USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Montclair > History of Montclair township state of New Jersey; including the history of the families who have been identified with its growth and prosperity > Part 31
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father's storeand remained was earnestly solicited by had no fondness for that eepted a position as book- son of Israel Crane, and years engaged in a morocco as clerk and manager. At ciated with his brother in ing for church purposes. reputation of producing country. In 1859, Mr. first Register of Essex tion until 1864. From sole charge of the official has since been engaged in on his own account, and knowledge of the old land than any other person. field township for thirteen and has been Commis- Montclair for nineteen veteran of nearly forty of the oldest surviving field Lodge, which in Bloomfield. Although mental faculties are clear vigorous for a man of his age. He is one of the very few connecting links of the Revolutionary period, having known and conversed with several of the old veterans. He is a walking encyclopedia of the events connected with the beginning of the present century, and all the old landmarks are as familiar to him as " household words." He married, in 1836, Caroline, daughter of Jacob K. Mead, of Bloomfield, and had issne: three daughters, Martha M., Mary Kline and Caroline, deceased, who was the wife of I. Seymour Crane.
THOMAS LAMSON. second son of Peter Doremus, about the year 1838, moved to Louisiana, where he engaged in business. He was a man of strict integrity and uprightness. In 1852 he came North and married at New Haven, Conn., and one year after his return died. Nov., 1853, of yellow fever at Centerville, La.
OWEN DOREMUS, third child of Peter and Rhoda (Crane) Doremns, was born in Cranetown, May 15, 1819. His love of art was developed at an early age, and he sought every means in his power to
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gratify it. He studied portrait painting with Caleb Ward, of Bloomfield. and followed that for a time. but afterward became associated with a Mr. Chapman in New Rochelle, N. Y .. in the glass staining business. He excelled in this line and produced some of the finest work in the country, which compared favorably with that of the best Italian and French artists. His work adorns many of the leading Protestant and Catholic Churches throughout the country, and was mich sought after by leading architects. He dissolved his connection with Mr. Chapman and carried on business for a time in Orange, and later in Montelair. His residence was on the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Bay Street, and he had a place fitted up in the rear of his house as a studio and workshop. He was thoroughly devoted to his art and had achieved a national reputation as an artist in this line.
EDMUND DOREMUS, fourth child of Peter and Rhoda (Crane) Doremus, was born in Cranetown, Sept. 20, 1521. Died April 5. 1587. He attended the school kept by Warren Holt at what is now known as the Mountain and attentive as a scholar, tude for mechanics. Ile wright in which he greatly Whiteport, New York, to of machinery for the Lime and Cement Com- business manager. Ile the company and managed Whiteport to the entire ciate> for thirty-five years. son Fred. Ile was active Ulster County, and de- energy to the cause of nently identified with the Kingston, of which he was married, in 1543. Caroline. Harrison, of West Orange. Sargent Richard Harrison, of Newark. He had seven settled in Kingston, N. Y .. W. Louis Doremus, came has since been associated father-in-law.
Hlouse. He was studious and displayed great apti- learned the trade of mill- excelled. Hle went to superintend the erection Newark and Rosendale pany, and became their was later a stoekhokler in its important works at satisfaction of his asso- He was succeeded by his in the public affairs of voted much time and education. He was promi- Episcopal Church in an active member. He daughter of Isaac A. N. J., a descendant of one of the original settlers children, most of whom and that locality. His son, to Montclair in 1877, and with Philip Doremus, his PHILIP DOREMUS, sixth child of Peter and Rhoda born in the old homestead (Crane) Doremus, was which stood near his pres- PHILIP DOREMUS. ent residence on Bloomfield Avenne, Oct. 29, 1525. He was ambitions to acquire a good education and was sent to the boarding school of Warren S. Holt. He decided to adopt his father's occupation, but realized the necessity of a more thorough knowledge of the details of the business than could be acquired in a country town, and in 1>At he went to New York City and engaged first with a retail and afterward with a wholesale and retail grocery firm, spending altogether abont seven years with both firms. Ile returned to his native town in 1548 and assumed charge of his father's business. lle continued it as a general country store for a number of years in the same location.
In 1853 he built a two-story frame building on the original site. As the population increased and railroad facilities brought the residents within easy access of the city, he found it necessary to change his stock of goods to suit the wants of the new community, and he gradually " weeded out " his stock of general merchandise and limited his trade to groceries and crockery, of the finest class of goods, especially adapted to the wants of the wealthy classes who for many years past have been his largest patrons. In
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1890 he ereeted the building he now occupies, which is one of the finest and most attractive buldings for business purposes in this part of the country. As a merchant he has met with deserved success, and has kept pace with the growth of the township.
He is a man of advanced and liberal ideas, and was for many years associated with Dr. Love and others in the School Board, and always took an advanced position for the cause of "higher education." He was for six years a member of the County Board of Freeholders, and a part of the time was Chair- man of the committee that had charge of the county penitentiary. He also served for several years as a member of the Town Committee. Ile was one of the founders and is still a director of the Montelair Bank. He was also one of the founders of the Montclair Savings Bank and was elected its first President, still holding that position.
Probably no man in Montclair has been more prominently identified with the cause of religion than Philip Doremus. Self-sacrificing, earnest, conscientious, he has taken a leading position in every movement tending to the advancement of religion and the improvement of the moral and social condition of the community. Ilis religious experience began early in life as a member of the Seventh Presbyterian Church, corner of Broome and Sheriff Streets, New York. When he finally decided to settle in West Bloomfield, the home of his youth, he brought with him his letter to the First Presbyterian Church, in which he subsequently served as an elder for about thirty years, and was for fifteen years Superintendent of the Sabbath school. Mr. Doremus has always been an earnest advocate of church extension. He assisted in the early movements to found a church at Upper Montelair, and, in 1886, believing that circumstances favored the organization of a new church, he with others withdrew from the First Presbyterian Church and organized the Trinity Presbyterian Church, which has since more than doubled its membership. Mr. Doremns was elected one of the two first elders of the new organization, and still holds that position.
During a European tour which he made in 1883 his letters to the Montclair Times showed him to be a writer of no mean ability and a keen observer of men and things. His deseription of the places he visited were read with great interest by the patrons of that paper. Mr. Doremus combines all the qualities of the Christian gentleman, quiet and unostentatious in his manner, strong in his convictions of right, yet tender, affectionate and kind to all. While in no way lacking the courage of his convictions, he would saeritice his own interests rather than wound the feelings of another.
Mr. Doremns was married. Nov. 20, 1851, to Hester Am Yarrington, daughter of B. C. Yarring- ton. in old St. Bartholomew's Church, by Rev. B. M. Yarrington, cousin of Mrs. Doremus, who has since officiated at the marriage of each of their daughters. The children are: Mary Yarrington, married to Dr. S. C. G. Watkins; Caroline S., married to W. Low Doremns ; Annette C., married to E. B. Goodell, a practicing lawyer in Montelair; Adah N., married to Joseph B. Renwieh, of Montelair.
THE HARRISON FAMILY.
RICHARD HARRISON, SR., and RICHARD, JR., came from West Kirby, in Cheshire, Eng., in 1644, and were among the early settlers of the New Haven Colony. They removed to Branford, then a part of the New Haven Colony, where Richard, Sr., died in October, 1653; his daughter Mary married Thomas Pierson, one of the original settlers of Newark, and Elizabeth married John Morris.
SECOND GENERATION.
SARGENT RICHARD HARRISON was one of the original Branford settlers of Newark, and his name is attached to the " Fundamental Agreement." In the drawing of their " Lotts," with their " Number and Places." Sargent Harrison drew No. 34. At a " Town Meeting held October 31, 1674, Sargeant Harrison," with others, was " chosen a Committee to consider of such things as may tend for the Good of the Town; also they have Liberty to debate of such things with any they shall see Occasion so to do, withont calling a Town Meeting."
At a "Town Meeting, Dec. 11. 1674, Serg't Ilarrison," with others was "chosen to go down to
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Elizabeth Town to treat with the Governor upon the particulars written. and if they can agree without, not to deliver that writing : but in Case he will not hear them then they are to present this Writing to him, and leave it with him."
As a military officer Sargent Richard Harrison held in the new colony the rank of Ensign. Hle also served as one of the " Town's Men." His children were Samuel, Benjamin, born 1655, John, Joseph, born 1658. DANIEL, and Mary-all. probably, born in Branford.
THIRD GENERATION.
DANIEL HARRISON, Son of Sargent Richard, was born in Branford in 1661. Came with his father to Newark. The only mention made of him in connection with the town'was in 1705, as - Fence Viewer." He died December 10. 1735. A> his father acquired property in the outlying districts he was probably one of the early settlers of that part of Newark now known as Orange. In his will he names children : Daniel, Moses, Abigail Farrand, Lydia Baldwin, and his grandson Jonathan, son of Jonathan.
FOURTH GENERATION.
Moses HARRISON, son of Daniel, was born. probably. in Orange. in 1709; he died February 18, 1763. In his will he names Jonas, Anna. Damaris, Abigail and Sarah. He names Jonas, his son, and Jabez, as exeentors.
FIFTH GENERATION.
JONAS HARRISON, Son of Moses, was born, probably, in Orange. His will names children, Aaron, Daniel. Moses. Jabez. and four daughters.
SIXTH GENERATION.
MOSES HARRISON, son of lonas, was born in Orange about 1758. He was possessed of a vivid imagination, a retentive memory, and an inexhaustible supply of anecdotes and stories of his eventful life, with which he entertained his hearers on every occasion. He was a frequent visitor at Paulus Hook- now Jersey City-and as soon as his presence was noised abroad large crowds would gather to listen to his narration of revolutionary and other tales, which were told with such minuteuess and earnestness, and with a depth of pathos and humor, that his hearers were taken in imagination to the very spot. He had served with the New Jersey troops in the war of the Revolution, and his vivid description of these scenes were listened to by his hearers with the deepest interest. He drew a pension from the government up to the time of his death. In 1502 he removed to what was then known as Speertown, now Upper Montclair, and purchased about sixty acres of land, being a part of the Egbert farm, extending from Midland Avenue to the top of the mountain. He lived to a ripe old age and raised a large family of children, of whom all except one have long since passed away. His wife was Sarah Vincent, a descendant of an old French Huguenot family, which emigrated to America after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Her parents settled in the Wyoming Valley, prior to the War of the Revolution, and, at the time of the Indian massacre. she, then a little girl. was captured by the Indians, and afterward exchanged. The issue of the marriage of Moses Harrison with Sarah Vincent was Jared E .. Jane. Phebe, Rebecca, Maria, Eliza, Emma. John. Bethuel and Flavel. Of these Jared E. is the only surviving one.
JARED E. HARRISON, son of Moses and Sarah (Vincent) Harrison, was born in Orange. March 20, 1803, and was brought by his parents to the Speertown neighborhood while an infant. When he grew to manhood he improved the farm and added many acres to it, and had one of the finest apple orchards in the township, and was known as one of the most thrifty and prosperous farmers. He was a man of considerable influence in the community and has held many positions of honor and trust. Before Mont- clair became a separate township he served on the Bloomfield Township Committee and also as Road Master. He was one of the original directors of the Newark and Bloomfield Railroad Company, and was instrumental in opening the first railroad communication between West Bloomfield and New York City, which changed the whole of this part of the country from an agricultural to a prosperous suburban
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township. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bloomfield, and helped to organize the new church in West Bloomfield, contributing liberally to the erection of the church edifice. IIe served on the Board of Trustees and was a faithful attendant until prevented by declining health, the result of advancing years. He is still living (1894). He married Catharine, daughter of Peter Egbert, a descendant of one of the old Holland families who were among the original settlers of Speertown. Five children were the issne of this marriage, two of whom died in infancy. Of those living, are Edwin M., Daniel Vineent and Nathan.
EDWIN M. HARRISON, eldest child of Jared E. and Catharine (Egbert) Harrison, was born at the homestead on Valley Road. Ile attended the old publie school, and completed his education at the school of Warren Holt. He went to New York City in 1840 and began as clerk with Benjamin Taylor in the grocery business, where 1848 he started in the his own account, and later brother Daniel Vincent, brother Nathan, with
Hle resided in Williams- E. D. - for a number of to the home of his child- acres of the Egbert prop- father. In 1870 he pur- of Claremont and Mount- ereeted a substantial and been active in promoting in the township, and served missioner. He married daughter of Silas N. Ham- of Andrew Hamilton, Gov- Jersey from 1692 to 1697, 1699 till the surrender to Hamilton, a son of Andrew, West Jersey united, 1736 as separate from New
he remained five years. In commission business on became associated with his and subsequently with his whom he is still connected. burg-now Brooklyn, years. In 1866 he returned hood, and purchased fifty erty adjoining that of his chased a plot on the corner ain Avenues, where he attractive villa. He has the several improvements for a time as Road Com- Mary Frances Hamilton, ilton, a direct deseendant ernor of East and West and of West Jersey from the Crown in 1702. John was Governor of East and to 1738, and of the State York, 1746 to 1747. of Edwin M. Harrison with Florence M., Carrie V., timer and Harold. RISON, second ehild of
The issue of the marriage Mary Frances Hamilton is Kate Erwin, Edwin Mor- DANIEL VINCENT HAR- JARED E. HARRISON. Jared E. and Catharine (Egbert) Harrison, was born at the homestead on Valley Road, March 30, 1828. He attended public school, and afterward the Warren Holt Academy.
He was associated for some years with his brother Edwin M., in the commission business, and in 1848 started in business on his own account, He resided in Jersey City for some years, and in 1860 returned to Montelair. He invested largely in real estate on a part of which he realized a handsome profit. He built a handsome residence on Bloomfield Avenue, near Mountain Avenue, where he has since resided.
He married Franees P., danghter of John Munn (see history of Munn family). Their children are : Edwin M., Jr., Josephine, Elizabeth D. (deceased), Jared E., Kittie (deceased), Augustus Smith and Benjamin Vincent.
NATHAN HARRISON, youngest son of Jared E. and Catharine (Egbert) Harrison, was born at the homestead on Valley Road (within the present township of Montelair) May 24, 1834. He attended Warren Ilolt's school and the old private school on Montelair Avenne, known as Ashland Hall. He
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began his business life as a elerk in a New York commission house, and later became associated with his brother Edwin M. in the commission business, which still continues. He married. first. Cornelia L'Homme- dieu, daughter of Elias L'Hommedieu, of Orange County, N. Y .. a descendant of an old Huguenot family. He married, second, Katharine M., daughter of Jacob F. Mayer. Issue: Frederie M., Sarah Vincent, Marion Virginia, Paul and Edna.
THE MUNN FAMILY.
The Munns were originally among the carly settlers of Conncetient. Joseph. Benjamin and Samuel, three brothers, came from Connectient about 1750, and settled in Newark.
Capt. JJoseph Munn, of West Blooomfield, was a son of Isaac, born 1749-son of JJoseph, born 1721. He came to West Bloomfield and purchased from Simeon Crane, July 7, 1501. the property on the corner of Church Street and Valley Road, where he built the first tavern. The second building. which is still standing on the same property, was built after the turnpike-now Bloomfield Avenue- was cut through. This was one of the most noted taverns of the day, and Capt. Joseph Munn, the proprietor, was one of the most popular and well-known hotel men in this part of the country. Members of the Masonie fraternity for miles around made this hotel their headquarters, and Bloomfield Lodge was organized there, and held its regular communications for many years, until the political excitement growing out of the Morgan affair compelled this with many other lodges to surrender their charters. Captain Munn was a genial host, and a man of great inthenee and prominent in all the military organizations. Ilis brother Jeptha was Grand Master of Masons of the State of New Jersey.
Capt. Munn carried on a large hat manufacturing business in connection with Nathaniel Baldwin. the first postmaster of West Bloomfield.
Henry B. Mann, for some time a teacher at Ashland Ilall, was born in the old Stephen Van Courtland house (since burned) that stood just south of the month of Second River, Essex County, Newark, N. J .: was prepared for college under Rev. David A. Frame, late of Ashland Hall, Montelair; graduated at College of N. J., at Princeton, 1>47; associate teacher at Ashland Hall. 1-47-1852 : student in law office of late Col. A. C. M. Pennington. 1-52-1-54: in spring of 154, to Wisconsin with L. G. Farwell, ex-Governor of Wisconsin, and settled first at Madison, Wis., and then to Portage City: was admitted to the bar in 1-55, and in partnership with D. P. Williams opened a land office in connection with law office for practice before the local and United States land office : was elected Mayor of the eity in 185s. and to the State Legislature in t-59. Subsequently elected and served till after the close of the late war as Superintendent of City Schools. In 1859 he attended Government land sales at Osage, Fort Dodge and Sioux City. Subsequently became interested in unimproved lands in Western Iowa and Missouri.
From 1866 to 1-72 associated with W. C. Dodge as Attorney and Solicitor of Patents. After dissolution of partnership he spent a year in the West, and in 1873 formed partnership with ex-Governor L. G. Farwell, for transaction of real estate and banking business at Grant City, Mo., and also with Chas. F. Stansbury, as Attorney and Solicitor of Patents at Washington.
With the exception of a few special cases his law practice has been what is termed by the profession, chamber practice. He was admitted to bar of Supreme Court of D. C., 1872; United States Supreme Court of D. C .. 1sss : member of National Bar Association, 1993.
Since the death of his partners he has been practically out of business. Has resided in Washing- ton since 1866, with the exception of three years in Grant City, Mo.
In 1581 he married Cornelia L. Farwell, daughter of ex-Governor L. G. Farwell. Issue : Henry Farwell, Helen Cornelia, Marguerite Campbell and Henry Tinslow.
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WIIEELER FAMILY,
OF CONCORD, MASS. ; STRATFORD, CONN .. AND WEST BLOOMFIELD, N. J.
LINE OF GIDEON WHEELER.
THOMAS WHEELER, of Coneord, Mass., came to Fairfield in 1644, with Rev. John Jones and his company. Ile was one of the proprietors of Fairfield township, and was a prominent citizen. His eldest son was named Thomas.
SERGT. JOHN WHEELER, son of Thomas (1) and Aun Wheeler, came with his father's family from Con- cord to Fairfield, apparently in 1644, being then quite young. He owned a large part of Grover's Hill, at Black Rock, where he resided, and in 1681 paid tax on 1,004 acres of land, he being the third from the highest in the town of Fairfield. William 1. Wheeler, Vice-Presi- had a son John (2).
John, Sr., and Elizabeth δΈ€) married Abigal Burr, March 22. children. Ile married, secondly, whom he had six children, the
CAPTAIN JABEZ WHEELER, SOI (Porter) Wheeler, was born Feb- of a company in Col. Whitney's War of the Revolution. He had.
GIDEON WHEELER, son of Stratford, Conn., 1764, and was tanght school in Connecticut for moved to Jersey City, where he Persippany. He began teaching achieved quite a reputation as a matician, and in 1819 prepared the original mannseript of which granddaughter in Bloomfield. by Governor Williamson in 1818, also a survey or and eonveyaneer. spent on his farm on the Orange
GRANT J. WHEELER.
He was the ancestor of Hon. dent of the United States. Ile LIEUT. JOHN (2), son of Sergt. Wheeler was born in 1664; he 1692, by whom he had seven Lydia Porter, of Windsor, by fourth of whom was Jabez.
of Lieut. John (2) and Lydia ruary 25, 1721. Ile was Captain Connecticut Regiment in the among other children, Gideon. Jabez Wheeler, was born in educated in Weston, Conn. He about thirty years, and then re- taught for a time, and later in in Cranetown about 1811, and teacher. Ile was a noted mathe- an almanac, which was published, is now in the possession of his He was appointed magistrate 1820, 1822 and 1828. Ile was The latter years of his life were Road, near its intersection with
Fullerton Avenue. He had, among other children, Isaac B. and Grant Johnson Wheeler. Isaac B. Wheeler taught school for a number of years in Bloomfield and West Bloomfield.
GRANT J. WHEELER, son of Gideon Wheeler, was born at Weston, near New Haven, Conn., January 1, 1807, and came with his father to West Bloomfield in 1811, and attended the school of which his father was teacher. He learned the tailor's trade, and subsequently carried on an extensive business at Pecktown, near East Orange. He was subsequently connected with the Rosendale Cement Company. In 1843 he removed to Haverstraw, N. Y., where he built and managed a lime kiln. Later he started in the lime business in Newark with Reuben D. Baldwin.
In 1850 he exchanged his residence on Spring Street, Newark, for the farm known as the Elias B. Crane property on Orange Road, West Bloomfield, on which he made many improvements. About 1855 he opened, through his property, a section of Mountain Avenue, and a few years later Hillside Avenue, and a part of Orange Road extension, thus preparing for, and inviting, the improvements subsequently made.
In 1853 he was chosen to represent this district in the Legislature. lle was a strong advocate of the then proposed Newark and Bloomfield Railroad, and secured large subscriptions to the stock. While
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in the Legislature he introdneed an amendment to the charter of the road and secured its passage, and by his activity and firmness largely aided in conferring, at that early date, the benefit of railway con- munication.
On coming to West Bloomfield Mr. Wheeler engaged in the manufacture of straw air-dried boards, leasing for a time the mill formerly occupied by the Wildes, and at the expiration of the lease, in company with James C. Beach, purchased the property. At this mill he made the first steam-dried strawboards ever made in the United States. [See account under the head of " Industries on Tony's Brook."]
In 1866 Mr. Wheeler was elected a Chosen Freeholder from Bloomfield (then including Mont- clair), and after the erection of Montelair Township, in Isis, was re-elected to represent it in the Board for ten consecutive years. Ile also served on the Town Committee for some years.
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