USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 30
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George Anthony Viehmann was united in marriage, November 28, 1898, at Concord, New Hampshire, with Mary Abbott, a native of that place, born November 7, 1870, and a daughter of Franklin Augustus and Asenath Austin (Dow) Abbott. Both of Mrs. Viehmann's parents were natives of New Hampshire, her father having been born at Concord, August 1, 1836, and her mother April 4, 1831. Mr. Abbott died August 4, 1910, but his wife survives him. Mr. and Mrs. Viehmann are the par- ents of the following children: Ruth Abbott, who became the wife of Augustus Lemuel Gladding, of Lincoln, California, where they make their home; George Anthony, Jr., born February 6, 1903; and Mary Alice, born June 29, 1905.
Mr. Viehmann was a man of unusually strong personality, and pos- sessed a remarkable grasp of practical affairs. He was, however, of a very kindly and genial temperament, and won the affection and esteem of all with whom he was associated. He was a man of large proportions and commanding presence, and nature seemed to have intended him as a leader of men. His instincts were intensely domestic, and he found his chief happiness among the members of his own family by his own hearthstone.
WILLIAM C. KELLY was born at Oak Tree, New Jersey, August 17, 1837, the son of Christian L. and Jeannette E. (Campbell) Kelly, both Campbell and Kelly families being among the oldest families of that section.
William C. Kelly was educated in the public schools of Oak Tree and Mid -- 29
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Plainfield, New Jersey, but at an early age he was thrown upon his own resources and compelled to make his own way in the world He learned the carpenter's trade, but soon abandoned it, going to Illinois, where he spent four years on a farm. During these years he accumulated a small capital which he invested in a tract of pine timber in Wisconsin. He continued the purchase of timber tracts, with profit in lumbering, and eventually owned thousands of acres. Finally, Mr. Kelly sold most of his timber land and removed from Wisconsin to Cadillac, Michigan where he erected a large mill, and there manufactured timber on a large scale. He continued there about five years, then, in accordance with his wife's wishes, sold out and removed to Asbury Park, New Jersey, there engaging in the wholesale lumber business, under the firm name of Kelly & Palmateer, this firm continuing in business until 1895. Mr. Kelly then sold his business and returned to Oak Tree, New Jersey, the place of his birth, where he purchased a large farm, upon which he resided until his death. He was a man of strong character, energetic and capable, winning success through his own ability. He was a Democrat, but never took an active part in politics. He accumulated a fortune which he wisely used in creating and providing for the future maintenance of a home for those dear to him. He was very liberal and gave much to charity ; was genial and neighborly, fond of books, and most hospitable.
Mr. Kelly married, in 1864, Bessie M. Palmateer, of Albany, New York, and they were the parents of a daughter, Eva Lena Kelly, born at Oak Tree, New Jersey, July 8, 1865. She married, June 27, 1888, John Henry Campbell, a sketch of whom follows.
JOHN HENRY CAMPBELL, son of Ellis A. and Louisa H. (Fink) Campbell, was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, June 25, 1861, his father a contractor of Plainfield. He was educated in the public schools of Plainfield, finishing with high school, then entered business life with the Clifton-Campbell Company of Plainfield, wholesale produce merchants. He established in a minor position, but soon was advanced to higher rank, finally becoming an official of the company, his term of service covering a period of thirty years. He retired from business about 1910. Besides his connection with the Clifton-Campbell Company he had other business interests, including land in Florida and extensive orange groves. The product of his orange groves in Florida he disposed of through the Clifton-Campbell Company, large shipments being made daily during the season.
About 1911 he removed from Plainfield to Oak Tree, Middlesex county, New Jersey, there occupying the farm owned by William C. Kelly, and bequeathed by him to his daughter, Mrs. Eva Lena (Kelly) Campbell. Mr. Campbell assumed the management of the estate left by Mr. Kelly, and there he has spent a very pleasant and profitable decade of his life. The estate at Oak Tree has been largely converted into building lots, and disposed of most advantageously. Mr. Campbell has closely adhered to his business interests and has taken little active part
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in public affairs. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics is a Democrat.
Mr. Campbell married, June 27, 1888, at Oak Tree, New Jersey, Eva Lena Kelly, born July 8, 1865, daughter of William C. and Bessie M. (Palmateer) Kelly, whose sketch precedes this. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are the parents of two children : Bessie, born April 25, 1890, married Harvey Nash, and resides in Newark, New Jersey; William K., born June 2, 1894, married Gail Tichenor, and resides with his parents at Oak Tree, his father's business associate.
ROBERT LEWIS McKIERNAN, M. D .- Although but a compar- atively short time has elapsed since his coming to New Brunswick, the name of Dr. Robert Lewis McKiernan is already familiar and most favorably known to many of the residents of this community. Dr. McKiernan has during these two years thoroughly identified himself both as a physician and a citizen with the progressive element here.
Robert Lewis McKiernan was born February 1, 1891, in New Haven, Connecticut, the son of Daniel and Catharine (De Heslin) McKiernan. He attended the Sacred Heart Parochial School of his native place until 1905, when he entered the New Haven High School, and after complet- ing the prescribed four years' classical course was graduated with the class of 1909. Having in the meantime decided to adopt medicine as a profession, he matriculated in the medical department of Tufts College and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1914. He then spent some three years in hospital work. In 1916 he was appointed instructor at Cornell University in hygiene, where he remained for six months, then in February, 1917, entered the United States navy as lieutenant in the Medical Corps, serving during the war with Germany until January 5, 1920. He then came to New Brunswick, New Jersey, and established himself in the practice of his profession.
Dr. McKiernan specializes in Urology, and is a member of the staff of the Middlesex Hospital, also the Hospital for Joint Diseases, of New York City. He is a director of Gradwohl Laboratories of New Bruns- wick. He is also a director of the State clinic, and general supervisor of the Public Health of New Brunswick.
Dr. McKiernan belongs to the Professional Guild of Middlesex county, the American Medical Association, the American Urological Association, the New Jersey State Medical Association, the Middlesex County Medical Society, the Essex County Anatomical and Pathological Society, the medical section of Rutgers College, is a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a college fraternity, and Tufts College Club, Hartford, Connecticut. He is a charter member, first secretary and a director of the Rotary Club of New Brunswick, and also holds membership in the Business Men's Club of the Young Men's Christian Association, the Raritan Valley Country Club, the New Brunswick Country Club, and the Diomedian Club of New York City. In religion Dr. McKiernan is a Roman Catholic and attends St. Peter's Church of that denomination
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at New Brunswick. He is a member of Charles Henry Post, No. 59, American Legion, also American Officers of the World War. He is a member of the Reserve Corps of the United States navy, with the rank of lieutenant, senior grade.
Dr. McKiernan married, January 29, 1919, Marie Cathryn Schafer, daughter of Henry G. and Rebecca Schafer, and they are the parents of one child, Marie Louise, born May 12, 1920.
HELEN (GLIDDEN) TOMBS, of Sewaren, is among the prominent women in the social and club life of Woodbridge township, Middlesex county, New Jersey.
Helen (Glidden) Tombs, daughter of Captain Samuel G. and Martha A. H. (Fisher) Glidden, both of distinguished ancestry, was born in Brooklyn, New York. The Gliddens came, in early Colonial days, from Hampshire county, England, where they had long been seated, a family of French and Norman descent, who came into England with William the Conqueror about the year 1066.
Captain Samuel G. Glidden, the father, was a native of Newcastle, Maine, and in the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and Ohio, the family has always taken a leading part in the pioneer move- ments. Early members of the family were partly responsible for the name given the State of New Hampshire, named for the County of Hampshire, England. In 1820, when the part of Massachusetts now called Maine became a separate State, the Gliddens were active in bring- ing about the separation, and the name Glidden is likewise well repre- sented in the State of Ohio. The family for centuries were large land- holders, but were also engaged in maritime pursuits, Samuel G. Glidden having been for years a master mariner. After retiring from the sea, he became a very successful commission merchant in New York City, and was a man of influence until his death at the age of fifty-three, in Brook- lyn, New York. He was well educated, being a college graduate, a dig- nified and commanding personage, yet genial and a sympathetic friend. His wife, Martha A. H. (Fisher) Glidden, was born in Taunton, Massa- chusetts, daughter of Julius and Mary Wheeler (Horton) Fisher, of Franklin and Wrentham, Massachusetts, a descendant of Sir Daniel Fisher, who came to America in early days and founded the town of Dedham, Massachusetts, and of the celebrated physician of that day, Dr. Nathaniel Miller, a friend of General Lafayette. The English ances- try of the Fisher family dates back for many centuries to the town of Syleham, Winston, near Cambridge, England, where they were knighted for valor by their liege lord. The Gliddens, Fishers, and all their allied families were patriots of the Revolution and of early Colonial days, and veterans of later wars. John Glidden, father of Captain Samuel G. Glidden, served in the War of 1812 at old Fort Pemaquid on the coast of Maine.
Mrs. Helen (Glidden) Tombs, the subject of this review, was edu- cated in Brooklyn, New York, and there resided until 1898, when a resi-
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dence was established in Sewaren, New Jersey. Her beautiful home, Strathspey Hall on Cliff Road, Sewaren, is the abode of hospitality and culture, her friends being many. Mrs. Tombs is the founder and organ- izer of the Scwaren History Club and of the local Civic Club, two organizations which have been of great value to the community. It was through her efforts that a memorial stone dedicated to George Wash- ington was placed in the belfry tower of the Memorial Cathedral at Valley Forge by the History Club, of Sewaren, New Jersey. Like "Tabitha" of old, she is active in numerous good works. An enthus- iastic Red Cross worker, she also finds time to give generous support to all worthy charitable and philanthropic movements. She is a member of the Fort Greene Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of Brooklyn, New York ; an honorary member of Camp Middlebrook Chap- ter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of Bound Brook, New Jer- sey ; of the New England Women's Society, of New York; the New Jer- sey Historical Society ; the Women's Branch of the New Jersey Histor- ical Society ; and of the Monmouth County Historical Society. She is also a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, of Sewaren.
Mrs. Helen (Glidden) Tombs was twice married (first) to Frederic Firman Grant, whose life history follows in this work, and (second) to William Henry Tombs, born at Rahway, New Jersey, son of William H. and Margaret (Ayres) Tombs. The Tombs family came from Eng- land and first located at Toms River, New Jersey, later settling at Rah- way in the same State. Mr. Tombs' maternal ancestors, the Ayres fam- ily, are related to the well known Coreys, of Elizabeth, and Halscys, of Newark, and to the Davis family, of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Mr. Tombs is an inventor and has devoted his life to mechanical research and practice.
FREDERIC FIRMAN GRANT was born in Hobart, New York, June 18, 1837, and died at his home in Sewaren, New Jersey, July 26, 1915. He was the son of Philander Sweeton and Caroline R. (Greene) Grant, being descended on the paternal side from Matthew Grant, who came to America from Strathmore, Scotland, settled early at Windsor, Connecticut, and from whom General Ulysses Grant also descended. On the material side, the line of descent includes the progenitors of General Nathaniel Greene, of Revolutionary fame.
While still very young, Frederic Firman Grant came with his parents to Albany, New York, where he was educated in the public schools and in the old Albany Academy. Upon leaving the Academy, he went to work in a local bank where he remained until his real opportunity came, when George F. Baker, a close friend of his and later a great financier, invited young Grant to join him in his banking activities in New York City. Mr. Baker had just organized the First National Bank, of New York, and the opportunity offered was a valuable one. Thus Frederic Firman Grant entered upon the important banking career in which he remained until his death, a period of more than half a century. He saw
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the First National Bank of New York City grow from what might be termed an acorn to a mighty oak, and much of the growth of that insti- tution may be attributed to those who, like Mr. Grant, so faithfully and ably filled its important offices.
Mr. Grant was a loyal and good business man, having many firm friends and affiliations in business and financial circles. The social side of his life was varied. Being a constant reader and possessed of much humor, he was the life of most gatherings of which he formed a part. He was held in high esteem by his many friends and acquaintances, and having a genial and sympathetic nature, combined with insight and good judgment, his advice and counsel were much sought. During the Civil War days he was a member of that famous old military body, the Albany Zouaves. He was a member of various societies, orders and clubs, among them being the Albany Society, and the Salamagundi Society, of Wood- bridge, New Jersey, of which he was president for a time. He was a staunch Republican and a leader in the Republican Club, of Brooklyn, New York. When he established his residence in Sewaren, Middlesex county, New Jersey, he took a leading part in all movements for the wel- fare of the community, and here he had a host of warm friends. At Sewaren and at Woodbridge he was well known, socially and other- wise, and was a prominent member and a warden of St. John's Episcopal Church, of Sewaren, New Jersey, and St. James, of Brooklyn, New York.
Mr. Grant married Helen Glidden, of Brooklyn, now a prominent figure at Sewaren, New Jersey, whose life story is told in the preceding sketch.
RARITAN TRUST COMPANY-The history of the Raritan Trust Company dates from June 6, 1916. when the institution was incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey, with a capital stock of $100,000. The company is owned and controlled by residents of Perth Amboy and vicinity, and the degree to which the public confidence is held is shown by a gratifying annual increase in the business of all its departments. The Raritan Trust Company performs all the service of the modern trust company, and in addition to its banking business has come into that intimate touch with the community that such an institu- tion, through the very nature of its organization, can best attain.
There have been only a few minor changes in the official personnel of the company during the four years of its life, and its place of business continues at the corner of State and Fayette streets. The statement pre- pared at the close of business, June 30, 1921, showed deposits of well over $1,500,000, and all its items indicate a healthy growth and vigor- ous condition. The officers of the Raritan Trust Company are: Sidney Riddlestorffer, president; A. Greenbaum, vice-president : Abel Hansen, vice-president ; A. Clayton Clark, vice-president ; W. Parker Runyon, vice-president ; Harry E. Comings, secretary-treasurer ; and I. R. Solt, assistant-treasurer. The directors are: A. Clayton Clark, manager of the Raritan Copper Works; Leo Goldberger, city attorney ; M. S. Gold-
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berger, merchant ; A. Greenbaum, president of the Metuchen Realty and Improvement Company ; Abel Hansen, proprietor of Fords Porcelain Works ; M. M. McHose, treasurer of L. H. McHose, Incorporated ; Anton Massopust, real estate and insurance operator ; S. Riddlestorffer, mort- gage and investment broker ; I. R. Robins, dealer in lumber and building materials; L. M. Rossi, works manager of the General Bakelite Com- pany ; W. Parker Runyon, president of the P. A. Dry Dock Company ; Dr. C. I. Silk, physician ; Frank Stas, treasurer of the Slovak League of America ; Max Wurtzel, of Wagner & Wurtzel, wholesale merchants. The company has found a wide local sphere of influence, and has taken a responsible place among the financial institutions of the county.
FRANK HENRY VAN SYCKLE-Among the most prominent of the young business men of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is Frank Henry Van Syckle, owner and manager of the Frank Van Syckle Garage, located at No. 162 New Brunswick avenue. His meteoric rise, from a modest beginning at the bottom of the ladder to the topmost rung of success in the automobile business of the county and State, is a matter of much favorable comment by his fellow-citizens. His interest in all that concerns the welfare of the community is deep and sincere, and wherever substantial aid will further public progress, it is always freely given.
Mr. Van Syckle was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, July 26, 1884, son of Peter H. and Catherine Van Syckle, of New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was educated in the public schools of Perth Amboy, and took a further course in mechanics with private tutors. At the age of fourteen years he made his first venture in the business world by selling newspapers in his home town. At seventeen, he began mechanical work as a machinist in the employ of Thomas Lingel, on Kings street. His next employment was with the Ramsay Ship Building Yard. From there he went to the Raritan Copper Works, where he was foreman of the machine shop, and finally became master mechanic for the Barber Asphalt Paving Company, remaining with that company until he was twenty-six years old.
Like many another ambitious and energetic young man, Frank H. Van Syckle was not satisfied to eke out an existence in the employ of others ; he wanted to establish himself in a business of his own, where he could garner the fruit of his labor and energy, and establish for him- self a position in the business world, so on October 1, 1910, with a small and borrowed capital back of him, he started in the automobile business of repairing and selling of automobiles, locating in a small frame build- ing-little more than a shanty-at the corner of Fayette and High streets. He was successful from the start ; the business soon outgrowing its limitations, he was obliged to seek more spacious quarters, and in IQII removed to New Brunswick avenue, to the John Donaghue building, then known as the City Market, now the New Auditorium, and there engaged in the sale of automobiles, under the firm title of the Frank Van
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Syckle Garage. These quarters he rented for five years, when they again proved too small for the ever-expanding business, so in 1913 he began to erect the handsome building on the corner of New Brunswick avenue and Jefferson street, where he is now located, one of the largest auto- mobile concerns in the State. This building, completed in 1914, and perfectly fitted out in every detail for the automobile business, with its spacious showroom, finely equipped garage and beautiful offices, is indeed a monument to the energy, business ability and good taste of its owner. Mr. Van Syckle moved his business to these new quarters, then in 1917 he purchased the New Auditorium building, where he had for- merly conducted his business. The business still expanding, he erected a building in New Brunswick, and opened a new branch of the business, under the title of the American Auto Company.
Among other enterprises in which Mr. Van Syckle is interested is the A. G. Belknap Company, of Plainfield, New Jersey. He is also vice- president of the Fords National Bank at Fords, New Jersey. Mr. Van Syckle is now thirty-six years old, and in ten years of his business career, starting at the bottom with a borrowed capital of but three hundred dol- lars, he has risen to be the owner of the above mentioned concern, the largest of its kind, and still expanding.
During the World War Mr. Van Syckle furnished the government with fifty automobiles for its use at Camp Raritan at a mere nominal rental, keeping them in condition and supplying all parts and supplies, and was one of the largest purchasers of Liberty bonds during all the drives. In religion he is a Roman Catholic, and a member of St. Mary's Church, of Perth Amboy. He holds membership in the East Jersey Club, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Columbus, Forest- ers, and New York Canadian Club. Mr. Van Syckle is married and has one son, Frank H., Jr.
It may be said of Frank Henry Van Syckle that he has been the architect of his own fortune, and is building up a name that will endure. He is an able business man, public-spirited and progressive, and the place he occupies in the community is well deserved.
THOMAS FRANCIS DUNIGAN, who for many years was a leader in the business, financial and political life of Middlesex county, was one of the esteemed and representative citizens of Woodbridge, New Jersey, until his passing away, April 30, 1921.
Mr. Dunigan was a son of Bernard and Julia (Ryan) Dunigan, also prominent in the community life of Woodbridge. He attended the public schools of Woodbridge and the parochial schools of Perth Amboy, sub- sequently completing his education at St. John's Academy, Fordham, New York. Mr. Dunigan at first started in business with his father, who was a prosperous clay miner and contractor, with properties in Woodbridge, but remained with him but a short time. His next con- nection was with the Ostrander Fire Brick Company, Fords, New Jer- sey, as a foreman in their clay banks. Here he gained much experience,
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and after being thus associated for a few years, he was tendered an offer to become associated with the Henry A. Maurer & Sons Company, Maurer, New Jersey. For a time he acted as foreman, but later con- tracted with this company in mining clay. This connection was a pleas- ant one, and quite permanent, for he remained with the company for some twenty-eight years, until his health required him to relinquish it, much to the regret of the Maurers. While associated with them he established, during the year 1898, a retail coal and wood business, which grew rapidly to large proportions, and still later added builders' supplies, which also proved a success. His next venture was that of a contractor on road construction work, and in all of these activities he became a leader and known throughout the State of New Jersey.
Mr. Dunigan was a director and vice-president of the First National Bank of Woodbridge; a town committeeman ; president of the fire com- missioners, and a county freeholder. He was a staunch Democrat, and a leader in the councils of the party. In his religious belief he was a Roman Catholic, being a member of St. James' Roman Catholic Church, Woodbridge, of which he was a trustee up to the time of his death. Mr. Dunigan was equally well known in fraternal circles, being a member of New Brunswick Lodge, No. 324, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; the Knights of Columbus, of Perth Amboy ; the Royal Arcanum, of Woodbridge; and the Catholic Benevolent Legion of America.
Mr. Dunigan married, in Woodbridge, May 28, 1884, Jane M. Finn, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Meagher) Finn, who were among the first settlers of Irish ancestry in Woodbridge. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dunigan : Florence, now the wife of James J. Dunne, of Brooklyn, New York, and they have three children: James J., Jr., Jane M., and Regina M .; George, now living at Woodbridge ; Jane L., now the wife of Edmund A. Hayes, and they have two children : Edmund A., Jr., and Jane ; Anna B., who resides with her mother.
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