USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 28
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MAX M. LEDERER, one of New Brunswick's prominent citizens, long identified with the leather, hide and fertilizer business, was born in Englishtown, New Jersey, August 18, 1860. When he was very young his parents moved, with their family, to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where the life of the son has been spent. He received his education in the schools of New Brunswick, and as a young man entered the busi- ness of his father in which he has been engaged practically ever since. For the past twenty years he has had the sole management of the business started by his honored father, and in 1906 he purchased the entire interests of the firm. The business, started under the name Samuel Lederer & Son, still bears the original title and enjoys a well known reputation in the industrial life of the community under the direction of Max M. Lederer.
Mr. Lederer is well known, fraternally, being a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Knights of Pythias, and having served as a chancellor in the latter order, Friendship Lodge, No. 30, of New Brunswick. He is a member of the Republican party, and like his father a member of Anshe Emeth Temple, of which he was a trustee for seventeen years.
Mr. Lederer married, March 29, 1892, Henrietta Sontheimer, daughter of Mayer and Regina (Scheld) Sontheimer, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, well known residents of that city, the father having been treasurer of the Board of Trade there, president and treasurer of the Building and Loan Association, a county freeholder and had other important con- nections. Mrs. Lederer is one of the active women of New Brunswick, being secretary of the Middlesex Hospital Aid Association, a member of the Board of Visiting Nurses' Association, a councilor of the Girl Scouts, and prominent as a Red Cross worker. To Mr. and Mrs. Lederer have been born three children: Marie, now the wife of Sidney J. Kauder, of Newark, New Jersey, they having one child, Warren G .; Edith, married Harry Strauss, of New Brunswick, and they have one child, Robert L .; and Mayer S., a student, now living at home with his parents.
GARFIELD A. HUNT .- Son of a contractor and builder, Mr. Hunt was early inducted into the building trades, but chose plumbing as his line. He is a son of Mansfield and Maria (Quinn) Hunt, formerly of Brooklyn, New York, his father a skilled mechanical contractor and builder. In 1910 Mansfield Hunt and his family moved to Queens, Long Island, where they yet reside.
Garfield A. Hunt was born in Brooklyn, New York, August 13, 1881, and there attended public schools until becoming a plumber's apprentice. He became a skilled plumber and was employed in various places, but always followed his trade. In 1910 he located in Dunellen, New Jersey, and there is well established in business for himself, and is prosperous. He is a Republican in politics, a Presbyterian in religious faith, a member of the Republican Club and the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
Mr. Hunt married, in Brooklyn, New York, September 8, 1901, Mar- Mid-28
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garet Hignett, born in that city January 17, 1881, daughter of William and Anna (Williams) Hignett. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are the parents of five children : Garfield, born October 8, 1903; Marguerite, born February 20, 1906; Warren, born November 22, 1908; Clinton W., born November 22, 1910; Gilbert T., born July 4, 1912.
HYMAN WEDEEN .- The firm of Hyman Wedeen & Son, Inc., was founded in Perth Amboy by Hyman Wedeen, who was born in Russia, January 19, 1870, but in 1889 came to this country, and since 1890 has been a resident of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He spent the first eighteen months of his American residence in New York City, where he attended school, then moved to Perth Amboy. He began his business career as a pack peddler, traveling that section of New Jersey with his pack for four years. He had a fixed ambition, and by carefully husbanding his resources he was able at the end of four years to abandon his route and open a small store in Perth Amboy on lower Smith street. The store at No. 275 Smith street was operated very successfully for eleven years, until 1904, when he opened a department store at Nos. 271-273 Smith street. In 1912, he added to the business a shoe store at No. 279 Smith street. In 1915 he enlarged his department store by building back sixty feet, doubling the floor space, and bringing in the shoe department, and continued to conduct a prosperous modern department store. He is a large owner of Perth Amboy real estate, a stockholder in the Perth Amboy Trust Company, and one of the prosperous business men of his city.
Hyman Wedeen married, in New York City, February 22, 1883, Esther Bella Borak, also born in Russia. They are the parents of nine children : Nathan, of further mention; Nettie; Mollie, wife of David Metzendorf, of Perth Amboy; Jennie, deceased; Sarah, Rose, Pearl, Alvin, and Isabelle, all residing with their parents in Perth Amboy except Mrs. Metzendorf.
Nathan Wedeen, son of Hyman Wedeen, was born in Perth Amboy, May 9, 1895 He was educated in the public schools, graduating from Perth Amboy High School, class of 1912, and spent a year at the College of the City of New York. He has been associated with his father in business for several years, and is a member of the firm of Ilyman Wedeen & Son, Inc. He is now taking a course in finance at New York University, attending evening classes. During the war with Germany, Nathan Wedeen was in the United States service in the medical supply department at Camp Merritt, on duty for thirteen months. He is a member of Prudence Lodge, Amboy Chapter, Scottish Rite Consistory, and Salaam Temple, Shriners, of the Masonic order; Tall Cedars of Lebanon, the American Legion, Young Men's Christian Association, Young Men's Hebrew Association. The family are members of the Shaseh Tephiloh Synagogue congregation.
MICHAEL POLLAK .- Among the best known and highly esteemed citizens of Woodbridge township, Middlesex county, New Jersey, a
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BELOW-The Pollak Residence, Formerly the Moores Homestead, Remodelled and As It Appears Now, 1921.
ABOVE-The Old Moores Homestead on Rahway Avenue, Woodbridge, about 150 Years Old, Purchased by Michael Pollak in 1908.
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builder of some note in his vicinity, which is called the Rahway Home- stead, a man who has always stood out and has led many good move- ments in his community, is Michael Pollak.
Mr. Pollak was born in Nona, Hungary, February 22, 1873, the son of Charles and Lena (Danzinger) Pollak, old and highly respected residents of that city. His father was a large landholder and a rancher there, a man of influence.
Michael Pollak was given the best educational advantages, receiving his learning at the gymnasium schools of his native town, was later at the University of Vienna, and finished at the famous Heidelburg Uni- versity, Germany, where he pursued courses in mechanical and chemical engineering.
In 1896 Mr. Pollak decided on a touring trip to America. After a short time in this country he felt so much at home that he decided to remain, and so established himself in business in New York City. The subsequent years were spent in that city, where he followed his profes- sion, that of a mechanical and construction engineer, with success. In 1906 Mr. Pollak removed to Middlesex county, New Jersey, locating near Woodbridge, where he has since resided. He purchased one of the old landmarks of the county, which he reconstructed, and today it is one of the show places, pictures of which appear in this work. He eventually acquired a large parcel of land, which he named the Rahway Homestead. Formerly, most of this was vacant land, but today there are many substantial houses built thereon, many of which were con- structed by Mr. Pollak. Aside from his building activities, he has many other important interests, among them being president and founder of the following companies: Rahway Homestead Company ; the Pollak Build- ing and Construction Company, and the Nocan Soup Company of New- ark, New Jersey, which is making dehydrated soups in powdered form and which is revolutionizing the food industries of the world. Mr. Pollak has had many important financial connections, and various other activities.
Mr. Pollak married Laura Dupca, in the town of Kadar, Hungary, March 16, 1894, the daughter of Anton and Elizabeth (Heffner) Dupca. Her father was a director of lands and an owner of much property.
Mr. and Mrs. Pollak are well known socially throughout the region, and are especially active in church work and charitable affairs. During the World War Mr. Pollak was very active in the many drives and cam- paigns, and showed the quota of his district on every occasion.
RENSSELAER CLARK KENYON .- Several generations back the Kenyon family came from England and settled in Rhode Island, some of them later living in Pennsylvania on a farm known as the "Old Ken- yon Homestead."
Rensselaer Clark Kenyon was born March 9, 1870, in Fell township, Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania, and there he grew up on the farm of his father, D. C. Kenyon, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1845, and is still living on the homestead farm with his wife, Louise (Johnson)
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Kenyon, also born in Pennsylvania. She is now about seventy-five years old. They had a family of six boys, all living at the present time (1920) : I. Rensselaer Clark, of whom further. 2. Thomas, living in Edge Hill, Pennsylvania, treasurer of the Edge Hill Silica Rock Company. 3. Edward N., residing in Portland, Maine, a soldier in the United States army, and also engaged in the real estate business. 4. Howard D., living in Edge Hill, Pennsylvania, where he is engaged in the sand business ; he is a veteran of the Philippine War. 5. Robert W., at Edge Hill with his brother Howard D. 6. William J., a resident of Highland Park, New Jersey, and superintendent of the Johnson & Johnson plant in New Brunswick, same State.
The eldest son of this family, Rensselaer Clark Kenyon, attended the schools in the township where he was born, and assisted his father upon the farm until he reached the age of seventeen years, then, coming to New Brunswick, the young man entered the employ of Johnson & Johnson, the well known chemists. For twenty-six years Mr. Kenyon remained with this company in their clerical department and as auditor in the credit department, leaving it to become manager of the Edge Hill Silica Rock Company of New Brunswick. He is now president of the company, as well as manager.
Mr. Kenyon is very greatly interested in everything pertaining to New Brunswick. For a time he was on the School Board, and has been active in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association; also is a member of the Craftsmen's Club, of New Brunswick, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and of the local lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.
In June, 1898, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rensselaer Clark Kenyon married Mary Jane Henderson, the daughter of Robert and Sarah (Brown) Henderson, natives of England, where also their daugh- ter was born. Both Mr. and Mrs. Henderson died in this country some years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon have three children, all living: I. Rensselaer C., Jr., born May 10, 1901, a student at Rutgers College in the sophomore class. 2. Evelyn Mildred, born February 13, 1903, a graduate of the Livingston Avenue High School in the class of 1920. 3. Mary Alice, born August 27, 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon reside at No. 29 Adelaide avenue, Highland Park, New Brunswick. They and their family are members of Christ Protestant Episcopal Church.
REV. WILLIAM A. GILFILLAN .- As pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Virtues, Sayreville, Middlesex county, New Jersey, Father Gilfillan is performing the mission in life for which he prepared and which it is his highest ambition to worthily fulfill. He is a son of Joseph and Ann Gilfillan, who at the time of the birth of their son, William A., were living at Milford, Massachusetts.
William A. Gilfillan was born November 22, 1869, and began his education in the public schools of Worcester, Massachusetts. He then entered Holy Cross College, Worcester, whence he was graduated B. A., class of '94. He finished preparation for the priestly office at Grand
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Seminary, Montreal, Canada, and at the close of his theological studies he was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic church, December 22, 1894. During the years he has been in orders, Father Gilfillan has been assigned to various phases of priestly duty, and as before noted, his present connection is as pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Virtues at Sayreville, New Jersey. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and is highly regarded in his community without regard to creed. His parish is a large and prosperous one, all departments being in a con- dition of usefulness.
BERNARD DUNIGAN .- The name of Bernard Dunigan will long be remembered in Woodbridge, and also Middlesex county, New Jersey, as one of the pioneers of his nationality to settle in Woodbridge town- ship, where in later years he was one of the leaders in the industrial, political, and social life of the community. He was a native of Ireland, born about 1832, and as a young man came to America, soon afterward settling in Woodbridge, his home until his death, in January, 1904. During his early residence he was variously employed in the district, and by toil and thrift in the following years accumulated a little capital, which he invested in a strip of land.
During the early days of clay mine prospecting he became interested in this field of activity and upon his own property found rich deposits of clay, which he mined and shipped, becoming one of the prosperous clay operators of the region. He was a man of energy and sound business ability, and his splendid traits of character found expression in the works of good citizenship. A Democrat in politics, he took a leading part in party affairs in his district, and at one time was a town committeeman and a member of the School Board. He was a devoted member of the Roman Catholic church, and a fruitful, blameless life placed him high in the esteem of his fellowmen.
Bernard Dunigan married, in Woodbridge, New Jersey, in 1852, Julia Ryan, also a native of Ireland. Their life together was most happy and contented, and they celebrated the golden anniversary of their marriage in 1902, surrounded by their family and friends. Chil- dren, all born in Woodbridge: Edward P., deceased; John M., a resi- dent of Tottenville, Staten Island ; Thomas F., deceased ; Ellen, married L. A. Conley, deceased, of Jersey City, New Jersey ; Jane, married W. H. Nash, of Woodbridge, both deceased ; Marcellia, died in infancy ; Anna, died aged seventeen years; Margaret L., married B. Whalen, of Carteret, New Jersey, both now deceased ; Catherine J., married E. J. Flannigan, of Woodbridge ; Bernard J., a sketch of whom follows; and Morris P., now (1921) living in Woodbridge.
BERNARD JOSEPH DUNIGAN, son of Bernard and Julia (Ryan) Dunigan (q. v.), was born in Woodbridge, Middlesex county, New Jersey, October 26, 1875. After completing his education in Wood- bridge public schools he entered business life and later became associ- ated with his father in the clay business at Woodbridge, mining and
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shipping clay from their own clay beds. In 1904 the senior head of the business passed away and the burden of management fell upon the young man, then twenty-nine years of age. Seventeen years have since passed and the business is still conducted by Bernard J. Dunigan in a most efficient manner.
Mr. Dunigan, a Democrat in politics, has always taken an active part in public affairs, and since January 1, 1913, has been assessor of Woodbridge township. an office he capably fills. He possesses a wealth of friends and is held in high esteem both as a business man and a citizen. Mr. Dunigan is a member of the Royal Arcanum, the Knights of Columbus, the Columbian Club, and St. James' Roman Catholic Church, all of Woodbridge.
Mr. Dunigan married, June 19, 1907, at Woodbridge. New Jersey, Julia A. Whalen, daughter of Thomas and Julia (Bray ) Whalen. Thomas Whalen was well known in Woodbridge, having resided here for many years after his coming as a young man from Ireland. He was engaged in the fire brick industry until his death, in May, 1898. Bernard Joseph and Julia A. (Whalen) Dunigan are the parents of four children : Mar- garet Geraldine, Julia Veronica, Bernard Joseph, Jr., and Thomas, all born in Woodbridge.
WILLIAM VAN NUIS, JR., prominent among the younger genera- tion of business men in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is secretary and treasurer of The Neilson T. Parker Company, insurance brokers. If describing a man as a leading citizen is equivalent to saying that he possesses intelligence of a high order and touches life at many points, then Mr. Van Nuis is of this type.
William Meeker Van Nuis, father of William Van Nuis, Jr., was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1854, and now (1921) resides in New York City, where he is at present connected with the Penn- sylvania Hotel. For many years he was engaged in the wholesale liquor business in New Brunswick. He married Emma Strong, and they are the parents of three children : William, Jr., of further mention ; Irene. a resident of New Brunswick; Leon Lyle, a traveling salesman and a resident of New Brunswick. Lyle Van Nuis, grandfather of William Van Nuis, Jr., was a prominent citizen during the early history of New Brunswick, and conducted a carriage factory on Washington street, New Brunswick, for many years. He was mayor of New Bruns- wick during the years 1856 and 1857. 1861 and 1862, 1877 and 1878.
William Van Nuis. Jr., was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, March 15. 1886. He attended the local schools, including the high school, until 1903, when he became identified with the Knickerbocker Trust Company, with whom he remained until 1907, when the company failed. Mr. Van Nuis was immediately invited to go with the Guarantee Trust Company of New York on account of his knowledge of New York City securities. In May, 1914, he entered the employ of The Neilson T. Parker Company, and two years later was promoted to fill the positions of manager and secretary of the company, and during the year 1921
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became secretary and treasurer. He is an able manager and executive, keenly alert to every changing phase of the business. He is a man of foresight, swift and sure in his decisions, and most progressive in his policies.
In politics Mr. Van Nuis is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in political matters. He was elected alderman from the First Ward in 1914 and served the city for one term. He is a member and treasurer of the Board of Trade of New Brunswick, New Jersey. He is a director of the Provident Building and Loan Association, and also of the New Brunswick Building and Loan Association. His hobby is golf, and he is also keenly interested in water sports, holding membership in the New Brunswick Country Club and in the New Brunswick Boat Club, serving as trustee of the latter. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of New Brunswick. Mr. Van Nuis is a Mason, being a member of Union Lodge, No. 19, Free and Accepted Masons: Scott Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons: Temple Commandery, No. 18, Knights Templar ; Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Newark, New Jersey ; Forest No. 296, Tall Cedars of Lebanon ; Craftsmen's Club of New Brunswick, New Jersey ; member of Christ Episcopal Church, and of the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion.
Mr. Van Nuis married, September 19, 1918, Blanche Marie Crenning, daughter of Charles C. and May (Allen) Crenning. Mr. and Mrs. Van Nuis are the parents of one child, William Lyle, born February 10, 1920.
Mr. Van Nuis, who is a young man, has progressed very rapidly and is considered an authority on insurance matters. There can be no reasonable doubt that the years which lie before him will be filled with greater effort and more signal achievement.
GEORGE I. APGAR, JR .- Among the younger generation of suc- cessful business men of Dunellen, New Jersey, is one of her native sons, George I. Apgar, Jr. Since 1905 Mr. Apgar has been engaged in the contracting and building business, the same line of business followed by his father for many years.
George I. Apgar, Jr., was born June 18, 1889, at Dunellen, New Jersey, the son of John P. and Sarah (Smith) Apgar. He attended the public and high schools of Dunellen, and upon leaving school he became associated with his father in business. He has followed the same line of business ever since, and is well known in and about Dunellen.
A Republican in politics, he is keenly interested as a voter in all the political issues of bis town, State and county. He affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Junior Order United American Mechanics, the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and is a member of the Republican Club of Dunellen. In his religious belief he is a Presbyterian.
Mr. Apgar married, November 17, 1913, at Dunellen, New Jersey, Emma Voorhees, a native of Chester, New Jersey, her birth having occurred there March 2, 1890, a daughter of Theodore and Anna (Blaine)
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Voorhees. Mr. and Mrs. Apgar are the parents of two children : Eleanor, born September 25, 1914; George, born January 9, 1918. The family reside at No. 604 Lincoln avenue, Dunellen.
REV. ERNEST RAMON BROWN, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Dunellen, New Jersey, has won many friends in his admin- istration of the affairs of his charge. He is a son of John Busham Johnson and Emma Caroline (Crow) Brown, his father a farmer and a water commissioner of Rahway, New Jersey.
Ernest R. Brown was born in Woodbridge, New Jersey, August 4, 1871. He was educated in Rahway public schools, Moody Bible Insti- tute, Oberlin College, and the Reformed Theological Seminary, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Rev. Mr. Brown served the city of Rahway as a member of the Board of Education. He is a member of Anchor Lodge, No. 149, Free and Accepted Masons, of Plainfield, New Jersey, and of Washington Camp, Patriotic Order Sons of America, of Dunellen, New Jersey.
Rev. Mr. Brown married at Rahway, New Jersey, in the First Presbyterian Church, February 27, 1901, Alice Louise Avery, daughter of Charles Henry and Susan Frances (Wood) Avery, her father a retired officer of the United States navy. Rev. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of five children : Dorothy Frances, born November 20, 1901 ; Ernest Thornell, born April 5, 1903; Roger Woodruff, born April 7, 1905; Edward Payson, born July 30, 1907; and Alice Louise, born Jan- uary 11, 1912.
HANS M. K. HANSEN was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, October 8, 1886, son of Christian and Christine Hansen. He was edu- cated in the public schools, finishing with high school graduation in 1905. He was in the employ of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, in the traffic department at Perth Amboy, and also in the traffic depart- ment of the American Can Company in New York City, but his ambition was for a professional career and he entered New York University Law School, whence he was graduated LL. B., class of 1914. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1915, as an attorney, and opened offices at No. 119 South street, Perth Amboy. He formed an association with George J. Plechmer, lawyer, at No. 390 George street, New Brunswick, which still continues. He was later admitted a counsellor, and prac- ticed in the State and Federal courts of the district. During the World War, 1917-18, he served in the United States army as an infantryman.
Mr. Hansen married, December 15, 1920, Mabel F. Randolph, daugh- ter of Samuel S. and Lillian F. Randolph.
ELIAS SHAPIRO, D. D. S .- In 1904, even before the World War had made such havoc among the nations of Europe, Israel Shapiro found Russia a most undesirable place of residence, and with his wife, Hannah (Arkus) Shapiro, and his children, came to the United States, the land of promise to the oppressed then as now. He settled in Bayonne,
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New Jersey, where he is now engaged in the automobile business. Mr. and Mrs. Shapiro have four children: Elias, of further mention; Ida, living at home; Morris, in business with his father in Bayonne; and Rebecca, residing at home.
Elias Shapiro was born in Russia, April 28, 1896, and when eight years of age was brought to the United States by his parents. The family resided in New York City for a time, and in that city he attended Public School No. 64. He completed his public school courses in Bay- onne, New Jersey, with graduation from high school in 1911, then was a student in the City College of New York, finally, in 1918, receiving the degree of D. D. S. from the New York College of Dentistry. He began the practice of his profession in New York City, but in January, 1920, located in South Amboy, New Jersey, where he is building up a satisfactory practice.
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