USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 3
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Mr. Neer's father was Charles Neer. He was a farmer by occupa- tion, and owned a considerable acreage in Summit, Schoharie county, New York. He married Levantia Schermerhorn, who died in Summit. They were the parents of five children, of whom Harmon is now living at Binghamton, New York; and Emily, widow of David Houck, is also a resident of Binghamton.
Frank Neer, son of Charles and Levantia (Schermerhorn) Neer, was born March 18, 1852. in Summit, Schoharie county, New York. It was there that he received his early education, which was completed with a course at the Charlotteville, New York. Academy. Upon leaving school, the young man assisted his father on the farm, but feeling that
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he could win more from life by branching ont upon some line of indi- vidual effort, he at length decided to leave home. He came to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in 1876, and from that time until his death, was actively identified with the life of that city. He began as yard master in the Lehigh Valley Railroad yards, in which position he remained for about ten years. His tastes, however, were along a different line, and in 1887 he made the start that was to mean definite achievement. At this time he established, at No. 100 Smith street, a stationery store, which is still a feature of the business district of Perth Amboy, having been conducted for this very considerable period of time, at the same address. For a time Mr. Neer operated the store adjoining, at No. 98 Smith street, as a confectionery store, but discontinued this, and devoted all his time to the stationery and book business.
Mr. Neer not only dealt in books ; he loved them. His recreation was closely akin to his occupation. He spent the greater part of his leisure time at home with the choicest volumes of history and fiction, which his broad acquaintance with the world of books placed in his hands. He was a discriminating and careful reader, and a deep thinker.
In political affiliation he was a Republican of the old school, and while never seeking political preferment, served for some years as a member of the Board of Assessors. His interests reached out in many directions. He was a member of the Royal Arcanum, and also of the East Jersey Club. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for many years served on the board of trustees.
Mr. Neer married, in 1875, at Waverly, New York, Mary E., daughter of Jolin and Eliza (Durland) Ball. They were descendants of early New England settlers, and both father and mother are now buried at Waverly. The father was a Baptist minister. Frank and Mary E. (Ball) Neer were the parents of two children: Carolyn, who died in Perth Amboy. December 24, 1915; and Anne English.
Mr. Neer died October 27, 1917, and since that time, the business, to which he had so long devoted his constant attention, has been con- ducted by his daughter, Anne E. Neer.
AMOS WHEATLEY .- Since 1906 Mr. Wheatley has been a resi- dent of New Brunswick, New Jersey, a silversmith, conducting a pros- perous business. He is of English birth and parentage, and from early boyhood has made his own way in the world, beginning when a boy of eleven years. He has always been a worker and has always set high standards for himself in everything he has done. He bears honorable reputation among business men, and in his residence borough, Highland Park, has gained public support for borough office.
Amos Wheatley, son of Isaac and Mary (Crowder) Wheatley, was born in Fulford, near York, Yorkshire, England, his father now deceased. His youth was spent in Lancashire, England, his education being ob- tained in Fallowfield British school, Fallowfield, near Manchester, and later for two years he attended night sessions of the Manchester Tech- nical School. At the age of eleven years he graduated from Fallowfield
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school and that year began working in an attorney's office on Cross street, Manchester, but a few months later became office boy for two Danish gentlemen. His next position was taken a few months later with the shipping and warehouse business of Fraser Brothers, Limited, of Prince street, Manchester. He spent two years with that firm, then began learning the trade of engraver, continuing until his full years of apprenticeship were accomplished. Coming out a finished workman, Mr. Wheatley at once established in business in Manchester, England, continuing until his departure for Canada to manage a fac- tory. Two years later he came to the United States and has been in business for himself until the present (1921), being now located at No. 83 Albany street, New Brunswick, New Jersey. He is connected with the National Bank of New Jersey and the Middlesex Title and Trust Company. In 1919 Mr. Wheatley was an independent candidate for councilman of Highland Park borough and was elected to serve three years. He is a member of Union Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; past president of the Sons of St. George ; member of Friendship Lodge, No. 30, Knights of Pythias; Craftsman's Club; Tall Cedars of Lebanon ; and of the First Baptist Church of New Brunswick.
Mr. Wheatley married, in Memorial Congregational Church, Chorl- toncum-Hardy, near Manchester, England, June 1, 1899, Mary A. Wright. Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley are the parents of seven children : I. Frank, born February 22, 1900. 2. Elizabeth Mary, born July 31, 1901, died October 2, 1918. 3. James W., born July 16, 1903. 4. Nora, born November 23, 1905, died November 6, 1913. 5. Amos, born October 5, 1910. 6. Kathleen, born February 28, 1913. 7. Marguerite, born March 6, 1916.
ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON .- Among the younger generation of enterprising citizens of this community no name stands out more prominently than that of Robert Wood Johnson, mayor of Highland Park, New Jersey. Not only has he taken a public-spirited interest in municipal concerns, but also the industrial life of the place has claimed a large share of his time since 1910.
Mr. Johnson was born April 4, 1892, the son of Robert W. and Evangeline (Armstrong) Johnson. He received his education in Rut- gers Preparatory School and Lawrenceville School. In 1910, when the business of life commenced for the young man he became an active member of the firms of Johnson & Johnson, the Brunswick Refrigerating Company, the Chicopee Manufacturing Corporation, and the Neverslip Manufacturing Company. He is general superintendent of all operations of the Johnson & Johnson concern, and second vice-president and director of the other concerns mentioned.
Mr. Johnson entered political life in 1917, when for three consecutive years he served his community as councilman, and in recognition of his capable and disinterested service he was elected mayor of Highland Park in 1919. He affiliates with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He also holds mem-
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bership in the New Brunswick Board of Trade, the New York Yacht Club, the New Brunswick Country Club, the Union Club, the East Jersey Club, and the Baltusrol Country Club. In religion he is an Episcopalian and attends the church of this denomination at New Brunswick.
Robert Wood Johnson has made his own way and has attained to his present position both in the business and political life of the com- munity by force of the characteristics which have best fitted him to hold it. Such a man is destined, as a matter of course, to still further advancement, the past being ample promise for the future. He has become very much interested in the Middlesex General Hospital, and is vice-president and chairman of its executive committee, and is gen- erally interested in philanthropic organizations.
On October 18, 1917, Mayor Johnson was united in marriage at New Brunswick with Elizabeth Dixon Ross, daughter of Millard F. and Mary (Dixon) Ross, and to them has been born one child, Robert Wood, Jr., October 9, 1920.
JOHN PAULUS .- Providing for the daily needs of the people, and doing this ordinary work in an extraordinary way, is a career worthy of the highest endeavor, and deserving of the highest honor. John Paulus, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, conducts one of the cleanest and most sanitary milk depots in the State.
Mr. Paulus was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, January 18, 1883, a son of John and Christina ( Kealman ) Paulus, both parents having been born in Germany. John Paulus, Sr., came to America fifty-four years ago, a young man, alone and friendless. Locating immediately in New Brunswick, he established the business which the younger man is now carrying on, and conducted it until his death, July 1, 1901. His wife, who is seventy-eight years of age, is now living with this son. They were the parents of six children : Adam, a well known cigar maker of New Brunswick: William, deceased ; Joseph, deceased; Minnie, also deceased ; Margaret, the wife of Herman Hauer, of New Brunswick ; and John.
John Paulus received his education in the public schools of New Brunswick, and at the early age of eight years spent his time outside of school hours assisting his father in the milk business, which was then located on Comstock street. After leaving school the young man worked in various factories here in this city until he was eighteen years of age. Then his father died, and the son took over the business thus left without a head. He has developed it in a remarkable manner, broadening its scope and improving the conditions of handling the work. In 1909, he removed to the present commodious and up-to-date quar- ters, where every kind of modern equipment was installed to perfect the methods of caring for and delivering the product. This plant, located at Nos. 189 to 193 New street, is a model of cleanliness and sanitary perfection. It is the largest milk business in Middlesex county, employing twenty-two men, and keening ten wagons and three motor
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delivery machines constantly busy. All milk handled is a local product of Somerset and Middlesex counties.
Mr. Paulus is widely connected, fraternally, and in many ways prominent in the life of the city. He is a member of Union Lodge, No. 19, Free and Accepted Masons; Scott Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons ; Scott Council, No. I, Royal and Select Masters ; Temple Com- mandery, No. 18, Knights Templar; Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine: New Brunswick Forest, No. 12, Tall Cedars of Lebanon ; New Brunswick Lodge, No. 6, and Middlesex Encampment, No. 43, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Friendship Lodge, No. 30, Knights of Pythias; Ahander Tribe, No. 182, Improved Order of Red Men: New Brunswick Lodge, No. 324. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks: Board of Trade, of New Brunswick; Turn Verein and Aurora Singing societies. In periods of relaxation, Mr. Paulus turns to those pursuits which carry him outside of the conven- tionalities of the city, particularly enjoying hunting and fishing.
Mr. Paulus married (first) Minnie White, who died August 19, 1918, and their children are as follows: John E., born November 28, 1903 : Chester W., born March 3, 1905; Helen M., born October 7. 1906; and Reinhold M., born May 19, 1911. Mr. Paulus married (second) April 16, 1919, Anna Bindseil, daughter of Henry and Louise (Hanna- man) Bindseil. The family attend the Reformed church.
JOHN DAWSON .- In Woodbury, Connecticut, and Metuchen, New Jersey. John Dawson engaged in mercantile life, and as a dry goods merchant was very successful, accumulating a fortune which enabled him to retire prior to his passing away, although he continued in busi- ness until a short time before his death. He was born in the eastern part of New York State, the son of Hugh and Nancy (Pearsall) Dawson, his father also a native of that State. He was a man of public spirit, inter- ested in town affairs, and a devout Christian. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Dawson were the parents of ten children, this review following the career of their son, John Dawson, of Metuchen, New Jersey.
John Dawson was born April 1, 1833, and died in Metuchen, New Jersey, December 7, 1907. He was educated in the public district schools, and grew to manhood at the home farm, but when seeking a life occupation, chose the career of a merchant, for which he prepared through a series of clerkships in dry goods and general stores in differ- ent localities about the east. Finally he opened a dry goods store in Woodbury. Connecticut, which he operated successfully until his removal to Metuchen, New Jersey, where he continued his successful career as a dry goods merchant for many years. He was a man of character, and his life abounded in good deeds. He was a member of the Dutch Re- formed Church, a Republican in politics, and was affiliated with Metuchen Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. He was highly regarded by his brethren of the church and fraternity, while as business man and citizen his life was beyond reproach.
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Mr. Dawson married. October 22, 1888, in Metuchen, New Jersey, Julia M. Thomas, born September 25, 1843, in Metuchen, daughter of David Graham and Anna Elizabeth (Ross) Thomas. In 1880 Mr. Dawson erected a dwelling at No. 352 Le Grand avenue, Metuchen, and there Mrs. Julia M. Dawson yet resides. Her home is one of the largest residences of the town, but the memories of former years endears it to her and there she remains, surrounded by the many mementos of other days.
PHILIP HERMAN BRUSKIN .- Since coming to New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1910, Mr. Bruskin has been closely identified with the affairs of the community. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, April 30, 1889, the son of Abraham and Fanny (Rosenbaum) Bruskin, both natives of Russia, and now residents of Nutley, New Jersey. Abraham Bruskin has conducted a large department store there for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Bruskin were born the following children : Benjamin, who served in the United States army during the World War: Theo- dore, also enlisted in the United States army ; Julius, enlisted during the World War and was killed in action at Belleau Woods, June 5, 1917, at the age of seventeen; Philip Herman, of further mention ; Oscar : Lawrence.
The elementary education of Philip Herman Bruskin was obtained in the schools of West Orange, New Jersey, and after graduating from the high school there, in 1905, he entered Coleman's Business College, completing his studies there in one year, after which he began the study of law and continued this for three years or until 1910, when he came to New Brunswick and established himself in the shoe business, eight years later, having decided to enter the real estate and insurance busi- ness, he opened his present office, which is at No. 86 Church street. Possessing all the qualities of a wise and successful executant, he has been sought for and has accepted many offices of trust, among them being : Secretary of the Lucas Realty Company; director of the A. S. Marcus Hebrew School; organizer and now secretary of the Welfare Building and Loan Association. Mr. Bruskin has been president of the Young Men's Hebrew Association since 1917, and it is through his efforts that the handsome new home of the organization was built. He is also district department president of the Middlesex, Hunterdon and Somerset counties' Federation of the Young Men's Hebrew Associ- ation and the Young Women's Hebrew Association of New Jersey, and is also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. He is vice-president of the New Brunswick Real Estate Board, and chairman of the Fire Insur- ance division of the Real Estate Board, a member of the Board of Trade, and of Anshe Emeth Reformed Jewish Temple. Mr. Bruskin affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and with the Independent Order of Brith Abraham, of which he is the treasurer. Mr. Bruskin served in Company H. National Guard, Fifth Regiment of New Jersey, for three years, after which he was honorably discharged. During the World War he acted as secretary of the World War Wel-
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come Home Organization of New Brunswick. His hobby is baseball and football and while in high school he played on both teams.
On September 1, 1912, Philip Herman Bruskin was united in mar- riage with Rose I. Tapper, daughter of Samuel and Mary Tapper, the latter residing in Los Angeles, California. Mr. and Mrs. Bruskin are the parents of three children : Ruth D., born in August, 1913; Charlotte E., born in July, 1915 ; Harold M .. born in February, 1917.
A man gifted in manner, and enterprising in business, Mr. Bruskin is personally liked most by those who know him best. He is a man of quiet force, the force that accomplishes large results with but little friction, the force that counts in the upbuilding of any community.
JAMES PALMER PRALL, since 1887 a resident of Woodbridge, New Jersey, has converted the rich clay lands he owns into a merchant- able product and has long been a miner and shipper of clay used in manufacturing fire brick, plain brick and other clay products, which demand the finer clays with which Middlesex county abounds. He is a son of Cornelius and Eliza ( Howell) Prall, and a grandson of Isaac and Mary Prall, founders of the family in Middlesex county, New Jersey, who long owned and cultivated the homestead in Woodbridge town- ship, Middlesex county, they coming from Staten Island. Isaac Prall died December 29. 1849, and his wife April 15, 1844.
Cornelius Prall, son of Isaac and Mary Prall, was born at the home- stead, February 19, 1809, was a farmer all his life, and died March 25. 1887. He married, November 6, 1833, Eliza Howell, born December 15, 1812, died March 14, 1876, daughter of Henry and Catherine Howell. Cornelius and Eliza (Howell) Prall were the parents of five children : Margaret S., born October 7, 1836, married, October 25, 1877, Rev. Joseph N. MeNulty, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of Wood- bridge ; Isaac. born September 11, 1841, died January 4, 1896; James P., of further mention ; Mary E. L., born September 17, 1847, died April 5, 1878; Walter P., Sorn February 22, 1850, married Anna L. Spaulding.
James Palmer Prall was born at the homestead in Woodbridge town- ship, Middlesex county, New Jersey, September 3, 1843, and at the old farm spent the first forty-four years of his life. He was educated in Woodbridge schools, and Fort Edward Collegiate Institute, and until reaching legal age was his father's farm assistant. He then began farm- ing on his own account, but did not leave the homestead until 1887, when he located in the town of Woodbridge, where he still resides (1920). He has long been engaged in developing the clay beds which he owns, mining the clay and shipping same to manufacturers of clay products in many localities.
Mr. Prall is a Republican and has served his township as freeholder and commissioner of appeals: he is an elder of the First Presbyterian Church, having long served in that office as trustee and treasurer. His life has been one of success as a business man, and he is held in high regard by his fellowmen.
Mr. Prall married, May 10, 1883, Emily Cutter, born May 31, 1852, daughter of Hampton and Mary Ross (Crane) Cutter, of Woodbridge
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and Cranford, New Jersey. Hampton Cutter, a farmer engaged in clay mining in 1850, was a pioneer in the business in which he engaged until his death, when he was succeeded by his son, William H. Cutter, and he by his son, Hampton (2) Cutter, the present head of the business. Mr. and Mrs. Prall are the parents of two children: William Henry, born August 14, 1887, now a member of the Woodbridge Ceramic Cor- poration ; he married Edith Grace Hasbrook, and they have a daughter, Dorothy C., and a son, Robert H. 2. Mary Ross, born May 5, 1893, married Arthur Randolph Lee, and they have four children : George A., James P., Margaret, and Emily H. Mr. and Mrs. Prall are members of the Presbyterian church; the family home is at No. 164 Greene street, Woodbridge.
EUGENE JOHN MULLEN .- The father of Eugene J. Mullen, Owen Mullen, was born in Ireland, came to the United States as a boy and located in Perth Amboy, where he conducted a successful shoe business for forty years. He married, in Perth Amboy, Catherine Foley, who long survived him, dying in Perth Amboy in 1911, aged eighty-four years. They were the parents of three children : Mary, now the widow of Dennis Whalen, of Perth Amboy; Eugene John, of further mention ; Catherine, widow of William Clapsadell, of Perth Amboy.
Eugene John Mullen was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. October 1, 1869, and there attended public schools until aged fifteen. He then entered the employ of the Perth Amboy Terra Cotta Company, continu- ing with that corporation for fifteen years. The following two years were spent with the C. Pardee Works, and in 1907 he established his present undertaking business at No. 190 New Brunswick avenue, Perth Amboy. Four years later, in 1911, he moved to No. 251 Madison avenue, where he continues well established in public regard as a business man and citizen. Mr. Mullen is a Democrat in politics, and in 1914 was elected coroner of Middlesex county. For twenty-five years, he has been a member of Protection Hook and Ladder Company, and during 1907 and 1908 he was chief of the Perth Amboy Volunteer Fire Department. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus. He is a motoring enthusiast, and a patron of out-of-doors sports, particularly baseball.
Mr. Mullen married, in Perth Amboy, June 5, 1902, Helen Cecelia Gibbons, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, daughter of John Leo and Catherine (Burk) Gibbons, her father born in Liverpool, England, her mother in Jersey City, and both now reside in Perth Amboy. Mr. and Mrs. Mullen are the parents of two children: Eugene J., Jr., born July II, 1906; Eileen, born August 3, 1910.
ALFRED WARFFUELL REEVE, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, is one of the leading pharmacists of this city ; and has built his success on the sure foundation of expert efficiency in his line, which involves more closely than any other branch of mercantile enterprise the life and well-being of the public.
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The Reeve family was among the early settlers of New Jersey, Joseph Reeve, the founder of this family in America, coming from England, in 1664. and settling in Burlington county. Always active in construc- tive lines of endeavor, the family has been prominent to the present time. Mr. Reeve's grandfather was a contractor and builder.
Elwood Joseph Reeve, father of Alfred W. Reeve, was born in Woodstown. New Jersey, February 11. 1852, and is now a resident of New Brunswick. and still actively engaged in contracting and building. He married Caroline Harris Warffuell, who died on January 20, 1909, at the age of fifty-five years. They were the parents of four children : Leslie, who died in infancy ; Alfred W., of whom further; Prentice C., now a resident of Trenton, New Jersey ; superintendent of power for the Pennsylvania Railroad shops, and instructor in electricity at the Trenton School of Industrial Art; and Ethan C., a resident of Jersey City, and assistant manager of the Newark office of the Venestra Metal Sash Company.
Alfred Warffuell Reeve was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, on May 2, 1875. His parents removing to Port Norris, and some years later from there to Sea Isle City, the boy's education was gained in the public schools of these two towns. He continued his school attendance until sixteen years old, but from the age of ten earned his own clothes and spending money doing the many little odd jobs which can be found by a boy of energy and spirit. Upon leaving school, he became a mail carrier in Sea Isle City. His ambitions, however, placed this work in the category of the stepping-stone. In 1896 he began the study of pharmacy. and received his degree of Doctor of Pharmacy in 1902. He then entered this field without delay.
Mr. Reeve's first position was that of manager of the drug store in the Albion Hotel, at Oil City, Pennsylvania, but remained for only a short time. then came to Jersey City, also for a short time. On May 4, 1903. he came to New Brunswick, where he has since been identified with the drug trade. On March IS, 1906, he bought the present business, located at No. 229 George street, and has conducted it continuously since that date. His success has been such as was due a man of skill along technical lines and practical business ability. He stands high in the trade and is considered a leader in the business world of New Brunswick. He is president of the Sanitary Autokone Company. of New Brunswick, incorporated in 1919, and one of the founders.
Mr. Reeve is prominent in Masonic circles. He is past master of Palestine Lodge, No. 111. Free and Accepted Masons ; is high priest of Scott Chapter, No. 4. Royal Arch Masons, and past commander of Temple Commandery, Knights Templar. He is also a member of Salaam Temple. Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Newark, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 6, of New Bruns- wick. Mr. Reeve is a member of the Board of Trade of New Bruns- wick: he is an active and influential member of the Young Men's Christian Association: and he holds the honor of membership in the National Geographical Society. His personal tastes take him into the
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