USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 9
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Raymond Pius White was born in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, August 21, 1894. During his infancy his father and mother removed to Newark, but their stay there was of short duration as they soon went to New Brunswick, where they made their permanent home. Here the boy was educated, attending St. Peter's Parochial School and later taking a course at the New Brunswick Business College. Afterward, in 1910, he entered the employ of Johnson & Johnson, the well known manufac- turers of medical and hospital supplies, remaining with them until August 13, 1920.
During this time Mr. White entered the army, serving in the World War for more than two years. On September 21, 1917, he was sent to Camp Dix, remaining there until June, 1918, when he was transferred to Camp Lee. His stay at this point was very short, as he left in a few months to go to Camp McClellan, Alabama, in September, 1918, where he became sergeant of infantry, First Provisional Company, 98th Divi- sion, and from which post he was discharged, December 9, 1919. Ser- geant White is now county commander of the American Legion of Middlesex county, and a member of the executive committee of the Department of New Jersey, American Legion. He is also a representa- tive of the State Bonus Commission, for the distribution of the State bonus given to the ex-service men of the World War, in the Third Con- gressional District of New Jersey.
In all affairs pertaining to the Roman Catholic church, of which Mr. White is a devoted adherent, he is among the foremost workers. He is
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an attendant of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church of Highland Park. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and of the National Executive Committee of the Catholic Young Men's Union. He repre- sents Middlesex county on the State Executive Board of the Federation of Catholic Societies.
Mr. White is very popular among the lovers of athletic sports and is connected with several societies organized for the promotion and welfare of athletics. He is one of the board of managers of the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States of America Metropolitan Associa- tion ; in 1916 and 1917 Mr. White was president of the Knights of St. Peter, a young men's athletic organization of New Brunswick. Mr. White is also a member of the Order of Red Men, a benevolent and fraternal organization.
GEORGE ERNEST GILLIS, prominent in the direction of the great Roessler & Hasslacher Chemical Company of Perth Amboy, in which he holds the position of supply and traffic manager, and a well known figure in the business circles of the city, is a member of an old British family, the founder of which, in America, came from England to Prince Edward Island, Canada, at an early date. He is a son of Alexander and Anna (Ellis) Gillis, both natives of Canada, who came when young to the United States, making their home in various places, including Perth Amboy, and finally at Providence, Rhode Island, where their deaths occurred respectively, July 30, 1919, at the age of sixty-eight, and February, 1918, at the age of sixty-six. The elder Mr. Gillis was a shipbuilder by occupation most of his life, and for a number of years followed that profession at Perth Amboy. They were the parents of ten children as follows: Two children, who died in infancy ; Clifford, now engaged in business as an industrial chemist at Fords, New Jersey ; Laura, who became the wife of William Lydard of Hartford, Connecti- cut ; Victor Herbert, now residing at Tottenville, New York, where he represents the Roessler & Hasslacher Chemical Company ; Chester Arthur, who is engaged in business as a traveling agent, and makes his home in Philadelphia; George Ernest, whose career forms the subject matter of this sketch; Helen, who became the wife of Samuel Simpson of Providence, Rhode Island ; William Ellis, an educator, who makes his home in Stonington, Connecticut, and is vice-principal of the Stonington High School ; Louis, deceased.
George Ernest Gillis was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, April 18, 1889, during his parents residence there, and passed his childhood in that city. He attended the local public schools until he had reached the age of fifteen years when, being anxious to begin his business career, he left school and secured employment in the Art Glass Works of his native city. He remained with that concern only one year, however, and then, on April 11, 1908, entered the employ of the Roessler & Hasslacher Chemical Company, thus commencing an association which has con- tinued uninterruptedly ever since. He was first given work to do in the laboratory, where he did so well as to attract the attention of his
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superiors, and put himself in line for promotion. Three years after coming with this concern he was made assistant purchasing agent, a position that he held for five years, when he was advanced to that of traffic manager. Shortly afterwards, another department was placed in his charge and he was given his present title of supply and traffic man- ager. The duties of this responsible office he discharges with skill and efficiency, and has made himself one of the most valued members of the staff of this large concern, one of the largest, if not the largest of its kind in the United States. Mr. Gillis has also interested himself in the general life of the city, and is a member of a number of clubs there, including the Chemical Club and the Raritan Yacht Club, both of Perth Amboy. He is keenly interested in all manner of out-door pastimes and sports, especially boating and automobiling, and up to about six years ago took part frequently in motor boat races, notably those covering great distances, such as five hundred miles or more. He is a Presby- terian in his religious belief and attends church of that denomination at Perth Amboy.
George Ernest Gillis was united in marriage, March 2. 1910, in New York City, with May Carney, a native of Monmouth county, New Jersey, and a daughter of Richard and Sarah Carney of that city, the former now deceased. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gillis as follows : George, born December 20, 1912; Richard Ernest, born September 15, 1914; and Francis, born May 15, 1916.
HENRY RUTGERS BALDWIN MEYERS .- The advance in sani- tary precaution, safety appliance and working condition is nowhere more marked than in the corporate industries that were formerly most indif- ferent. The establishing of welfare departments in mills and factories has called into being a new profession, and as welfare manager Mr. Meyers, of Milltown, New Jersey, is now devoting his talents that had formerly been devoted to pedagogy with marked success. His present engagement is with the Michelin Tire Company and his work has borne abundant fruit. He is a son of Marion H. and Elizabeth (Bessonnett) Meyers, his father a journalist.
Henry R. B. Meyers was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, October 29, 1886, and there completed public school courses of study of grade and high. He was also a student in Rutgers College Summer Schools, and pursued special courses in oratory and public speaking under private instructors. For fifteen years Mr. Meyers was supervising principal of schools, and in 1919 became employment and welfare man- ager for the Michelin Tire Company, of Milltown, New Jersey. He is a director of Milltown Building and Loan Association, and interested in other community activities. In fraternal relation, Mr. Meyers is affiliated with Palestine Lodge, No. III. Free and Accepted Masons : Improved Order of Red Men (past great guard of forest, and past sachem ) : Patri- otic Order Sons of America (past president) ; Daughters of Pocahontas : the Order of United American Mechanics, and the Junior Order of
Arme Paw Fornew.
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United American Mechanics. In religious faith he is connected with Milltown Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Meyers married, November 25, 1908, Gulielma Clark, daughter of Francis Asbury and Sarah Clark. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers are the par- ents of a daughter, Marguerite Elizabeth, born November 9, 1912, and a son, Henry R. B., Jr., born April 25, 1918, deceased.
WILLIAM EDWARD GOWEN .- Although having been estab- lished in the undertaking business on his own account but a short time, William Edward Gowen has already proven that his venture is a success, due in a large part to the thorough knowledge that he obtained along this particular line before starting out for himself.
Henry Harper Gowen, father of William Edward Gowen, was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, February 9, 1851, and for many years previous to his retirement from business life was engaged in the rubber trade. He now resides in Arlington, New Jersey. He married Elizabeth Steinart, of New Brunswick, and to them have been born five children, as follows : Freeman, deceased ; Isaac, deceased ; Antoinette, who married Allan Peluso, of New Brunswick ; William Edward, of further mention ; Samuel Long, a mechanical electrician of New Brunswick.
William Edward Gowen was born February 8, 1888, in New Bruns- wick. He obtained his education in the public schools of his native place, but at the age of fourteen years left school and served an appren- ticeship at the blacksmith's trade, later enlisting in the United States army, first in the infantry, but later transferring to the cavalry. After serving one term in this capacity, he returned to New Brunswick and for a short time resumed his former trade. In the meantime, however, he had become interested in the undertaking business, and with a keen desire to ultimately establish himself as a funeral director he secured a position with William J. McDede and later with A. J. Martin, both under- takers in New Brunswick. He remained with Mr. Martin for ten years, during which time he gained a thorough practical knowledge of the undertaking business, and on October 15, 1920, opened parlors on his own account at No. 99 French street, New Brunswick, which have since continued to be his headquarters.
On May 26, 1908, William Edward Gowen was united in marriage with Helen Stangler, a native of Germany, and the daughter of Charles and Theresa Stangler, who for several years have resided in Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Gowen are the parents of two children : Helen Anna, born March 3, 1909; Gizzella, born October 30, 1911. The family attend the Fourth Reformed Church of New Brunswick.
GEORGE F. REYNOLDS, one of the most prominent business men and merchants of Perth Amboy, Middlesex county, New Jersey, and the proprietor of the large mercantile establishment at No. 136 Smith street, in that city, is a native of New Brunswick, New Jersey, a son of Charles and Mary (Nevius) Reynolds, old and highly respected residents of that place. Charles Reynolds was born in County Leitrim, Ireland,
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in the year 1814, and came to the United States when but seven years of age in company with three brothers and one sister. The family located in New York City for a time, but not long afterward removed to New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Charles was bound out to a farmer at Millstone, where he worked for a time. His extraordinary ambition caused him to walk daily the twenty-four miles to and from Millstone and New Brunswick so that he might learn the trade of tailor's cutter, a craft which he followed for some years. Finally, by dint of industry and economy, he saved up enough capital to engage in business on his own account and he set up an establishment as a clothing merchant at New Brunswick, conducting the same successfully for about thirty-five years. His death occurred at New Brunswick, January 28, 1901, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. His wife still survives him. They were the parents of five children, as follows: Walter C., who now resides at New Brunswick, and is occupied as a machinist : John F., of Trenton, New Jersey, where he works as a tailor's cutter : George F., with whom we are here especially concerned; Howard A., who studied law and is now a practicing attorney at New Brunswick; a daughter who died in early infancy.
George F. Reynolds, third son of Charles and Mary (Nevius) Rey- nolds, was born April 11, 1865, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He attended for a time the public schools of that town, later studied at the Rutgers Preparatory School, and upon completing the course there secured a clerical position with the local establishment of John Lambert. He there remained for two years or until Mr. Lambert sold out his business, and then found employment with the firm of Myer Brothers in the same city, where he continued for the following seven years. During that time the superintendent of the firm was Charles Hess, with whom he developed a warm friendship, so that when that gentleman severed his connection with Meyer Brothers and removed to Perth Amboy to open a dry goods store, Mr. Reynolds came with him, and for the following seven years was employed by Mr. Hess. When the latter disposed of his business to Crosby & Hill, of Wilmington, Dela- ware, Mr. Reynolds, having laid aside a small sum of money, found himself in a position to engage in business for himself. Accordingly he established himself in the dry goods business on State street in a store 18x65 feet, this enterprise meeting with success from the outset and it soon became a flourishing concern. He continued on State street until about 1903, and then removed to his present store at No. 136 Smith street, where he has remained continuously up to the present time. Mr. Reynolds' business ability, combined with his well known and unimpeachable integrity, has given him a most enviable reputation in the region, and he is now at the head of one of the largest and best known enterprises of its kind hereabouts. He has not, however, confined himself entirely to the development of his private concern, but has become prominent in the general business and financial life of the com- munity, and is now associated with a number of important banking in- stitutions in the locality. He is a director of both the Perth Amboy Trust Company and the City National Bank, and is also affiliated with a
F Hunolds.
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number of fraternal orders and clubs here, among which should be mentioned the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Woodmen of the World, the East Jersey Club, the Rari- tan Yacht Club, and the Hydewood Golf Club of North Plainfield, New Jersey. He has been active in local politics in Perth Amboy as an Independent, and for two years has held the office of president of the local Board of Health. As will be seen from the clubs of which Mr. Reynolds is a member, he is extremely fond of all sorts of out-door sports and pastimes, and he takes an especial interest in automobiling. In his religious belief, Mr. Reynolds is a Roman Catholic and attends the Church of St. Joseph's, North Plainfield, where he now resides.
George F. Reynolds was united in marriage, July 5, 1891, with Cora M. Williamson, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, a daughter of William and Adeline (Allen) Williamson, of that city, now both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are the parents of one child, Charles Hess, born September 22, 1903, now a student at Carlton Academy, Summit, New Jersey.
RAMON MONTALVO, JR .- On the site where once stood the famous old Mansion House in New Brunswick, New Jersey, there now stands a new building devoted to music in its various forms, the name of this attractive structure being "The Temple of Music." It is located at Nos. 101-105 Albany street.
The proprietor of this new enterprise is Ramon Montalvo, Jr., a native of New Brunswick, where he was born August 22, 1881. His parents are Ramon and Mary Montalvo, the former a retired business man of New Brunswick. Ramon, Jr., has always resided in the city of his birth and there he received his education, attending the public schools, his graduation from the high school taking place with the class of 1899.
A year later, 1900, Mr. Montalvo opened an agency for talking machines, at No. 341 George street, gradually introducing other musical features, and eventually developing a large trade. He started with a very small capital, but in the years that followed he made good and, purchasing the property at Nos. 101-105 Albany street, he erected his own building, which he now occupies, and named it the "Temple of Music." It is 90x150 feet, including salesrooms, and is devoted to the interests of music. It has been carefully planned, combining harmony and attractiveness with its main idea. Just inside the entrance, at the right, are hundreds of sheet music files, and beyond these are to be found enclosed offices, modernly equipped, for the convenience of the officials and clerks ; at the left, a staircase leads to Mr. Montalvo's private office. The architectural work was designed by Alexander Merchant, and well illustrates his fine ability and excellent taste. There are salesrooms especially fitted up for the displaying of pianos and piano players, talk- ing machines and their accessories, and the children's room, which is furnished in kindergarten style, with its miniature talking machine, and records especially suitable for the kiddies, is an attractive feature.
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Another attractive feature of this establishment is the five period rooms, each fitted up in the style of a different period-Adam, Colonial, Gothic, Pompeian, and Modern-and each having a talking machine installed whose lines follow those of the particular period represented. In addi- tion to all this, there is the auditorium, 40x30 feet, which is reached by a wide, winding stairway leading from the front or main salesroom. This is a well-planned theatre with 550 comfortable seats, a curtained stage at the end, and every detail as may be found in the highest class theatres, and is so planned, that when occasion demands, it can be trans- formed into a ballroom. A model repair room is also to be found in one part of the building, which enables Mr. Montalvo to do extensive repair work on the premises. This new establishment represents an achievement that places Mr. Montalvo in the foremost ranks of New Brunswick business men.
In all progressive societies having the advancement of New Bruns- wick as their object, Mr. Montalvo takes an active interest, one of them being the Rotary Club, of which he is the president at the present time ; he is also president of the Retail Merchants Division of the New Bruns- wick Board of Trade ; he is a director of the Middlesex County Building and Loan Association, and a member of the Scientific Society of Rutgers College. One of Mr. Montalvo's especial interests is the Young Men's Christian Association, having given evidence of this in many ways. His chief recreation is any form of out-of-doors sport and in pursuance of it, is an active member of the Manasquan River Yacht Club.
In fraternal circles Mr. Montalvo is equally active, being connected with the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 324: in the Masonic world he is very greatly interested, being a member of Palestine Lodge. Free and Accepted Masons, No. III, and of Scott Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, No. 4; also of Temple Command- ery, No. 18, Knights Templar. Mr. Montalvo is a Shriner, attached to Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and in addition to these, he is a past grand Tall Cedar of New Bruns- wick Forest, No. 12, Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
Ramon Montalvo was joined in matrimony with Gertrude Lieberum, daughter of Charles and Gertrude Lieberum, January 1, 1905, in New Brunswick. They have one child, Helen Marguerite, born December 25, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Montalvo reside at No. 203 Lawrence avenue, Highland Park, New Brunswick. They are members of Christ Protes- tant Episcopal Church of that city.
GEORGE RAYMOND CARMICHAEL .- All honorable success is based upon a definite aim in life and the persistency of purpose which enables one to persevere in a given course regardless of difficulties, obstacles and discouragements. There are many self-made men whose life record proves this fact and among this number is George Raymond Carmichael.
Mr. Carmichael was born in Wellsburg, West Virginia, March 27, 1887, the son of Thomas Ward and Gertrude Elizabeth (Henke) Car-
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michael. Thomas W. Carmichael is a prominent citizen in Wellsburg, where he resides, being cashier of the First National Bank there and president of the Board of Trade.
George Raymond Carmichael received his education in the public schools of his native place, and after graduating from the Wellsburg High School he entered upon his business career with a borrowed capital of $500. The steam vulcanizing business in which he has been engaged since the inception of his business career has steadily and consistently grown until today it represents a twenty thousand dollar a year enter- prise, and Mr. Carmichael has invested ten thousand dollars alone in fixtures and machinery. Although Mr. Carmichael has always main- tained a deep interest in public issues, he is independent of party restric- tion when casting his vote. During the years 1904 to 1908 he belonged to the National Guard of West Virginia, being a member of Company C, First Regiment, but never saw any active service except camp life and the rifle range.
On February 3, 1916, George Raymond Carmichael was united in marriage with Edna Christie, daughter of Jacob and Mary Eliza (Roark) Christie, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael are the parents of two children : George Nichols, born May 28, 1917; Wilbur Leroy, born April 3, 1919.
Mr. Carmichael's life has been one of service, and he has prospered in business. He has always been found among the loyal supporters of all progressive movements for his community's welfare, and when oppor- tunity has offered has been ready to aid those less favored than he. From unfavorable circumstances he has won success and standing, and is one of the respected business men of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, a product of democratic institutions.
RAYMOND ROBBINS ANDERSON, purchasing agent of the Roessler & Hasslacher Chemical Company of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and a well known figure in the business world of this region, is a member of an old New Jersey family which has resided in the State from pre- Revolutionary times. His great-great-grandfather, George Anderson, was one of the earliest settlers of Hamilton Square, New Jersey, and was engaged in business there when New Jersey was yet a colony. He took part in the Revolution, and through him the present Mr. Anderson is eligible for membership in the Society of the Sons of the Revolution.
A great-grandson of this George Anderson was Henry Franklin Anderson, father of Raymond R. Anderson, who was born in Fleming- ton, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, in the year 1852, and died in 1911, at the age of fifty-nine years. In early life he followed the trades of carpenter and mechanic, but later became the possessor of a fine farm, where he carried on general agricultural operations and made some- thing of a specialty of dairying. He married Frances H. Mershon, of Trenton, who survives him and continues to make her home in Hamilton Square, the old family residence of the Andersons. Mr. and Mrs. Ander- son were the parents of three children, as follows : Florence, who became
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the wife of Thomas Watson, of Hamilton Square: Raymond Robbins, whose career is the subject of this sketch ; and Chester Franklin, a farmer by occupation, who resides in Hamilton Square.
Raymond Robbins Anderson was born in Hamilton Square, Mercer county, New Jersey, August 29, 1887, and passed his childhood there. He attended the local public schools for his general education, and later entered the Rider Moore & Stewart Business College in Trenton, New Jersey, where he took a commercial course. He was graduated from the latter institution with the class of 1905, and immediately after- wards secured a clerical position with the firm of Thomas Maddock's Sons, dealers in pottery, in Trenton. He remained with that concern for some twelve years and there became familiar with business methods. making himself valuable to his employers, but at the close of that period left them in order to accept a position with the great Roessler & Hasslacher Chemical Company of Perth Amboy. He entered the employ of the latter concern as assistant purchasing agent, and displayed such efficiency in the post that one year later he was advanced to the office of purchasing agent, which he continues to hold at the present time. In politics Mr. Anderson is an independent Republican and has always shown a keen and intelligent interest in local affairs and a public- spirited willingness to take part in all movements undertaken for the advancement of the public interest. He served for three years in Com- pany D, Second Regiment, New Jersey National Guard, and is a member of various fraternities and clubs, among which should be mentioned the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. the Junior Order of United Amer- ican Mechanics, the Chemical Club of Perth Amboy, and is a charter member of the board of governors of the last named organization. In his religious belief he is a Presbyterian and attends the First Presby- terian Church in Perth Amboy.
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