USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 33
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Mr. Wolff is exceedingly fond of music, and devotes considerable time to it, but he finds it impossible to separate entirely his recreation and his business, for his keenest delight, and the pursuit in which he finds most genuine pleasure, is the building up of communities-the creating of residences and charming landscape effects where before were only barren wastes. Mr. Wolff is an attendant at Beth Mordecai Synagogue, is socially popular, and is interested individually, as well as in a business way, in every public movement that tends toward progress.
THEODORE EMIL ANDERSON .- The story of Theodore Emil Anderson's life is the story of a self-made man. In the busy life of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, he is a well known figure.
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He was born in Christiansand, Norway, February 9, 1877. His father was August Anderson, an upright, industrious man, a ship's carpenter by trade. He was born in Sweden, and came to America in 1884 to pro- vide a better home and better opportunities for his little family. They located in Tottenville, New York, but remained there for only one year, going then to Perth Amboy, New Jersey. There the father died when the boy, Theodore E., was fourteen years of age. August Anderson married Ingeborg Jorgenson, who was born in Norway, and died in Perth Amboy at the age of seventy-two years. They were the parents of five children : Andrew, Theodore Emil, Magnus, Ella, now Mrs. Thomas Olesen, all of the above being residents of Perth Amboy ; and William, who died in infancy.
Theodore Emil Anderson came to America at the age of seven years, and received nearly all his education in the public schools on this side the water. He attended the Perth Amboy schools until he was six- teen years of age, when he entered the employ of the S. S. White Dental Works, of that city, where he remained for one year. He then worked as clerk in a grocery store for four years. At the age of twenty-one, he began work for the United States Express Company. At twenty-five he determined to make a start in life for himself. Knowing the city thor- oughly, and seeing the possibilities in the express business in a growing city, he started along that line. Beginning in a small way, he has in- creased his business and enlarged its scope until now he handles a large share of the express business of Perth Amboy and vicinity, besides con- ducting a well equipped garage. His location at No. 49 Smith street is an advantageous one, and with the assistance of his son he covers a wide field of useful activity.
Mr. Anderson does not allow business to absorb all his interest. He is always well informed on the topics of the day, especially matters of broad or National import. He is a Republican by political choice, but has always declined office. In his recreations he is apt to choose active out-of-doors sports, being especially fond of horses. At one time he was chief of the Perth Amboy Fire Department, and then he owned some of the finest horses in this section. He is a member of the Raritan Yacht Club, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Anderson married, in Perth Amboy, Rosette Seguine, daughter of Alexander and Celia Seguine. Mr. Seguine was connected with the custom house, furnishing his own power boat. Both Mrs. Anderson's parents lived and died in Perth Amboy, and this is her birthplace. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have three children : Gladys, born in 1899; Lester, born in 1901, who is associated with his father in business ; and Eleanore, born in 1907. The family are members of the Baptist church, and active in all its social and benevolent organizations.
LEO KAHN, one of the best known jewelers of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was born in Riga, Latvia, Russia, May 20, 1887, a son of Hyman and Rebecca (Feldman) Kahn. The elder Mr. Kahn was also born in Riga, where the family is a prominent one. He was a prosperous
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lumber merchant of that city, came to America, retired from business, and died in Cleveland, Ohio, October 6, 1912, at the age of sixty-five years. His wife now resides with her son Leo. They have seven other children now living : David, Edward, Isadore, Charlotta, Henrietta, Rose and Jennie.
Leo Kahn received his education in the schools of his native country ; then at sixteen years of age came to the United States, locating in Erie, Pennsylvania. There he entered the employ of his brother, David, who is one of the old established jewelers of that city. Continuing with him for five years, the young man then went to Irvin, Pennsylvania, with a jewelry firm there. In 1914 he made the change which is proving so materially to his own advantage, coming to New Brunswick. Here he bought out the Printz Jewelry Company and started in business at the corner of Neilson and Albany streets, which has come to be a recognized center of fine jewelry effectively displayed. Mr. Kahn has trebled the stock of jewelry handled, and more than trebled the volume of trade. He is already a leader in this line in New Brunswick. Still a young man, and with the best years of life yet before him, he bids fair to place the stamp of his individuality on the business world of Middlesex county. Mr. Kalın is a member of the Board of Trade of New Brunswick, and is widely known fraternally. He is a member of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Young Men's Hebrew Association. He attends the services of Temple Ansch Emeth. In his leisure time, Mr. Kahn indulges his taste for music, to which art he is devoted. He is also an enthusiast in out-door sports.
Mr. Kahn married, in New York City, August 24, 1914, Fannie Lapi- dus, who was born in New York, and died in New Brunswick, New Jersey, February 9, 1920. She left a little daughter, Irma, born August 21, 1915.
LOUIS KEMENY, Perth Amboy's most prominent jeweler and a man highly respected for his substantial and public-spirited citizenship, is a native of Hungary, his birth having occurred in the city of Solmos in the county of Ungvar, March 10, 1870. He is a son of William and Marion (Berkowitz) Kemeny, of Hungary, the former being a wealthy farmer who carried on general agricultural operations on a large scale in the vicinity of Solmos in which he employed several thousand hands and two hundred teams of horses. He and his wife, who both lived and died in their native land, were the parents of three children, as follows : Gedeon, who died at the age of twenty-six years; Ethel, who became the wife of Nandor Scilagyi, a school director in Hungary; and Louis, with whose career we are here engaged.
Louis Kemeny passed his childhood and young manhood in his native region, and attended as a child the local educational institutions. It was his father's original intention that he should follow in his steps and become an agriculturist, and with this end in view he entered the Agri- cultural College in Ungvar, from which he graduated in 1891. He then
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served in the 16th Regiment of Austrian and Hungarian Cavalry for one year, during which time, being of an enterprising nature, his attention and ambition was turned toward the great republic of the West, where he believed great opportunities lay. In 1900, when twenty-nine years of age, he came to the United States and after spending one year in New York City came to Middlesex county, New Jersey, and settled in Perth Amboy and established himself in his present business. His first store was situated on State street, but in 1913 he removed to No. 112 Smith street, but his business continued to grow until it became too large to be transacted there, so he removed to his present fine store at Nos. 117 and 119 Smith street. This store is now the best appointed and carries the largest stock of any establishment of its kind in Middlesex county, and the business is still developing rapidly. Mr. Kemeny has always taken an active and intelligent part in the conduct of local affairs, and is prominent in several fraternal orders and clubs in the city, notably the Masonic order, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Royal Arch Masons; Royal and Select Masters; Knights Templar; Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and the Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret. Besides these Masonic bodies, he is a member of the local lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Perth Amboy Progress Club. Mr. Kemeny attends the Temple Beth Morchi in Perth Amboy. In his early youth he was devoted to the sport of hunting, but of recent years has given this up to a certain extent and now takes a keen interest in the modern development of dramatic art. He is a Republican in politics.
Louis Kemeny married (first) 1894, Vilma Berger, (second) 1899, before coming to this country, Sidonie Altman, a native of Austria. Mr. Kemeny had one child by his first wife, and two by his second wife, born in Hungary, as follows: 1. George, born September 22, 1895, now a practicing attorney in Perth Amboy ; during the World War he entered the United States army and served with the 311th Infantry Regiment of the 78th Division, being attached to the headquarters company ; he served in France during the closing episodes of the campaign, and upon the signing of the armistice entered the University of Paris, where he continued the legal studies he had already commenced in the United States ; in July, 1919, he returned to this country and is now established in Perth Amboy in the practice of his chosen profession with offices in the Raritan building. 2. Paul Chester, now a practicing lawyer in New Brunswick, New Jersey. 3. Mitzie, born February 3, 1900, now resides with her parents. None of Mr. Kemeny's children are married and the entire family make their home at No. 152 High street, Perth Amboy.
In the conduct of his most successful business, Mr. Kemeny is sec- onded by the work of several capable assistants, the chief of whom is Mr. Herman Lieberman who, like his chief is a native of Europe, having been born in Austria, August 22, 1885. Mr. Lieberman came to the United States, September 24, 1917, and after residing in New York City for three months, came to Perth Amboy and entered directly into his
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association with Mr. Kemeny. He married Dora Kessler, of New York City, and they are the parents of one child, Leonard S., born June 29, 1917. Mr. Kemeny's second assistant is Mr. W. Edward Roberts, a native of Wales, born December 13, 1892. He came to the United States in 1913, and married Minnie A. Pheil, of Perth Amboy.
HENRY MORAFF .- The family of which Henry Moraff is a mem- ber is an old one in the city of Odessa, Russia, where they have lived for several generations, some of the men being prominent in military affairs and some of them engaged in the legal profession.
Henry Moraff was born in Odessa, Russia, February 12, 1877. His parents were Meyer and Sarah (Jacob) Moraff, natives of Odessa, the former having been a successful lawyer there. He came to the United States in 1891, bringing his wife and children with him, and settled in New York City, where he continued to live until his death in 1915, at the age of seventy-eight years. His widow, Mrs. Sarah (Jacob) Moraff, is still living at her home in New York. She and her husband had seven children : Israel, Isaac, Morris, Henry, Irving, Francis, Dorothy ; all are now living in New York City with the exception of Henry Moraff, who lives in New Brunswick.
When in 1891, Henry Moraff landed in this country, he was only four- teen years old. but he found employment in a dry goods store in New York where he received a salary of three dollars a week. About twenty years later Mr. Moraff went to Jackson, Michigan, where he opened a gentleman's furnishing store in 1912. During the time he lived there he held the office of trustee of the Synagogue for five years. Coming East again. Mr. Moraff became interested in New Brunswick, New Jersey, entering into business in that city. He opened a clothing store at No. 349 George street, in September, 1919, and gave it the name of "Henry's Clothing Shop." It has proved to be a successful venture, Mr. Moraff having made many friends in his new location.
When the Rotary Club was organized in New Brunswick, Henry Moraff was one of the charter members of it; he is also active in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in the local Board of Trade; he attends the Temple, and is much interested in the Young Men's Hebrew Association, of which he is a member. During his boy- hood, Henry Moraff was particularly interested in bicycle riding, and as a member of the Lincoln Wheelmen won many medals in competition affairs. When this club was organized, Mr. Moraff was one of the charter members. He has always been fond of all out-door exercise, at present his chief pleasure being to take long trips in his automobile, sometimes covering five hundred miles a day.
In New York City, October 2, 1904, Henry Moraff married Belle Levy, daughter of Morris and Rose Levy, formerly residents of New York City, where their daughter Belle was born. They are both de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Moraff have one child, Richard J., born in New York City, July 8, 1905. Their home is at No. 227 Power street, New Brunswick.
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SAMUEL BELIKOVE, who was a prominent and well known mer- chant of Perth Amboy, where he was engaged in the wholesale produce business until January 1, 1921, and then retired, was a native of Russia, born December 1, 1866, died May 17, 1921. He was the son of Philip and Fannie (Zolotoroff) Belikove. The elder Mr. Belikove was born in Russia, and for many years was engaged in cattle raising. He married Fannie Zolotoroff, now living in Perth Amboy, having come from Russia fifteen years ago. They were the parents of one child, Samuel, mentioned below.
Samuel Belikove was educated in the schools of his native place, and at the age of twenty-three years set sail for this country. Upon landing in New York City he came direct to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where in 1894 he established himself in the grocery and fruit business at No. 409 State street, later moving to No. 452 State street. His business rapidly and consistently developed until it became the largest of its kind in the community. He affiliated with the Foresters of America, the Hebrew Progressive Association, and the Loyal Association.
On June 11, 1894. Mr. Belikove was united in marriage with Dora Weinblatt, who died March 20, 1918, and they were the parents of four children : Philip I., now engaged in the auto business in Perth Amboy ; Emily, born August 13, 1900; Ralph, born March 1, 1906; Sidney, born August 25, 1913. The family home is at No. 99 Lewis street, Perth Amboy. Mr. Belikove found his chief recreation in motoring.
SAMUEL GINDIN .- There is very properly full praise in this country and time for the man who has started at the bottom of the ladder and by means of his own efforts made a way to prominence in the business world. New Jersey has its share of such men and to this list may be added the name of Samuel Gindin. Real estate is the line of business in which Mr. Gindin has made his success.
Samuel Gindin was born in Russia, October 17, 1882, the son of Leon and Anna Gindin. His father, Leon Gindin, died in Russia, but his mother resides with him. To Mr. and Mrs. Gindin were born seven children, of whom there are but three living: Samuel, of further men- tion : Celia, who married Barnard Kahn, of New Brunswick, New Jersey ; Anna, who married Harry Sullivan, of New Brunswick.
The education of Samuel Gindin was obtained in the public schools of his native place, and here he remained until he was twenty years of age, when he came to the United States. He located first in Philadelphia and here engaged in the carpenter's trade, having served his apprentice- ship in his native place. Four years later, in 1906, he came to New Brunswick and established himself in the real estate business at his present location, No. 41 Paterson street. The position which he occu- pies represents the reward of unremitting labor and a fixed determina- tion to achieve a responsible place, while, in his advancement, he has used the most upright methods.
Mr. Gindin has no taste for political life, never sought public office, and clings closely to business. He is affiliated with Mt. Zion Lodge,
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No. 135, Free and Accepted Masons, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Young Men's Christian Association. He also holds membership in the Craftsmen's Club, of New Brunswick.
On November 28, 1911, Samuel Gindin was united in marriage with Lillian Shanholtz, daughter of the late Joseph Shanholtz. Joseph Shan- holtz was a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and died in New Bruns- wick, in 1920, at the age of fifty-six. Mrs. Shanholtz resides with her daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Gindin are the parents of three children: Irving, born September 16, 1915; Russell, born October 28, 1917; and Jerome, born in April, 1920. Mr. Gindin is a popular and highly-regarded member of the community and active in the advancement of the inter- ests of New Brunswick. He finds his chief recreation in motoring.
VICTOR PETER CHRISTOFFERSON .- Among the representa- tive citizens of Perth Amboy perhaps there is no man who stands out more prominently than Victor Peter Christofferson, who has ever been a conspicuous factor in everything pertaining to civic betterment.
Waldamer Christofferson, father of Victor Peter Christofferson, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and there learned and worked at his profession of landscape gardening until he came with his family to this country, settling first in Bangor, Maine, and then for the last twenty years of his life he worked at his profession in Plainfield, New Jersey. He married Mary Hansen, a native of Copenhagen, and they became the parents of six children, of which number four are still living: Victor Peter, of further mention ; May, widow of William R. Harsell ; Cornelia, a resident of Philadelphia ; Nellie, wife of William Herren, of Philadel- phia.
Victor Peter Christofferson was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, July 4, 1872, and was brought by his parents to this country when a baby. He attended the schools of Bangor, Maine, and Plainfield, New Jersey. From 1904 until 1917 he was in business in Perth Amboy as an electrical engineer, having chosen that profession for his special line of work. At present he is connected with the Manufacturers' Liability Insurance Company, Jersey City. Politically Mr. Christofferson is a Republican, giving to public affairs the interest and attention demanded of every good citizen, but taking no active part in the affairs of the organization. He was the first secretary of the Board of Trade of Perth Amboy, was the first incorporator of the Home for the Aged of Mid- dlesex County, and was one of the originators of the Community Market in Perth Amboy, being chairman of the first committee. It is also interesting to note here that Perth Amboy was the first place in the United States to start a "Safe and Sane Fourth of July," and Mr. Chris- tofferson claims the honor of being the first agitator of that. He is affiliated with various associations. He served as secretary of the Em- ploying Builders' Association of New Jersey for fourteen years.
Mr. Christofferson married (first) in June, 1901, Katherine Fisher, who died in 1912, leaving no issue. He married (second) January 3, 1914, Edith M. Frey, daughter of the late Orin C. Frey, of Perth Amboy.
Victory Christofferson
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Mr. and Mrs. Christofferson are the parents of one child, Victor O. W., born March 19, 1915.
We have not said that Mr. Christofferson is a good citizen for that fact is self-evident. He is without doubt one of the most prominent men of the region, widely recognized as a charitable and conscientious worker and a man of the highest ideals.
AMBROSE KLAUSER, one time proprietor of the South River Hotel and for many years a well known figure in business circles here, was born in Germany, December 6, 1839, and died June 17, 1905. He was educated in his native land, and on completing his studies became a cabinet maker, which trade he followed for many years. In 1863 he came to this country, and nine years later purchased the South River Hotel, continuing to manage it until his death in 1905, when his wife became his successor and the business passed entirely into her hands, since which time Mrs. Klauser has done much in the development of this enterprise.
But it was not only in his particular business that Mr. Klauser expended his time and energy. On the contrary, there was no one more interested in the welfare and advancement of the community's affairs than he, and as a staunch Republican he always took the active interest in political life that is demanded of every good citizen. In religion he was a Roman Catholic and attended Our Ladies of Victory Church of this denomination at South River.
On April 1, 1869, at New Brunswick, New Jersey, Ambrose Klauser was united in marriage with Pauline Mark; she was also a native of Germany, her birth having occurred there October 26, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Klauser were the parents of five children : Amelia, born December 14, 1870, married Elward Serviss, who died January 31, 1911 ; Anna M., born October 5, 1872, married A. W. Bissett, and they are the parents of one child. Julia Elizabeth : Caroline, born January 20, 1874, married Foreman Bissett, to whom she has borne three children; Susy, born May 18, 1876, died April 8, 1915; Elizabeth, born March 17, 1884, mar- ried Raymond D. Booraem, to whom she has borne two children : Ray- mond and Warren.
SAMUEL SEIDEN, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, is filling a very practical place in the life of the city, in the conducting of one of the cleanest and pleasantest restaurants in this part of the State.
Mr. Seiden was born in Austria, September 15, 1883. and is a son of Mandel and Sarah Seiden, both born in Austria. Mandel Seiden is now a resident of New York City, and is a prosperous manufacturer of neckwear, having a modern plant on the corner of Broadway and Ninth street. His wife died in the old country when the children were young. They had six children, all now living in America, and all married; Louis, Frank, Helen, Samuel, Eva and David. By a later marriage Mr. Seiden has three sons : Abe, Carl and Harry.
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Samuel Seiden attended school in his native country until he was fifteen years of age, when he came to America and located in New York City. There he worked in restaurants as a boss waiter, then as steward, then as manager. He followed along this line in New York for eighteen years, and became widely known in this business. During all this time his ambition was pointing toward a future of independence, when he should turn his experience and ability entirely to his own profit. In 1918, he made the start, coming to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he established a restaurant, located at No. 86 Albany street. He made the place so attractive, and keeps it so neat and clean that success is rewarding his endeavors in generous measure. In addition to the regular restaurant trade, Mr. Seiden has developed a considerable business in catering. This branch of his establishment is constantly growing, and promises even greater success in the future. Mr. Seiden is active in various interests outside the business to which the greater part of his time is devoted. He is a member of the New Brunswick Board of Trade, a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and of the Young Men's Christian Association. He worships at the Jewish Synagogue.
On February 24, 1911, Mr. Seiden married, in New York City, Bessie Isabella Rosen, who was born in Roumania. Her father died in the old country, but her mother. Esther Rosen, now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Seiden.
LEO S. LOWENKOPF .- In November, 1897, Samuel and Lena (Schoen) Lowenkopf left their native land, Hungary, Europe, and with their infant son, their first born, came to the United States, making their home for seven years in New York City. They then moved to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where the father died, in October, 1918, aged fifty-two. He was engaged as a butcher for a long time, but during the last eight years of his life kept a hotel in Keasbey, New Jersey. Children : Leo S., of further mention ; Jacob, engaged with his brother ; Gertrude and Theresa, yet school girls.
Leo S. Lowenkopf was born in Hungary, August 18, 1897, and three months later was brought by his parents to the United States. New York City was the family home until 1904, when the family removed to Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Here he completed his elementary edu- cation, finishing in grammar school in 1911, and high school in 1915. He spent one year at Rutgers College. New Brunswick, New Jersey, then entered the New Jersey Law School at Newark, and three years later, in June, 1920, was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the New Jersey bar as an attorney in December, 1920, and on January 1, 1921, began practice in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, with offices at No. 224 Smith street. in the Dana building.
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