association; secretary-treasurer of the East Jersey Lumber and Timber Company : secretary-treasurer of the East Jersey Bridge Company ; and president of the Fraser Realty Com- pany.
Mr. Fraser is a Democrat in politics, and was a member of the first Board of City Assessors, and president of the Perth Amboy Board of Water Commissioners. He is a member of the Masonic order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Royal Arcanum, East Jersey Club, Colonial Country Club, New York Athletic Club, and the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Fraser is not married.
STANLEY FRANK KACZMAREK .- Although Jersey City was his birthplace, Stanley F. Kaczmarek was brought by his parents to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, when a child of five years. Thus, when his law course was completed, he came directly to Perth Amboy and is there beginning the building of a career. He is the son of Frank and Mary Kaczmarek, both born in Poland, Europe, his father coming to the United States at the age of twenty-eight, settling in Jersey City, New Jersey, both yet living. Mrs. Kaczmarek a capable and well known mid- wife of Perth Amboy, the oldest in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Kaczmarek are the parents of two children: Mary, wife of Stephen Pribula, engaged
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in the retail meat and provision business on State street, Perth Amboy ; and Stanley F., of further mention.
Stanley F. Kaczmarek was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, October 19, 1895, his parents moving to Perth Amboy in 1900. He completed grammar school courses of study in 1910, high school in 1914, then entered the New Jersey Law School, at Newark, whence he was grad- uated, class of 1919. He began practice in Perth Amboy, in May, 1920, and is succeeding very well in his upbuilding of a practice, his offices being in the Board of Trade building. During the interval between high and law schools, Mr. Kaczmarek served in the United States army, attached to the base hospital medical corps. He enlisted, May 17. 1917, and after three weeks at Fort Slocum was sent to Camp Ethan Allen, in Vermont, where he performed three months' service. His next assign- ment was at Camp McClellan, in Alabama, where he remained eighteen months, going thence to Camp Dix, New Jersey, where he was honorably discharged and mustered out, February 19, 1918. Mr. Kaczmarek is a member of the American Legion, St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, and fond of those royal out-of-door sports. hunting and fishing.
PATRICK FRANCIS KENAH .- Thomas Kenah, father of Patrick F. Kenah, was born in Cork, Ireland, and came to the United States a boy. He found a home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but in 1880 moved to South Amboy, New Jersey, where he died in 1910, aged seventy-two years. He was a ship carpenter and a good mechanic. He married Ellen Costigan, born in Tipperary, Ireland, and was brought to the United States by her parents, they settling in Philadelphia, where she died, in 1871, aged twenty-six. They were the parents of four children : Mary, died in Philadelphia, at the age of thirty-seven years; Patrick Francis, of further mention; Catherine, died aged five years; James Joseph, in the employ of the government at Washington. It was James J. Kenah who admitted President Wilson and his daughter to the floor of the House when the officer in charge of their party was trying to find keys to unlock the door, the janitor having gone home. The newspapers of the country made a thrilling story out of this, saying that the officer would not admit them, not recognizing the President. That story con- tained the usual grain of truth, but Mr. Kenah knew the President well, and stole a march on the other officers by getting the House door unlocked.
Patrick F. Kenah, son of Thomas and Ellen (Costigan) Kenah, was born in Philadelphia, March 25, 1866, and there attended public schools until fourteen years of age. His father then moved to South Amboy, where the lad obtained employment in the shipyards, continuing a worker in the yards at Perth Amboy and South Amboy for ten years. In 1890 he established a cafe in South Amboy, and in 1895 erected the build- ing he now occupies at No. 128 North Broadway. Personally, Mr. Kenah is a man in good standing among the business men of his city, is popu-
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lar with all classes and is a liberal public-spirited citizen. He is a director of the South Amboy Trust Company, a director of fifteen years standing in the Star Building and Loan Association of South Amboy, was secre- tary of the South Amboy Association, and in 1905 was elected chief of the fire department, having then been a member of the department for fourteen years. At the end of his term of service as chief, the South Amboy paper described his record as one of "conscientious service, intel- ligently and faithfully performed." Further, "in many particulars his wisdom and persevering efforts have secured important reforms in the ranks and greater efficiency in the service."
Mr. Kenah is a member and ex-treasurer of the Loyal Order of Moose; member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians; of the Chamber of Commerce; and of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He is always ready and willing to "lend a hand" in any movement tending to advance the interests of South Amboy, and is interested in many of the city's enterprises not mentioned in this review.
Mr. Kenah married, in Philadelphia, December 27, 1888, Mary A. Campbell, born in that city, daughter of John and Mary Campbell, her parents both deceased.
HENRY GUNTHER .- Frederick (1) Gunther, father of Henry Gunther, was born in Wittenbac, Germany, and served as cashier in the post-office of his native city. In 1850 he left his native land, coming to the United States and settling in the vicinity of Metuchen, New Jersey, where he purchased a farm, consisting of one hundred and fifteen acres, and built thereon a candle factory, which he operated for a number of years. The building was later destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. He also erected a substantial house, which is now (1921) occupied by his son, Henry Gunther, the present owner of the farm. The elder Mr. Gunther prospered as a farmer, and knew a freedom and independence previously but dreamed of. Frederick Gunther married Pauline Fischer, and they were the parents of three sons and two daughters, as follows: I. Fred- erick (2), born in Germany, now deceased ; he accompanied his parents to the United States; in after life he resided in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania; married Hannah Drake, of Metuchen, New Jersey, and they were the parents of three children: Frederick (3), Lillian, and Bertha. 2. Gustavus, born in Germany, and accompanied his parents to the United States; he enlisted in the Union army and fought throughout the Civil War ; he had followed the life of a farmer, his home near Metuchen, New Jersey; he married Sarah Langstaff, and they are the parents of three children : Laura, Charles, and Julia. 3. Johanna, born in Germany, and accompanied her parents to the United States. She married Frederick Manning, of New Durham, New Jersey, and they are the parents of three children : Stelle, Harry and Pauline. 4. Henry, of further mention. 5. Julia, born in the old homestead near Metuchen ; married Alvin F. Ran- dolph, of Piscataway, New Jersey, and they are the parents of four chil- dren : Paul F., Gertrude F., William F. and Julia F.
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Henry Gunther was born near Metuchen, New Jersey, September II, 1850. He obtained a good education in the district schools. He bought the old farm, his birthplace, and has lived there for the past thirty-five years. The farm lies about one mile from Metuchen, on the road to New Brunswick. opposite the Pines Hotel. Mr. Gunther is a prosperous, substantial farmer, well known in his community. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion a member of the Dutch Reformed Church.
Mr. Gunther married, April 9, 1877, Josephine Randolph, born March 20, 1853, daughter of Azael and Jane (Gibson) F. Randolph, and a mem- ber of a prominent New Jersey family.
HARLEY IRWIN WOOD .- On the border line between Middlesex and Union counties, in the vicinity of Rahway, New Jersey, a city which is noted for its many manufactures, there have been few families which in successive generations have been more highly respected than that of Wood, the man whose name heads this article being a representative in the third generation of the family to reside on the same farm whereon there are two substantial, commodious houses, equipped with all the necessaries of modern life.
Harley Irwin Wood, son of Samuel F. and Sarah Jane (Clark ) Wood, the former named a carpenter and joiner by trade, was born in New Dover, New Jersey, October 5, 1873. He was a student in the common school of his birthplace, making good use of his opportunities and becom- ing well-grounded in the fundamentals, and then he followed in the foot- steps of his father, from whom he obtained a thorough insight into the mysteries of carpentering, to which he added building, conducting both lines with equal success and profit. Integrity, activity and energy have been the factors in the success he has achieved, and his enterprise has been of decided advantage to the community, promoting its material welfare in no uncertain manner. He holds membership in the New Dover Methodist Episcopal Church, and in the Junior Order of United Amer- ican Mechanics, and his political affiliations are with the Republican party.
Mr. Wood married, June 26, 1901, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Adda Belle Huselton, born in Kings, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, October 1, 1880, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Rupell) Huselton, the former named serving in the capacity of conductor on the New York Central Railroad. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Wood: Dorothy M., born July 15, 1903; Isabel H., born July 18, 1904; Ruth L., born January 16, 1909; Marjorie J., born February 9, 1911; Harley S., twin of Marjorie J .; and Norman H., born June 25, 1918.
WILLIAM H. VAN WYCK .- Agriculture has from time imme- morial been the chosen occupation of many men, the greater portion of whom have achieved not only success in a material way but a strong, healthy body and an alert, active mind, capable of coping with the
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various problems of life, and among this number is the man whose name heads this sketch, William H. Van Wyck, an enterprising and progres- sive agriculturist of Colonia, New Jersey.
William H. Van Wyck is a native of Flatbush, Long Island, New York State, born July 24, 1872, youngest son of Z. B. and Catherine (Mitchell) Van Wyck, the former born on Long Island, and the latter at Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York State. They were the parents of five other children, namely : Frank B., born May 24, 1858; Samuel H., born December 25, 1859; George M1., born November 8, 1861; Elizabeth M., born August 3, 1863 : and Doritha M., born March 28, 1874.
William H. Van Wyck attended the common schools in the vicinity of his home in Flatbush, in which section he resided until the year 1890, when he was eighteen years of age, and then changed his place of resi- dence to the State of New Jersey, locating on a farm in Colonia, Wood- bridge township, Middlesex county, where he has made his home ever since. a period of three decades. He is devoting his entire attention to the raising of a general line of farm products, and the neat and thrifty appearance of everything pertaining to the property, including his resi- dence and out buildings, indicates the careful supervision of a master hand. Mr. Van Wyck is not hampered by affiliation with any of the great political parties, but casts his vote for the men who in his opinion are best qualified for the office for which they are nominated. His reli- gious affiliation is with the Dutch Reformed church, in the work and activities of which he takes an active interest, and wherever he is known he is held in high regard for his genuine worth, his loyalty to his duties of citizenship, and his trustworthiness in all relations of life. He is unmarried.
EDWARD W. COOPER .- Prior to the birth of their son, Edward W., his parents, Frank and Anna (Haley) Cooper, left their home in Ire- land and came to the United States, Frank Cooper being at that time a young man of thirty. They settled in Iselin, Middlesex county, New Jersey, and there a son, Edward W. Cooper, now a prosperous dairy farmer of the same town, was born. July 22, 1863. Edward W. attended the Iselin public schools, and early in life began farming. He now owns a farm of forty-three acres near Iselin station, on the Pennsylvania Rail- road, in Middlesex county, and rents about two hundred adjoining acres which he cultivates, and also uses as pasture for a herd of thirty-two cows, for since 1902 he has been a successful dairy farmer. He is a Dem- ocrat in politics, and a member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
Mr. Cooper married, in Oak Tree, New Jersey, June 14, 1893, Jane WV. Dickson, born in Scotland, February 5, 1870, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Wilson) Dickson, her father a farmer, born in Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are the parents of five children : Frank, born April 6, 1894 ; Jeannette, born July 10, 1896; Helen, born June 12, 1901 ; Edward, born April 27, 1907, died April 29, 1907 ; and Ethel, born January 1, 191I.
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RICHARD J. FAGAN, a lifelong resident of his native State, New Jersey, a representative of its agricultural interests, a man of integrity and honor, esteemed and respected by his fellow-townsmen, was born in Raritan, New Jersey, April 20, 1860, a son of John and Frances (McGuire) Fagan, the former named born in Ireland, November 11, 1827, the latter named born in New York City, and they were the parents of ten children, as follows : Sarah, born July 2, 1855; James, born July 27, 1857; Richard J., of this review ; Julia, born July 18, 1861; John, born February 24, 1863 ; William, born April 17, 1867; Thomas, born October 21, 1868; Henry, born August 26, 1870; Arthur, born May 6, 1872; and Charles, born July 21, 1874.
Richard J. Fagan obtained his preliminary education in the public school in the vicinity of his home, and completed his studies in the Rah- way High School. His father was the owner of a farm consisting of two hundred acres, upon which all his children were born, hence Richard J., being the second oldest son, was inured to farm labor, assisting his father in the work of planting, cultivating and reaping, in addition to the many other tasks that fall to the lot of a farmer, and thus was thoroughly com- petent to carry on the work on his own account when attaining the suit- able age. The property is well improved and gives every indication of a master's hand in its management and cultivation. His residence and out- buildings are neat and attractive in appearance, and are equipped with everything needful for comfort and convenience. Mr. Fagan is a mem- ber of the Roman Catholic church, a member of the Knights of Colum- bus, a Democrat in politics, and a staunch supporter of community inter- ests. He is unmarried.
FRED JENSEN .- The Danish Home for the Aged, at Metuchen, was founded in 1913 and at that time a fine private residence and seventy-two acres of land were purchased from the Smith estate and has since well served its purpose. The home and farm has all modern improvements, and is maintained by various Danish societies.
FRANK WALLACE KIESSLING, son of Joseph Charles and Rachel Jane (Bell) Kiessling, was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, December 27, 1874, and there educated in the public schools. Since May, 1920, he has been a deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Mr. Kiessling married, in Bellport, New York, June 3, 1905, Anna Evelyn Osborne, daughter of George Tomlinson and Anna Eliza (Sel- over) Osborne. Mr. and Mrs. Kiessling are the parents of a daughter, Elizabeth Osborne Kiessling, born January 16, 1909.
JAMES B. POWER .- John Power, father of James B. Power, was born in Waterford, Ireland. He came to the United States, about 1870, and settled in Metuchen, New Jersey, a harness-maker by trade. He
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married, in New York State, Ellen O'Callahan, and they were the par- ents of five children : David, John, Edward, Nellie, and James B., whose career is herein traced.
James B. Power was born in Metuchen, New Jersey, October 25, 1875, and there completed a high school education. He was variously employed in his earlier years, and since 1903 has been with the Vaccum Oil Company in official capacity. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Independent Order of Foresters.
Mr. Power married, in Southampton, Long Island, November 23, 1904, Anna McTurnin, born in Water Mill, Long Island, January 20, 1883, daughter of Frank and Mary (Boyle) McTurnin, her father born in Ireland, but coming to the United States at the age of fifteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Power have no children. Their home is in Metuchen, New Jersey.
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