USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 26
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HON. JAMES KEARNY RICE .- From the beginning of the legal activity of the young attorney of 1876 to the death of the ex-Judge and ex-United States District Attorney in 1920, there is no period in the life of the Hon. James Kearny Rice that does not measure up to the highest of professional and private standards. There is written below the outline of his busy, purposeful career, and the words of appreciation of his closest associates are quoted. Were there means of recording and pre- serving the testimony of all who knew and loved him, from the humblest to the most influential, then and then only could there be reared the perfect memorial to one of the first citizens of Middlesex county and New Jersey.
James Kearny Rice was born in Washington, D. C., November 20, 1849, son of Nathan and Eliza W. (Warren) Rice, his mother a daughter of John Warren, of New York City, one of the first members of the New York Stock Exchange. James Kearny Rice was graduated from Law- renceville High School in 1865, and for several years was engaged in business in New York City. He began the study of law in the office of Woodbridge Strong, and in 1875 was admitted to the bar of New York, becoming an attorney in New Jersey in 1876. After graduation from the Law School of the University of New York he was admitted as coun- sellor in New Jersey at the November term, 1880, and two years later, in 1882, his long career in public life began. In this year he was appointed by Governor Ludlow prosecutor of the pleas for Middlesex county, was reappointed at the expiration of his term by Governor Green, and in 1890 was appointed law judge of Middlesex county by Governor Abbett. He was reappointed by Governor Werts in 1895.
Mr. Rice was the first law judge who ever sat and held the Circuit Court in New Jersey after the passage of the act authorizing law judges to sit in the circuit, and after that act was passed until he stepped down from the bench, nearly all of the circuit business was tried before him under the assignment of Chief Justice Beasley. Judge Rice was also the first law judge who ever sat in the Oyer and Terminer alone, without a justice of the Supreme Court, in a capital case, under the provisions of the act of 1894. This was the case of the State vs. Aragio and Spina, charged with the murder of Antonio Prisco. It was first tried in the Middlesex Oyer and Terminer, December term, 1894, before Judge Rice. After two weeks' trial the jury disagreed; another trial was held at the April term, 1895. and the defendants were convicted of murder in the first degree. The case is somewhat celebrated, both because of the facts connected with it and from the fact that it was the first time in the his- tory of the commonwealth when a capital case was presided over by any- one except a justice of the Supreme Court.
In February, 1896, Judge Rice resigned his judgeship of the Court of Common Pleas of Middlesex county to accept the post of United States Attorney for the district of New Jersey, tendered him by Presi- dent Cleveland, and this place he filled with eminent satisfaction until 1900.
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Judge Rice's talents were not alone those of the attorney, advocate, and jurist, for he was the possessor of exceptionally keen business judg- ment, and in connection with several important receiverships and trustee- ships, proved his ability in most commendable accomplishment. In 1904 he was appointed by the United States Circuit Court receiver for the Great Eastern and the National Clay Company, near South River, the other receiver being the New York Trust Company, Otto T. Bennard, president. The affairs of these companies were administered so success- fully that within one year more than $90,000 was made for the creditors, reorganization being made and a new concern formed, which, in later years, was absorbed by the trust. In December, 1907. Judge Rice was appointed by Judge Lanning, in the United States Circuit Court, receiver of the Arizona Smelting Company and of the Consolidated Arizona Smelting Company, a corporation capitalized at $15,500,000, with offices in New York and plant in Humboldt, Arizona. He was subsequently made receiver by the New York and Arizona courts, his duties in this relation taking him to Arizona a number of times. The companies were thrown into bankruptcy, Judge Rice was elected trustee, the plants were sold and a new company was organized, now continuing in operation.
In July, 1917, Elmer E. Connolly, treasurer of the Michelin Tire Company, and Judge Rice, were asked to accept positions on the Federal Draft Board of New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the place of the mayor and the city clerk, who were disqualified by reason of being within the draft age. Both expressed their willingness to serve, and Judge Rice was elected chairman of the board, and Mr. Connolly secretary. They con- tinued in service with Dr. Cronk, the medical advisor, during the remain- der of the war, until the signing of the armistice and their discharge by orders from Washington in the spring of 1919. Few persons, who did not experience it, realize the heavy drain upon the members of the various draft boards, the burden of responsibility they bore, and the disadvan- tages under which they labored. During long periods the government furnished insufficient help for the work, and assistance had to be obtained elsewhere. The Michelin Tire Company, Johnson & Johnson, and the Interwoven Stocking Company, at times furnished clerical help without charge, and Judge Rice, on occasions of importance, gave the services of his expert stenographer to the government. A feature of the draft board work in New Brunswick, which was probably different from that of other boards, was the keeping of the record of every person who appeared for examination, showing the results of the physical examination whether or not exemption was claimed. If exemption was claimed, the findings of the board were noted, while in cases that were contested a full report of the testimony was given. This was the course adopted at Judge Rice's suggestion before the questionnaire system was adopted, and after that system was introduced, every case that was investigated for validity, and every case where the board on its own motion directed that testimony be taken regarding alleged claims for exemption, was recorded by Judge Rice with the aid of his stenographer, who was especially adapted for
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such work. Before any case was decided the person concerning whom the hearings were ordered had his or her "day in court," and in every case that was heard Judge Rice wrote an opinion, his recommendations being submitted to the other members of the board for their decision thereon before the final judgment was given. In other words, the Fed- eral Draft Board of New Brunswick required that every man have his "day in court," just as in a trial in a court of law, before decision was rendered. A stenographic report of the proceedings was kept and for- warded to Washington with the general records.
In the summer of 1918 the work of the board was particularly strenu- ous, and Judge Rice was advised by his physician, the late Dr. Donahue, that his own welfare required his resignation. Judge Rice, in his zeal and devotion to patriotic idcals, disregarded this counsel, although his colleagues on the board lightened his responsibilities as far as possible, and with the close of hostilities he gave up actual participation in the daily routine, but retained his place on the board. In 1919 he had been appointed a member of the State Board of Conservation and Develop- ment, serving thereon with the conscientious fidelity that marked his administration of every public trust.
Judge Rice married the eldest daughter of Theodore G. Neilson, of New Brunswick. The family home for many years was at No. 82 Car- roll Place, New Brunswick, New Jersey. He died in New Brunswick, January 14, 1920. The following is a minute of the Middlesex Bar Asso- ciation, adopted January 16, 1920:
This minute is a slight expression of the love and esteem of the members of the bar of Middlesex County for their brother and friend, so long their companion and advisor, their leader as President for many years.
His was a strong and sturdy personality,-a man of decided opinions, reticent, brief in speech; a deep thinker; an ardent lover of the profession of the law and ever ready to preserve its dignity and traditions ; a thorough student of the law; an earnest advocate, a tireless defender of the State and fearless prosecutor of offenders of its laws; an able and impartial judge. Loyalty to his client, thoroughness in preparation and earnestness in presentation, were his distinguishing legal characteristics.
We knew him to love him. He was the first to congratulate us upon every success in public or private life, and the first to express the word of sympathy in personal loss or failure. His word of counsel in many a difficult situation will be remembered and appreciated by us all.
As a public official his high sense of duty and responsibility for whatever office he filled was strongly marked. He sacrificed his personal practice upon the altar of official duty.
What more fitting climax to his long and splendid career than to have given his time and talent in his declining years to patriotic service of his country upon the Fed- eral Draft Board,-the great test of our democracy, where without fear or favor America's youth proved its belief in equality and sprang to its country's service.
The memory of Judge Rice's personality, his faithfulness in private and public affairs, and his love of his profession will he an inspiration to those of us who remain. W. E. FLORANCE, Chairman; PETER F. DALY, FREDERICK NEIGEL, GEO. S. SILZER, CHARLES T. COWENHOVEN. EDWARD W. HICKS, ADRIAN LYON, FREEMAN WOODBRIDGE.
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MONSIGNOR JOHN A. O'GRADY .- From the time when as a youth of sixteen years he felt the urge to his holy calling, until as a Chris- tian veteran of seventy years he laid aside a completed task. Monsignor John A. O'Grady lived a life of single-hearted devotion that has its rich fruits in the thousands he has influenced toward righteousness. The glorious history of the church is but the composite record of such loyal, faithful followers of its great head as he, and it is from such example that the great body of its people have derived inspiration for lives of unselfish service, of brotherhood with all men. His parish has many physical evi- dences of splendid work accomplished under his vitalizing leadership, and in the minds and hearts of the multitude in Middlesex county and throughout the State whose privilege it was to work with him. there remains in unfailing strength and beauty the memory of a Godly man. An editorial tribute in the "Daily Home News" of New Brunswick, at the time of his death spoke thus of this beloved churchman :
Probably no New Brunswicker has rivalled in warmth of affection or in distinc- tion the life and achievements of Monsignor John A. O'Grady. He was conspicuous in church and civic affairs in this city for nearly half of his life of three score and ten years, and as a faithful churchman, a mighty molder of public opinion, a scholar, and a friend, he was noteworthily esteemed hy the vast majority of our citizens. The record of his personal accomplishments is amazing. The untiring and restless energy of his mind vied with and even exceeded that of his indefatigable body-for long after the inroads of ill-health had made necessary a curtailment of physical exertion his mind was as clear and his discourse as illuminating as at any period of his career.
Monsignor O'Grady was a churchman of noble stature and a leader whose rare sagacity and diplomacy won many victories for the cause of civic righteousness and spiritual and moral uplift. An orator of power and tremendous conviction, he proved a potent leader, and while his victories were mainly those secured through peaceful conquest, he never shirked a fight against evil in any form, and his splendid influence was always to be counted upon for the betterment of all mankind. As a theologian he ranked with the highest, while as an administrator and financier his works will long remain as monuments of unusual efficiency. He was, in his heart's core, a lovable man, adored by all who shared his intimacies. Guided by an overwhelming love for his Master, with a masterful intelligence and a profound knowledge of men and motives, he was a born leader. Scintillant in his many-sided genius, he almost was gifted with what Hugo termed the cube of human faculties. He was among his fellowmen a star of the first magnitude, an Orion in the firmament of mankind.
A strange, great light exhausted its vital ray when Monsignor O'Grady's lamp of life flickered and went out. A community testifies its sense of personal bereavement. An imposing, dominating and rugged figure has passed from view.
Monsignor John A. O'Grady was born at Montague, Sussex county, New Jersey, July 3, 1849. He was sixteen years of age when he de- termined to give himself to the priesthood, and he entered St. Charles College at Ellicott City, Maryland. Upon the completion of his course in this institution, he entered Seton College for the study of theology and philosophy, and was ordained May 30, 1874, becoming private secretary to Bishop M. A. Corrigan, of the diocese of Newark, New Jersey. Later, he was sent to St. Patrick's Cathedral, Newark, and two years afterward to St. Peter's Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey, as curate, Rev. Father Rogers then serving as pastor. After two years at St. Peter's, he became rector of the church at Boonton, and in 1881 returned to St.
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Peter's for his long and richly blessed pastorate, Father Rogers' advanced years having made necessary the relinquishment of his heavier ecclesi- astical burdens. Father O'Grady, during the long years of his New Brunswick residence, became more than a denominational figure, for his sympathies and interests extended into all fields affecting the welfare and happiness of his fellowmen, irrespective of race or belief, and his admirers were found in all classes alike. At one time he was a member of the City Park Commission, and he was a member of the Board of Trade. He was a devoted friend of Rutgers College, and for several years prior to his death was the donor of an annual oratory prize, known as the "O'Grady prize." At the 1918 commencement exercises the degree of Doctor of Letters was conferred upon him, in absentia, illness keeping him at home.
Father O'Grady's pastorate at St. Peter's covered a period of thirty- seven years, a period of vast material expansion and spiritual growth. Among the accomplishments of his long term of service whose physical evidences remain, were the purchase of a new organ, the redecoration and furnishing of the church, the building of a commodious sacristy, the enlargement of the rectory and convent, and the acquisition of additional ground for the cemetery, whose arca he more than doubled. A notable event of his ministry was the erection of the splendid equipped parochial school, known as Columbia Hall, and the construction of a large addition to that building a few years prior to his death. The purchase of the former Russell property at Somerset and Hardenbergh streets, and the founding of St. Peter's General Hospital on the site, was due in large measure to Monsignor O'Grady, who gave the institution watchful care from the first and contributed heavily to its success.
When Father O'Grady assumed charge of the parish of St. Peter's it was staggering under a debt of almost one hundred thousand dollars, a disheartening handicap for a young priest to take up. Nevertheless, in addition to paying off this debt, he paid off the old and new debt of Columbia Hall, the hospital grounds, and several acres of hospital prop- erty, which, with interest, amounted to nearly three hundred thousand dollars. All of this was paid by the close of 1911, when the parish was entirely free from debt. With barely a breathing space, this zealous man of God and his devoted followers undertook a new program of advance- ment, and in order to meet the demand for more hospital room a fine home for the nurses was erected and later a separate maternity hospital, containing a children's ward.
Father O'Grady was an earnest supporter of the movement to pro- vide a convenient church home for the Catholics of Highland Park, and the formal opening of St. Paul's Chapel resulted from this interest. Out of St. Peter's parish was formed the German parish of St. John the Bap- tist in 1865, the Sacred Heart parish in 1883, the Hungarian parish of St. Ladislaus in 1904, and the Italian parish of St. Mary of Mt. Virgin in 1905. Father O'Grady was raised to the dignity of dean by the late Bishop O'Farrell and was made a domestic prelate with the title of Monsignor
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by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIII., predecessor of the present Pope Pius X. For a number of years he occupied the position of Rural Dean of the northern section of the diocese of Trenton, and as such was the valued advisor of the bishop and the warm personal friend of every rector in his district.
On the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination celebration, ceremonies of four days concluded with a banquet, at which he was presented with a silver box containing one thousand dollars in gold and fifteen hundred dollars in bills, all of which he at once applied toward the work of refurnishing the church. His fortieth anniversary, in 1914, was likewise the occasion of a season of celebration by his parishioners.
Monsignor O'Grady died January 15, 1919. His funeral was held in the church of which he had been pastor for so many years, and was attended by thousands of men, women and children in every walk of life. It was the largest funeral service ever held in the city of New Brunswick, and many of the mourners, who filled the church to overflowing, together with hundreds of children attending the parochial school, accompanied the cortege to St. Peter's Cemetery, where all that was mortal of this saintly man was laid to rest. The solemn High Requiem Mass was cele- brated with Rt. Rev. Monsignor B. J. Mulligan, celebrant ; Rev. Thomas Roche, of Asbury Park, deacon; and Rev. Dr. William P. Cantwell, of Perth Amboy, sub-deacon ; Rev. Thomas B. Hagerty, of Hampton, mas- ter of ceremonies ; Rev. Father Neal A. Mooney, of Trenton, thurifer ; Rev. Fathers James A. Harding, of Phillipsburg, and J. Arthur Hayes, of Trenton, acolytes.
DR. SAMUEL MESSINGER .- Among those who, coming to this country from other lands, have not only made a successful career for themselves but have reared and educated a family for future usefulness to themselves, their country, and the nation, Leon and Helen (Baum) Messinger, parents of Dr. Samuel Messinger, of Roosevelt, New Jersey. have rendered a distinct service. Leon Messinger was a manufacturer of furniture in Austria, and a well known citizen in his native town, Czernowitz. Capable, energetic, and ambitious, he found conditions somewhat hampering in the Old World, so decided to try his fortune in the newer land to the westward, where opportunity was greater and where there were fewer long-established customs to fetter the ambitious man who wished to rise. In 1891, with his wife, Helen, and four chil- dren, Morris, Henrietta, Samuel, of whom further, and Hattie, he came to America and settled in New York City, where he engaged in the furni- ture business, first as a mechanic, and later, in 1894, as a manufacturer. There were difficulties that called for all the courage and determination he possessed, and there were times when his business venture seemed doomed to failure, but the initiative, and the steady courage which had brought him into a new country never failed him. Against heavy odds. he succeeded, building up a business which not only supplied their imme- diate needs, but which enabled him to give his children the best education
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obtainable. In addition to the four children born in Austria, four more, Mildred, Isadore, Rose and David, were born in America, and both Leon Messinger and his wife were determined that their family should have all the advantages which the new country could give. To this end they had toiled, economized, and achieved business success. Leon Messinger died March 14, 1920, survived by his wife. A hard worker, honest and sin- cere in his every purpose, Leon Messinger was a devoted father and a true citizen, and in the hearts and lives of his children his influence will long continue to be of service to them.
Samuel Messinger, son of Leon and Helen (Baum) Messinger, was born at Czernowitz, Austria, July 7, 1887, and came to America with his parents, while still a small child. Taking full advantage of his father's desire that the children should obtain the best education possible, and also of the opportunities offered in the land of his adoption, he attended the grammar and high schools of New York City and then entered the College of the City of New York, first pursuing a general course of study and then studying medicine and surgery in the Eclectic Medical College of the City of New York, from which he graduated in 1912, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine and Surgery. He then entered upon his professional career in New York City, where for a year he practiced in various hospitals and infirmaries, specializing along certain medical lines. He then left New York City and for three years engaged in general prac- tice in Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1915 he located in the borough of Roosevelt, Middlesex county, New Jersey, where he has remained, and here has built up a large and successful practice. He is one of the lead- ing physicians of this section of the county, and has rendered valuable service to his community, both in professional and in public life. The poor and afflicted have found in him a "great physician," tender and sym- pathetic, always ready to meet a real need, regardless of the probabilities of renumeration.
Dr. Messinger has taken a keen interest in civic affairs in the borough of Roosevelt, and is held in high esteem by his many friends. During the World War he was a member of the Officers' Reserve Corps, hold- ing the rank of lieutenant. He is a member of the visiting staff of the Rahway Hospital, of which he was one of the founders. He is also a member of the Middlesex County Medical Society, and of the National and State Eclectic Medical societies.
Dr. Messinger is highly talented as a musician. He studied the violin under Nathan Manor, of New York City, and his mastery of this instru- ment is still fresh in the minds of those who have heard him play while in the concert world.
Dr. Messinger married, December 11, 1911, Sonja Carsch, daughter of Aaron and Frances (Wexler ) Carsch, of New York, and Boston, Mas- sachusetts. To Dr. and Mrs. Messinger three children have been born : Walter, October 19, 1913; Edith Barbara, March 28, 1920; and Leonard, May 29, 1921. Dr. Messinger's fine residence and well-fitted clinic is located at Nos. 29 and 31 Roosevelt avenue, corner of Mckinley avenue, borough of Roosevelt, Middlesex county, New Jersey.
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AARON GROSS .- Among the prominent business men and citizens in the progressive little town of Fords, New Jersey, may be mentioned Aaron Gross. He is a son of Nathan and Rebecca Gross, and was born in Hanusfolwa, Austria, October 23, 1870. In early life his father fol- lowed the occupation of a farmer in that country, and about 1887 he and his wife came to the United States with their children, among whom were: William, now a prominent business man at Fords; Terrie, now the wife of Max Goldberger, of Perth Amboy; Aaron, of further men- tion ; Sallie, now the wife of Jacob Gluck, of Cold Spring, New York ; Mollie, now the wife of Julius Kohn, of Perth Amboy ; David, a business man of Newark, New Jersey ; and Herman, deceased, who was a prac- ticing physician at Metuchen, New Jersey.
Aaron Gross passed the years of his boyhood in Austria, where he received a good education in the schools of his home town. At about the age of eighteen he accompanied his parents to the United States, where he secured employment in New York City, remaining there for some time. Later, he moved to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where he secured a position in a local grocery store. After about six years in this line of business he gained much experience, and with a little capital, embarked in business on his own account.
It is now about twenty-five years since he came to Fords Corners, and in that time he has built up the largest mercantile business in the town. He carries a large line of high-grade groceries and meats, and deals extensively in many other commodities. Mr. Gross has established a reputation for himself by his honorable and upright dealings. His store is modern in all its details and one of the finest in this section of the State. He takes a keen and active interest in the affairs of his town, and is well known throughout the county. Besides his own business, Mr. Gross is interested in other affairs, including the Fairfield Building and Loan Association, of which he is a director, and he is a large stockholder in the Fords National Bank. He is a member of the Republican party, the Masonic order, and the Woodmen of the World.
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