USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 4
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great out-doors for relaxation, being fond of all sports. The family are members of the First Reformed Church of New Brunswick, and inter- ested in all its social and benevolent activities.
On October 27, 1906, Mr. Reeve married, in New Brunswick, Eliza- beth H. Hubbard, daughter of John V. and Hattie S. (Oram) Hubbard, of this city, Mr. Hubbard now being a retired merchant. Mr. and Mrs. Reeve have three children, all living: Edith W., born on September 5, 1907: Alfred W., Jr., born on June 19, 1911; and Elizabeth, born on June 2, 1912. The family home is at No. 229 George street, which he purchased in 1908.
CHARLES SCHONCEIT, one of the prominent and influential business men of Perth Amboy, has since 1910 been engaged in the real estate and insurance business, with offices in the Raritan building.
Meyer Schonceit, father of Charles Schonceit, was born in New York City. He was a meat merchant for many years, and is now deceased. He married Rebecca Weinstein, who resides in New York City. To Mr. and Mrs. Schonceit were born six children: Isaac, deceased ; Charles, mentioned below ; Herbert, sales manager for the tobacco industry, New York City; Elsie, wife of Sydney Richmond, of Rochester, New York; Edward, salesman for a tobacco manufacturing business, New York City ; Lewis, engaged in a theatrical enterprise.
Charles Schonceit was born in New York City, March 10, 1885, and received his elementary education in the public schools of his native place. After graduating from the Morris High School, he entered Wood's Business College, from which he was graduated in 1905, and then came immediately to Perth Amboy, where he secured the position of manager for the Pearlman Jewelry Store, acting in that capacity until Mr. Pearlman retired from business. In 1910 he established him- self in his present line of business, real estate and insurance, in the Raritan building. Mr. Schonceit is also president of the National Invest- ment Company of Perth Amboy. In politics Mr. Schonceit is an Inde- pendent, but has not identified himself with any political party, preferring to remain free from all partisan influences in the exercises of his judg- ment on political issues. He affiliates with Mystic Lodge, No. 21, Free and Accepted Masons, and is a member of the Jewish Synagogue Beth Mordacai.
On June 26, 1910, Mr. Schonceit was united in marriage with Bessie Elizabeth Levy, a daughter of Harry and Dinah Levy, of New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Schonceit are the parents of one child, Inez Hope, born October 10, 1914. The family home is at No. 101 Brighton avenue, Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
FREDERICK JEROME POTTER, for the first nineteen years of his life, resided in his native Connecticut, then came to New Jersey, locating in New Brunswick, which has since been his home. He is of English ancestry, and a son of Orrin Jerome Potter, born in Plymouth, Connecticut, who died in 1898 at the age of sixty-seven years, a con-
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tractor. He married Mary Matilda Hudson, who died in Plymouth, Connecticut, aged forty-one years, and they were the parents of seven children : Edwin, Lillian, Wilbur, Estelle, Frederick J., Lucina, and Archibald.
Frederick Jerome Potter was born in Plainville, Connecticut, March 24, 1867, and there obtained his education. In 1886 he located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and entered the employ of Loyal T. Ives, a manufacturer of needles, and for twenty-one years remained with him. He then established in business for himself as Fred J. Potter & Com- pany, manufacturers of spring beard needles, quills, sinkers, jacks, etc. The first plant, a small one, was occupied until 1915, when the present plant at Somerset and Bethany streets, New Brunswick, was occupied, one hundred and fifty men now being employed in the business which began with a force of five men.
An energetic, efficient business man, Mr. Potter has fairly won the success he has attained, and in all things has proved himself a man of strong character. His business is his chief concern, but he takes deep interest in outside affairs, catering to his love of the out-of-doors by frequent indulgence in hunting, fishing, and the game of golf. He is a member of the Congregational church, the New Brunswick Young Men's Christian Association, and the New Brunswick Country Club.
Mr. Potter married, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1889, Mary Jane Matthews, daughter of James and Julia Matthews, of New Bruns- wick, her parents both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are the parents of seven children: 1. Frederick Jerome (2), born November 7, 1890. in New Brunswick, New Jersey, now associated in business with his father as office manager of the Fred J. Potter Company; he mar- ried, November 3, 1915. Nellie Gisburne Clark, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey ; children: Marjorie Imogene and Frederick Jerome (3). 2. James Harold, superintendent of the Fred J. Potter Company. 3. Lucina M .. a teacher in the public schools. 4. Willard F., a foreman with the Fred J. Potter Company. 5. Anita M., deceased. 6. Raymond A., a student at Rutgers College, class of 1922. 7. Edgar, a student at Rutgers College, class of 1924.
A business is indeed fortunate that can attract to itself such loyal family cooperation as has the Fred J. Potter Company, officered and conducted in its executive, recording and making departments by father and sons. The history of the company is one of progress and prosperity, a fact that may be justly attributed to its able management.
WILLIAM HENRY GRISWOLD, who for the past eighteen years has been superintendent of the New Jersey Terra Cotta Company's Works at Perth Amboy, has been numbered among the prominent citi- zens of the community. He is active in the philanthropic and religious work of his adopted city, and all that makes for civic betterment finds in him a warm supporter.
James P. Griswold, father of William Henry Griswold, was born in Enfield, Connecticut, and died in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. at the
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age of seventy-two years. During the latter years of his life he had acquired fame as an agriculturist. He married Emiline C. Chilson, a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, and she died in Longmeadow at the age of eighty-one. Mr. and Mrs. Griswold were the parents of seven children: John M., an accountant at Matawan, New Jersey ; Lucy J., widow of the late D. T. Smith, of Springfield, Massachusetts ; James, deceased : Edward, deceased; Emerson, an inspector for Smith & Wesson at Springfield, Massachusetts; William Henry, of further mention ; Herbert T., who resides in California.
William Henry Griswold was born July 26, 1865, in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, the son of James P. and Emiline C. (Chilson) Griswold. He received his preliminary education in the public schools of Springfield and later attended Eastman's Business College in Poughkeepsie, New York, from which he was graduated in 1883. His initiation into business life took place in a general store at East Berlin, Connecticut, where he remained for four years. He was then successively employed by the P. & F. Coebin Company of New Britain, Connecticut, and the New York City Corset Company, remaining with the latter concern for a number of years, this concern finally being succeeded by the A. H. Senior Corset Company, of which Mr. Griswold was a member for sev- eral years. Finally withdrawing from this company, he associated himself with the New Jersey Terra Cotta Company and was employed in the New York office, which is located in the Singer building, until May I, 1902, when he was made superintendent of the works of this organiza- tion in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, which position he holds at the present time. The success of this business is owing in a large measure to the tireless energy, practical mind and sound judgment of Mr. Griswold. The business capacity which he developed early in life proved to be of a superior order, and he displays a broad grasp of affairs combined with his exceptional knowledge of men. To his associates he shows a genial, kindly nature which has ever made their business relations most enjoy- able, while his uniform justice and consideration toward his subordi- nates is worthy of praise.
All movements tending toward civic betterment and municipal reform have received from Mr. Griswold active interest and hearty cooperation. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. A man of action rather than words, he demonstrates his public spirit by actual achieve- ments that advance the welfare of the community. A man of great aggressiveness, he is manager of the Perth Amboy Savings Institution, and for the past three years has been president of the Sinking Fund Commission. Mr. Griswold attends the Presbyterian church of Perth Amboy and has been on its board of trustees for several years. His hobby is automobiling and what little time he can spare from his ever increasing business activities he devotes to his particular enjoyment.
On October 27. 1886, Mr. Griswold married Isabella L. Belden, daughter of the late Edwin Belden, of East Berlin, Connecticut, and they are the parents of four children: James Edwin, born September 18, 1887, now in the insurance business in Claypool, Arizona ; William
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H., died in infancy ; Ruth E., formerly a Red Cross nurse, now wife of Captain G. L. Harker, of the United States Medical Corps; Lloyd C., born January 5, 1896, is now in Perth Amboy, having recently received his honorable discharge from the United States navy.
Mr. Griswold is a man whose business capacity is of the highest order, and being honorable in purpose and fearless in conduct has stood for many years as one of her most prominent citizens, using his talents and his opportunities to the utmost in every work which he undertakes and is an inspiration to all who know him.
HARRY F. BELDON .- Since 1914 New Brunswick, New Jersey, has numbered among her representative business men no abler nor more progressive citizen than Harry F. Beldon, distributor for the Cadillac automobile, at No. 413-415 Raritan avenue. In every thing pertaining to the welfare of the community, he takes a keen interest and is ever ready to give substantial aid to the furtherance of all good measures.
Harry F. Beldon was born November 15, 1881, at Flemington, New Jersey, the son of Heber C. and Margaret (Van Deveer) Beldon. Heber C. Beldon was sheriff of Hunterdon county, New Jersey, at the time of his death, which occurred in 1883. The education of Harry F. Beldon was obtained in the schools of Flemington until 1894. when he entered Reading Academy, where he remained for four years, when the business of life began for the boy. His first employment was in a chainless bicycle shop at Newark, New Jersey, but he resigned in 1901 to estab- lish himself in the automobile business, in which he continued for the next six years, selling out at the end of this time to become manager for the J. M. Quimby Company, automobile chassis department for the Simplex and Isotta Franchnio machines. In 1914 he came to New Brunswick and located at No. 146 Church street, having the local agency for Cadillac automobiles. On December 1, 1920, he moved his business to his new plant at Nos. 413-415 Raritan avenue, where Cadillac owners will find a modern and fully equipped plant, able to care for their every want.
Mr. Beldon is a member of the Board of Trade, the Union Club of New Brunswick, the Automobile Club of America. the Young Men's Christian Association, and is a director of the Rotary Club. In religion he is a Presbyterian.
On June 24, 1920, Mr. Beldon was united in marriage with Viola Theodore. The success of Harry F. Beldon has been in every sense of the word self-made-the result of his own untiring effort and his own unfailing belief in his confidence to succeed, and within the short space of four years that he has been located in New Brunswick, he has risen to a place of prominence in business circles which might well be the envy of a much older man.
OLE N. OLESEN, JR., who holds a prominent place among the citizens of Perth Amboy, is a funeral director with an undertaking establishment at No. 43 Smith street, that city. He is also engaged in
Charles A. Oliver, Sm
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the real estate and insurance business at this same location, and is recog- nized as a successful business man in his particular line of work.
Ole N. Olesen, father of Ole N. Olesen, Jr., was born in Denmark, January 16, 1850, and emigrated to this country when a boy, coming direct to Perth Amboy, where he has ever since resided. He married Meta Nelson, who was born in Denmark, and died in Perth Amboy in 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Olesen were the parents of three children : Ole N., mentioned below; Meta, a school teacher in Jersey City ; Laura, wife of Viggo O. Peterson, of Perth Amboy.
Ole N. Olesen, Jr., was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, December 6, 1883. He received his education in the schools of his native city, and then worked for his father in the latter's livery stable for about ten years. In 1904, having decided to become an undertaker, he associated himself with Mr. Fox, a local funeral director, and while here gained a thorough knowledge of the profession. In 1913 he established himself in this business, and two years later, June 1, 1915, he formed a partner- ship with J. Alfred Compton under the firm name of Olesen & Compton, real estate and insurance, which existed for four years, when in 1919 this business was taken over by Mr. Olesen and the name changed to Ole N. Olesen. Mr. Olesen is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Danish Brotherhood, and Improved Order of Red Men. His club is the Raritan Yacht. In religion he is a Presbyterian, and his means is generously contributed to the church and its benevolences. He is ever ready to lend his aid and influence to any good cause, and in a progres- sive, public-spirited way continues the friend of every movement looking toward uplift and improvement.
On June 21, 1914, Mr. Olesen was united in marriage with Irene Marjorie Owens, a daughter of the late John Mitchell and Katherine (Gurry) Owens. Mr. and Mrs. Olesen have no children.
CHARLES AUGUSTUS OLIVER, SR .- Holding positions of trust in his home town for thirty-four years, giving satisfaction to the public, Charles Augustus Oliver, Sr., has a fine record of service well rendered in New Brunswick.
Born in that city, September S, 1843, he is the son of Francis Manly Oliver, a native of New York City, where he learned the trade of cabinet making, following it until the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in the Twenty-eighth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers. He was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg. His widow, Jennette (Wells) Oliver, survived him for a number of years, dying at the age of eighty years in New Brunswick. She was born in Patchogue, Long Island. Francis Manly and Jennette (Wells) Oliver had ten children, of whom three only are now living: I. Charles Augustus, of further mention. 2. Amanda, the widow of William Talmadge, of Brooklyn, New York. 3. Eveline, also a widow, residing in Brooklyn.
Attending the public schools in New Brunswick in his boyhood. the boy, Charles Augustus, early in life entered into business. Obtaining employment in a butcher shop he learned the trade and continued it
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until 1861, when the Civil War started, and he enlisted as a private in Company I, Eleventh Regiment, New Jersey Infantry. He remained in the army until the close of the war in 1865, having been promoted five times during the four years. His record is a fine one of bravery in the twenty-seven battles in which he engaged. In the "Battle of the Wilderness" he was so severely wounded that he was confined in the hospital for many months, and at Fredericksburg, where his father lost his life, the son was badly wounded. Just before the surrender of General Lee, Mr. Oliver's commanding officer sent him an order to be careful of the ammunition, an order which he still has in his possession. When the war was over it was as Captain Oliver that he returned to his home.
In 1870, Captain Oliver was elected to his first political office, that of chief of police, and he held it for ten years. He was a member of the Board of Aldermen for twenty years from the Third Ward of New Brunswick, and was commissioner of public improvements for four years, his public service covering a period of thirty-four years. After giving up politics, Mr. Oliver became engaged in detective work and has followed it for several years. Mr. Oliver is a member of that honorable body of men, the Grand Army of the Republic, also of the Methodist church of New Brunswick.
In New Brunswick. September 8, 1870, Charles Augustus Oliver and Sarah Aletta Boudinot were married. She was born in the West, the danghter of William B. and Mary (Taylor ) Boudinot, both of whom died in New Brunswick. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver had three children: I. William T., who died in infancy. 2. Charles Augustus, Jr., born October 27, 1877, residing in Milltown, New Jersey. 3. Harry Van Cleave, born June 1, 1879, a contractor, living in New Brunswick. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver reside at No. 138 Livingston avenue, New Brunswick.
HANS CHRISTIAN SMITH, JR., well known among the business men of Perth Amboy, is a general roofing contractor at Nos. 123-125 Madison avenue.
Hans Christian Smith, father of Hans C. Smith, Jr., was born in Denmark, May 1, 1854, and came to the United States when a young man. Upon landing in this country he decided to locate in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and it was here that he worked at his trade of carpentering until he retired from active business life. He married Andrea Hanson, a native of Denmark, who died in Perth Amboy, March 29, 1897, at the age of forty-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of two children: Andrew M., a plumbing contractor, located on Hall avenue : Hans C., mentioned below.
Hans Christian Smith, Jr., was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, September 10, 1881. He attended a private school of his native place until he was fourteen years of age, when he discontinued his studies, desiring to learn the butcher's trade, at which he worked for seven years, at the end of which time he drove a truck for the New Jersey Terra Cotta Company in New York City for two years, and then started
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his present business, that of general roofing contractor, locating first on Hall avenue, and removing to his present location, Nos. 123-125 Madison avenue, July 29, 1919. Mr. Smith is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He holds membership in the Raritan Yacht Club, and is an ardent lover of all outdoor sports. When he was twenty years of age he won as a bicycle racer the amateur championship of the South at Jacksonville, Florida. His hobby is bowling.
On October 3, 1903, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Elisa Schroeder, a daughter of Peter and Christine (Tidea) Schroeder, of Perth Amboy. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children : Peter Andrew, born September 10, 1904; Andrea Catherine, born Febru- ary 21, 1907. The family attend the English Lutheran church of Perth Amboy.
The success that Mr. Smith has attained is the result of his own unaided efforts, for throughout his career he has ever been animated by the spirit of progress, always seeking to make the most of every opportunity, and such a record is certainly worthy of recognition in a work of this sort.
ELWOOD ECCLESTON WALLER .- A newly established busi- ness firm in New Brunswick is that of Elwood E. Waller & Son, dealers in automobiles, and agents for particular makes of high-grade motor vehicles. The senior member is Elwood Eccleston Waller, a resident of Dunellen, New Jersey, having his home at No. 331 Dunellen avenue.
Mr. Waller's ancestors came from Ireland, the original emigrant being his grandfather, William Waller, who with his wife came from Ireland about the middle of the last century and locating in Brooklyn, brought up his children there. One of them, William Edgar Waller, born in Brooklyn, later became a resident of Rutherford, New Jersey, where he conducted a drygoods business for many years, so engaged at the time of his death. He married Emma Daisy Eccleston, born in Brooklyn, and since her husband died she has resided in Newark, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. William Edgar Waller became the parents of eight children : Daisy. William E., Elizabeth, deceased ; Lillian, Violet, deceased; Florence, Olive, and Elwood Eccleston, of whom further.
The education of Elwood Eccleston Waller was acquired in the public schools of Arlington, New Jersey, and in Rutherford, continuing it until he had reached the age of seventeen, when he entered business life. His first position was in a real estate office, where he remained for a short time only, leaving it to enter a feed store. This, too, was given up and Mr. Waller became engaged in gas construction work in various cities of New York and New Jersey. This in turn he gave up, he and his brother, William E., starting an automobile business in Rutherford which they continued for three years. Following this he went to Plainfield and was there connected with Lang's garage for a period of about ten years. Then he opened a garage in Dunellen, remaining there for five years, relinquishing that business to enter into Mid-16
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a larger concern at No. 72 Albany street, New Brunswick, with his son, Elwood E., Jr. During the last two years Mr. Waller has been a coun- cilman of Dunellen, a position he now holds.
Mr. Waller is fond of outdoor sports, living in the open as much as possible ; he finds his greatest pleasure in duck hunting and fishing, and is also a most enthusiastic baseball ian. He enters into the social life of the community, and is also a member of the lodge of Free Masons. Mr. Waller and his family attend the Episcopal church.
In Brooklyn, New York, Elwood Eccleston Waller was united in marriage with Francina Claire Shaughnessy, born in New York City ; she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Shaughnessy, residents of New York, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Eccleston Waller have two children: Elwood Eccleston, Jr., whose sketch follows; and Eunice Claire, born November 1, 1900, a graduate of the grammar school of Dunellen. Both children, being unmarried, reside at home with their parents, at No. 331 Dunellen avenue, Dunellen, New Jersey.
ELWOOD ECCLESTON WALLER, JR., the junior partner in the automobile business at No. 72 Albany street, New Brunswick, New Jersey, is the son of the founder of the firm of Elwood E. Waller & Son. Much of the early life of the young man was spent in Rutherford, New Jersey, where he was born, March 8, 1896. He attended the public schools of that town, afterward going to Suffern, New York, where he again became a pupil in the public school. After a time, his family moving to Dunellen, New Jersey, to make their home, the young man entered the high school of Plainfield and had partially finished the course when he left to start upon a business career. His first venture was as runner for the Plainfield Trust Company. From time to time Mr. Waller was promoted during his three years' stay in the bank until, when he resigned from his position, he held the office of assistant receiving teller. He was next employed by Busk & Daniels, importers and exporters, No. 301 Produce Exchange, New York City, remaining with them for five months. At this time the United States became involved in the World War, and Mr. Waller immediately volunteered, his war record being one which he and his family have every reason to be very proud of.
On Friday, April 13, 1917, Elwood Eccleston Waller, Jr., enlisted with Troop D, New Jersey Cavalry, of Plainfield, later being transferred to the 112th Heavy Field Artillery, and again transferred to the 104th Regiment of Military Police, 29th Division. After being sent to France, Mr. Waller was almost continuously on the fighting line ; he was engaged in the defense of the Alsace sector, and was in the reserve at Verdun. At the terrible Meuse-Argonne defensive he was engaged from October 8 to October 29, 1918, serving actively in seven different battles of the long siege of Meuse-Argonne. Mr. Waller has been recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross, under date of October 23, 1918, and awarded a citation for bravery in the battle of Etraye Ridge. Though under fire for such long periods and in the worst engagements of the
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war, Mr. Waller escaped without being wounded and was never taken prisoner. He received his discharge June 3, 1919. After his return from France and following his discharge, the new firm of Elwood E. Waller & Son was formed and the young soldier has again taken up business life.
Mr. Waller is a member of Dunellen Post, No. 119, of the American Legion, and of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, of Dunellen. He also is connected with a Greek letter fraternity, Chi Upsilon, its head- quarters being in Plainfield. Though the family of Mr. Waller all attend the Episcopal church and he also is a member of it, he is at present greatly interested in the Presbyterian church of Dunellen.
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