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 34
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
The issue of Mr. Parkhurst's marriage with Thankful Legge was Sylvester, born 1522, died 1524; Elizabeth, who married Warren Holt : Emily Ruth and Henry C. The latter was a bright, promising young man who inherited much of his father's inventive genius. Referring to his untimely death, the Milford Journal says: " Among the lost by the late explosion of the steamer Princess on the Mississippi River, was Henry C. Parkhurst, only son of Stephen R. Parkhurst, of New York, formerly of this town. By this sad casualty a father and mother and two sisters, with a large circle of relatives, have been bereaved of a most dutiful and affectionate son, brother and friend. In his business relations, which were very extensive. he had the confidence and esteem of all with whom he was in any way connected. He leaves behind him the record of a short life well spent, and the cheering consolation to his friends that his record was on high. He was a prominent man, and was acting as traveling agent of the establishment when he lost his life. His education was received at the Mountain House School. kept by Mr. Warren Holt, then one of the most popular educational institutions in the State. It was this fact that led his parents subsequently to settle in this locality and to purchase the building.
Mr. Warren Holt (long known as one of the most successful teachers in West Bloomfield), who married the second child of Stephen R. Parkhurst, erected on the crest of the mountain, near Bloomfield Avenue, one of the beautiful villas in that locality. The site on which this house rests affords the most extended view of any other in the township. Looking toward the cast there is an uninterrupted view of the whole country from the mouth of the Hudson River to the terminus of the Palisades. Look- ing west there is a beautiful view of the township of Verona in the valley, with the Second Mountain and the township of Caldwell in the distance : looking north. the beautiful Passaic Valley, with its numerous towns and village-, easily discerned on a clear day.
THE BOYD FAMILY. LINE OF DESCENT OF ROBERT M. BOYD.
It is stated in "Burke's Landed Gentry." that " This family is of very considerable antiquity, having a common ancestor with the Boyds. Earls of Kilmarnock, the last of whom bearing the title suffered on Tower Hill in 1745 for his devotion to the ill-fated race of Stewart. The first recorded ancestor, Simon, brother of Walter. High Steward of Scotland, witnessed the foundation charter of the monastery of Paisley in 1160, and is therein designed . frater Walteri filii dapferi."" He was father of Robert. called Boyt or Boyd, from his complexion. the Celtic word Boidh signifying fair. and from him derived the various families of the name. The lands of Kilmarnock were granted by Robert the Bruce to his gallent adherent. SIR ROBERT BOYD. who had been among the first associates of the prince in his arduous attempt to restore the liberties of Scotland. Sir Robert was father of three sons : Sir Thomas,
212
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
his heir : Alan, who commanded the Scottish archers at the siege of Perth, in 1339, where he was slain. The eldest son, Sir Thomas Boyd, was taken prisoner, together with King David II. at the battle of Durham in 1346.
JAMES BOYD, one of the four brothers who migrated to America, was of Kilmarnock stoek, originating in Ayreshire, Scotland ; transferred to County Down, in the North of Ireland. This James, the third brother, sailed from Belfast, Ireland, Angust 9, 1756, with his wife and children. His eldest son, Samuel, visited America four years earlier than his father, and returned to Ireland, whenee he eame back as a permanent settler in 1756, and thereafter resided in Little Britain Parish, Conn., until his death, May 27, 1801, in his sixty-seventh year. He served in the French and Canadian War, and furnished a substitute in the Revolution. His son James, who settled in Winsted, Conn., forged the chain that was stretched aeross the IIndson from Fort Washington to the Jersey shore during the Revolution, to prevent the British ships from passing up the river. He had a son, Samuel.
SAMUEL (4) BOYD, born June 24, 1802, was engaged as a trader and manufacturer in Winsted till 1833. Ile was prominent in military and other affairs in his native town and was Captain of a militia company. Ile went to New Orleans in 1836 in company with four friends, all of whom died during the great yellow fever epidemic of the following year. He was the first taken and after his recovery nursed his friends. He was a member of the Howard Benevolent Association and did a noble work in nursing the siek during the prevalence of that terrible seourge. He made many friends and was sueeessful in all his business operations. Ile invested largely in real estate and owned a beautiful residence in Lafayette, then a suburb above, now a portion of the city of New Orleans. He was popular with the masses and served as a member of the Board of Aldermen. He returned to New York City in 1850, and engaged in the commission hardware business. He was appointed Appraiser in the New York Custom House in 1860, and held that position until his death in 1885. He was for some years a resident of Brooklyn ; was one of the founders and a prominent member of Plymouth Church during the early part of Beecher's pastorate and was instrumental in calling him to the church. He removed to West Bloomfield about 1856, and later built a house on Fullerton Avenne, on the site now occupied by the Wilde Memorial Chapel, where he resided until his death. The house was removed to Grove Street and is at present oeenpied by Dr. Shelton. He was one of the founders of the First Congregational Church in Montelair, and was instrumental in ealling Dr. A. A. Bradford as its pastor. He was a man of genial nature, sympathetic, and of large-hearted liberality. He was a friend of the poor and unfortunate, and delighted in doing good and helping others. Ile married, September 20, 1825, Sylvia Coe (still living. 1893), danghter of Jonathan and Charlotte (Speneer) Coe, a descendant of Robert Coe, who came from England in 1634 and settled in Connecticut.
They had issue, James M., deceased ; Marianne (married Henry B. Keen); Sarah Jane, married Thomas Howe Bird (see sketch) ; Robert Munro, of whom hereafter ; Alice Isabel, born in New Orleans, La., married Rev. Nelson Millard-issue, Ernest Boyd and Ethel Florence.
ROBERT MUNRO BOYD, fourth child of Samnel and Sylvia (Coe) Boyd, was born in Winsted, Conn. His edneation was received at the publie school and academy in his native town. IIe came to New York abont 1852 and engaged as clerk in the wholesale dry-goods business, and in 1868 he became a partner in a large importing honse, of which he has since become the senior partner, the business having been successfully condueted for more than a quarter of a century. His snecess is dne in a great measure to the confidential relations established between himself and his employees. They are treated like men, and made to feel that the interests of employer and employee are mutnal. His aim in life has been to apply the golden rule in all his relations with his fellow men. Modest and unassuming, yet a man of great energy, force and determination of character.
A portion of his early life was spent in New Orleans and later in Brooklyn. Ile removed to Montelair in 1856, and has not only witnessed but has aided materially in its growth from a little village of a few hundred inhabitants to a suburban township of over 10,000. He has invested extensively in real estate both in Montelair and Upper Montclair, which he has greatly improved. He has been
Robust Me. Boyd
213
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
especially interested in the laying ont and improvement of streets, and was for some years a member of the township Road Commissioners. He has also served several years as trustee of the First Congregational Church. In 1869 he built his present house, 51 Fullerton Avenue, where he has since resided. He married Kate B., daughter of Matthias Crane, grand-daughter of Israel Crane, and sixth in descent from Nathaniel Crane, one of the original settlers of Cranetown. Issne : Robert M., Jr., Susie Belle, and Bertha Louise.
ROBERT M. BOYD. An .. son of Robert M. and Katharine (Crane) Boyd, was born in Montelair, May 5. 1863. He began his education in the primary department of the Montelair public school, passing through the various grades, graduated with honor, and took the valedictory. Entered Yale in 1880; took a Latin prize in the Freshman Class and the mathematical prize in the Sophomore. lle was appointed to speak at the Commencement and took the Cobden ('Inb medal for excellence in political economy. He entered Columbia Law School in 1884, graduating in 1886 with the degree of L.L. B., and took the degree of M. A. from Columbia School of Political Science. He began practice in the office of Davies, Cole and Rapallo, New York, the same year. He spent one year with the Title Guarantee and Trust Company, and later opened an office on his own account at 32 Liberty Street. On Jannary 1, 1859, he formed the present co-partnership of Murphy, Lloyd & Boyd, and has already acquired a corporation litigative and real estate practice. He is an indefatigable worker, and his college athletic training enables him to attend to his increasing responsibilities. Courteous, and even generous to his opponents, yet he leaves no stone unturned to win his case by honorable means. During his college life he took an active part in athletic games, and in these he has been a leader in Montelair. Whether at play or work, he obeys the Scriptural injunction, " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do with thy might." He has been Secretary, Treasurer, and President of the Tennis ('Inb; Secretary, Vice-President, and President of the Dramatic ('lub, and Governor of the Athletic Club. He is equally earnest in religions affairs and is assistant deacon in the First Congregational Church.
HENRY NASON.
Mr. NAsox was among the first of the "new comers" to Montelair. He was a native of Angusta, Me., born June 11, 1818. He eame to New York City at an early age and began business as clerk with one of the largest firms in the city, without compensation. At the age of twenty-one he started in business for himself at Farmington, Me. He purchased grain from the farmers direct, shipped by teams to Hallowell, and thenee to New York by water. He was the first to engage in the grain business in that locality. Later he returned to New York City and engaged in the wholesale flour and grain business, on the corner of Water and Broad Streets, becoming, with his brother-in-law, Captain Collins, one of the leading firms in this line. He was for some time a resident of Brooklyn, and was one of the founders of Pilgrim Church (Dr. Storrs).
Ile resided for two years in New York City, and in 1859 removed to Montelair, where he purchased a large tract of land on the mountain slope. He built the large stone mansion which faces Hillside Avenue, using the trap rock from the cliff directly in the rear. He was the pioneer on the mountain slope, and creeted altogether fourteen houses. He opened at his expense Hillside Avenne and Mountain Avenne from the Turnpike to the Haskill property, afterward continued to Llewellyn Park. He also opened Gates Avenue, giving it his wife's maiden name. He was enthusiastic, public-spirited, a man of intense energy and an earnest worker in the cause of temperance. His personal influence brought to Montelair many of its best citizens. He was a trustee in the Presbyterian Church, and became one of the founders of the Congregational Church. He subsequently removed to Virginia and bought a plantation six miles from Orange Court House, which soon became a settlement, with a post office, and later, when a railroad was cut through, he encouraged the enterprise. and in recognition of his aid, the company. after his death, named the place Nason. He at once established a colored Sabbath School, which became very large, and in which every member of his family, old enough, was a teacher.
214
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
The children were taught to sing the Bradbury hymns, and as soon as they were able to read he pre- sented them with Bibles. Sixty Bibles were thus given away, and a flourishing church was finally established on the plantation.
On a business trip to Montelair, September 6, 1876, he died very suddenly immediately after his arrival. Ile was buried in Rosedale Cemetery, Orange.
Mr. Nason was twice married, first to Sarah Wingate, of Maine, by whom he had three children- two sons and a daughter. He married, secondly, Anna Gates, a native of Massachusetts, but educated and married in New York City, by whom he had eight children. Henry, the eldest, married Emelie Wood- ruff, and resided for many years in Montelair, now of Redlands, Cal. Joseph Wingate, the second son, died in service of the I'nion Army during the Civil War (for record see Montelair in the Rebellion). The third child, Sarah, married Geo. Innes, .Ir., who died suddenly in Virginia ; two, Theodore and Charles, died in infancy. The others were Iloratio, Arthur, Frederick, Isabel, Malcohn and Anna ; the latter married Hamilton Guthrie, and resides in Colorado ; Isabel resides with her mother at San Diego, Cal. ; the other sons referred to are engaged in business in California.
R. M. HENING.
ROBERT MECLAY HENING was one of the pioneers of the new settlement, and was present and took a prominent part in the discussion which gave the new township its present name. He was a born in 1812, his father, James Virginia, having removed present century. R. M. Hening in Virginia. He subsequently cantile business in Alexandria, some five or six years. About Mo., where he joined the ok !- Woodruff, the firm afterwards Woodruff, with branches at Ile was one of the most promi- and was for some time Presi- merce, and was held in high body. The death of his partner moval to New York the same Louis Chamber of Commerce expressive of their esteem of personal regard as a man ; and silver service, consisting of sal- was inscribed the following : late President of the Chamber and Marine of said city, as a esteem."
native of Steubenville, O., Gordon lening, a native of thenee, in the early part of the received a collegiate education established an extensive mer- Mo., which he carried on for 1845 he removed to St. Louis, established house of James E. being changed to Hening & New Orleans and New York. nent merchants in St. Louis dent of the Chamber of Com- esteem by the members of that in 1856 necessitated his re- year. The members of the St. adopted a series of resolutions him as a merchant, and of their presented him with an elegant ver, coffee urn, etc., on which " Presented to R. M. Lening, of Commerce by the Merchants testimonial of their regard and R. M. HENING. Mr. Hening carried on the business successfully under different firm names until after the close of the war, when he retired from the firm, and devoted himself to other financial enterprises, principally in New Jersey. In 1860 he purchased a large traet of land on Mountain Avenue, in Montelair, where he built a handsome residence. Ile was especially interested in public affairs : was a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the county ; was twice a candidate for the Legislature, and in both cases was honored by receiving votes from the opposite party. He was essentially a gentleman, kind. courteous and polite ; and a man of great liberality. Ile took a prominent part in the erection of the new township, and was very active in pushing forward the new railroad enterprise. Soon after coming to the town he united with the First Presbyterian Church, but subsequently withdrew and united with
215
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, which was then in rather a weak condition. He bought a fine piece of property which he presented to the Church, and also made a liberal donation for the erection of the church editice. He died in January, 1975.
Soon after the death of Mr. Hening a special meeting of the Vestry of St. Luke's Church was held and the following preamble and resolution was adopted :
WHEREAS, The Vestry of St. Luke's Church having heard of the death of our late esteemed associate, Mr. Robert M. Hening ; therefore, be it
Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Hening the Church and community have occasion to mourn the loss of one whose genial presence, uprightness and integrity of character, wise counsels, unaffected kindness of heart, and thoughtful and unselfish solicitude for the comfort and welfare of others endeared him to all who enjoyed the privilege of his acquaintance.
For several years a most earnest and efficient member of this Vestry, feeling a deep interest in the welfare and prosperity of the Church, not alone evidenced by words but by munificent liberality, freely giving of his means in the erection of our beautiful church buikhing, and in sustaining the ministrations of the Gospel, the Vestry cannot let this occasion pass without bearing record to their uninterrupted confidence and affectionate regard during the long and pleasant official and personal intercourse they have enjoyed with their departed and lamented friend. They will ever cherish his memory in affectionate remembrance, and as a testimony of respect will attend his funeral in a body.
Resolved, That these proceedings be placed upon the minutes of the Vestry and the Secretary be requested to forward a copy to the afflicted family, with the assurance of our sincere and earnest sympathy in the great bereavement they have sustained.
ALFRED TAYLOR, Secretary Vestry.
MONTCLAIR, January 20, 1875.
Mr. Hening was twice married; first to Elizabeth Plummer Hyde, second to Sarah Mills Carrington. He had issue by his first wife, Julia E., who married Albert Pearce. Elizabeth A. (who married Thomas B. Graham. Robert MeClay, and James Woodruff. He had three children by his second wife.
Robert MeClay Hening, third child of Robert MeClay and Eliz theth Plummer (Hyde) Hening, was born in St. Louis, Mo., June 7, IST. He came East with his parents in 1856, and was educated at the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. He was engaged for a time in his father's office, and subsequently represented the gold department of Edward Sweet & Co. in the Exchange, remaining mitil gold reached par. and was afterward in the office of that firm. Later he started in business for himself, dealing specially in government bonds and miscellaneous securities, and had charge of the department of goverment bonds for the house of Edward Sweet & Co. Subsequently he bought a seat in the Con- solidated Stock Exchange, dealing in stocks, petroleum, etc .. continuing until 1591. He has since been engaged in the real estate business in Montelair.
GEORGE GARDINER DRAPER.
MI :. DRAPER was born at Brookfield. N. H., October 7. IS1B. James, the American ancestor of the Drapers, was the son of Thomas Draper, of the Priory of Hepstonstall, Vicarage of Halifax, Yorkshire County, England, born at Hepstonstall 1618, died at Roxbury, Mass, July, 1694. Hle married Miriam, daughter of Gideon Stansfield and Grace Eastwood. of Wadsworth, Yorkshire. He emigrated to New England previous to 1676, being at Charlestown that year. He subsequently settled at Roxbury, Mass., where three of his children were born, and moved thence to Dedham, where he resided for some years, and finally returned to Roxbury.
The descent of George G. Draper from James, the ancestor, is through James (2), James (3), Joshua, and Also, who was his father. The latter married Ruth Whitemore, daughter of Thomas, and a direct descendant of Thomas Whitlemore, one of the earliest settlers of Charlestown, Mass .. about 1638-9. The farm of Thomas, the ancestor, was bounded cast by Chelsea and south by Mystic River. This remained in possession of the Whittemore family until 1845, and the homestead remained intact until 1866, when it was destroyed by fire. This family traces its origin from John, Lord of Whytemere. Earlier than the year 1300 is the first recorded name, that of John, Lord of Whytemere, having his domicile at Whytemere, on the north side of the parish of Bobbington, in the manor of Claverly, in Shropshire. At the present time the same locality bears the name of Whittemore. The Anglo-
216
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
etymology of the word Whytemere, is white meadow, or lake, and the first John, Lord of Whytemere, derived the name of the family from the place where they originally resided.
George G. Draper, son of Asa and Ruth (Whittemore) Draper, was educated in his native town, and removed to New York City about 1836, where he obtained a position as clerk in the once prominent firm of L. & V. Kirby. His large acquaintance with Vermont and New Hampshire business men,
WILLOW BROOK HOMESTEAD,
together with his peculiar abilities as a salesman, gained for him a recognized position in the trade, and soon enabled him to begin business on his own account. Abont the year 1840 he formed the house of Welling, Root & Draper, and subsequently was a member of the firms of Draper, Aldrich & Frink, Draper, Aldrich & Co., Draper, Knox & Ingersoll, and Draper. Knox & Co., importers and commission merchants. In these several connections he was uniformly successful until, in the financial cyclone of
Pamuk Hilde
217
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
1857, the last-named firm succumbed. During the remaining years of his life he was comparatively inactive in business, although busily and conscientiously occupied in an honorable closing up of his old affairs. He was one of the most popular and energetie of New York merchants, and in point of ability and reputation ranked with such men as Simeon B. Draper, his esteemed cousin, and other prominent men of that period. While taking no prominent part in polities, he was among the first to join the ranks of the republican party, and was loyal in his support of the government during the war. He encouraged enlistments of young men and in some cases even supported their families during their absence. He sent quantities of food, provisions, fruit, wine and clothing to army hospitals for the benefit of siek and disabled soldiers. Although his means were limited during the latter years of his life, he never failed to respond to the calls of charity and benevolence. Any case of suffering or want that appealed to him found a quick and ready response. Deserving young men found in him a faithful friend and wise counselor.
Mr. Draper spent many years in Brooklyn, where he was well known in social circles and highly esteemed. Hle was a regular attendant at Plymouth Church. After closing up his business affairs in New York, he sold his Brooklyn property and purchased what was known as the Willow Brook Farm in Montelair, consisting of about 66 acres situated on Washington Avenue, near the Orange Road, and running to the Bloomfield line. The property was formerly owned by Jason Crane ; the house, built in 1764. is still in an excellent state of preservation, and is one of the most picturesque of the old landmarks of Montelair. (See view.)
Mr. Draper was one of the parties who were instrumental in naming the present township. Being a native of Claremont. N. H., he suggested that name, but as it was found that there were several other places of this name, it was reversed and called Montelair.
Though not a member of any church, he exemplified in his daily walk the teaching of the Bible, and endeavored to live up to the " Golden Rule." He married. December 5. 1846, Miss Annie (. Ballard, of New York. Issue : Georgia Annie, Charles Ballard. Rebecca Ballard, Ruth Clara, and Frank Ballard.
SAMUEL WILDE.
SAMUEL WILDE was born in Dorchester. Mass .. October 3, 1831, and died in Montelair, N. J., March &, 1>90. He was a descendant of John Wilde, who came from England in 1688, and settled in South Braintree, Mass. John Wilde married in 1699, Sarah Hayden, granddaughter of Richard Thayer, who was made a freeman in 1640, and became a resident of Braintree, Mass., in 1641. She was a descendant of William Hayden, who came over in the " Mary and John," in 1630, and settled in Dorchester, Mass. The children of JJohn and Sarah Hayden Wilde, were John, Samuel, William and Sarah. The Samuel referred to had, among other children, a son Joseph (grandfather of Samuel Wilde, the subject of this sketch), who was a Lientenant in the Continental Army, in the War of the Revolution, his commission be- ing signed by John Hancock (see fac simile of commission on opposite page, together with the arms of the Wilde family and collateral branches) who was an officer in the War of the Revolution. His son Samuel (who was father of the subject of this sketch) was born in Dorchester. Mas .. in 1800, and removed to New York City in 1820, where he engaged for a time in the hardware and looking-glass trade. Later he engaged in the coffee and spice business, under the firm name of Withington & Wilde, his partner being the pioneer in this country of the process of roasting coffee by machinery for the grocers' trade. He resided for some years in New York, and subsequently removed to Williamsburgh, now Brooklyn, Eastern district. He became quite prominent in the abolition movement in the days when men were persecuted for daring to express their opinions or utter a word against the institution of slavery. He was a warm friend of the colored race, and often assisted in their escape from bondage, by the " underground railroad." and at one time harbored at his own store a fugitive slave. He built a church for the colored people on South Third Street, Williamsburg, which was attended by the white as well as the colored
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.