History of Montclair township state of New Jersey; including the history of the families who have been identified with its growth and prosperity, Part 39

Author: Whittemore, Henry, 1833-
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: New York, The Suburban publishing company
Number of Pages: 484


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 39


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son of Lewis St. John Benediet, was born in ated at Williston Sem- Mass., in the class of lege in the class of years 1872 and 1873 manufacturing busi- Cal., and in the whole- Albany and Oswego, ciated himself with Agents for the State


He was active in organizing the Montelair Club, and, with one exception, raised a larger amount toward the building fund than any other individual. Liberal, free-hearted, generous to a fault, he has done much to promote other public enterprises, and advance the interests of the township.


Mahkum Sullivan.


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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.


NAHUM SULLIVAN.


As a resident of the Mountain Side, then sparsely settled, Mr. Sullivan was well known to the people of Montelair twenty years ago. He formed one of the little colony of New York merchants who began the settlement of the mountain region, and opened up that part of the township which has since become one of the most attractive portions of Essex County His father, Arthur Bull Sullivan, was born in Waterford, Ireland, in 1761. He was descended from one of the oldest families in Ireland, of whom Burke says :


" This family deduees its descent from Oliol ollum, King of Munster, in Ireland, who is said to have reigned in the second eentury of the Christian era. and whose lineage the Hibernian chronicles trace from Heber Fionn, one of the sons of Milesins."


This family bore .Iris. Per fesse, the base per pale, in chief or, a dexter hand couped at the wrist, grasping a sword erect gules the blade entwined with a serpent ppr. between two lions rampant respecting each other, of the second. the dexter base vert, charged with a buek trippant or; on the sinister base, per pale argent and sable a boar passant counterchanged. Crest. On a ducal coronet or, a robin, in the beak a sprig of laurel ppr. Motto. Lamb foisdin-cach an uachtar; that is, What we gain by conquest we seenre by clemency.


Arthur Bull Sullivan came to this country when he was nine years of age. He espoused the cause of the patriots at the breaking out of the War of the Revolution, and enlisted in Captain Gearhart's com- pany, Second Regiment. Hunterdon. N. J., also State troops.


He married Margaret Dunn, of New Brunswick, N. J., and had issue : Thomas. Nahum, Jere- miah, and Margaret.


Nahm Sullivan, second son of Arthur Bull and Margaret (Dann) Sullivan, was born in New Brunswick. N. J., September 11, 18H. He was educated in his native town, and came to New York when he was sixteen years of age, and entered the house of Thomas Hunt & Co., of which Wilson G. Hunt was a junior partner. Several changes took place in the firm from 1538 to 1543, and in the latter year it became Wilson G. Hunt & Co., Mr. Hunt having taken as partners Mr. Sullivan and two others. Other changes took place in the firm during the next few years, and in 1860 Mr. Hunt retired as a general partner, and became a special partner with his successors. Messrs. Sullivan, Randolph & Budd. In 1867 the name of the firm was changed to Sullivan, Budd & Co., two others being admitted as mem- bers-Arthur T. Sullivan and Theodore F. Vail. On the death of Mr. Budd the firm became N. Sullivan & Co., and in ISTS to Sullivan, Vail & Co., consisting of Arthur T. Sullivan, Theodore F. Vai! and Howard Randolph as general partners, and Wilson G. Hunt and Nahum Sullivan as special partners.


Mr. Sullivan's life was one of constant activity, and while he had accumulated a fortune he was never known to require others to do that which he could not do himself. He was a merchant of the old school ; honesty with him was a matter of principle, not of policy. The firm of which he was a member was one of the best known and most substantial of any in New York. Ilis partner, Wilson G. Hunt. was one of the founders of the Atlantic Telegraph Company. Mr. Sullivan continued in active business until January 1. 1578.


In 1870 Mr. Sullivan removed with his family to Montclair. purchasing the homestead of Mr. Nason, on Mountain Avenue, which he immediately improved and beautified, converting it into one of the first residences in the vicinity. He endeared himself to his neighbors, and was beloved and respected by the entire community, rich and poor alike, for his generons and manly qualities, which characterized all his transactions, either public or private. While he was ever foremost as one of the merchants of this country, he never sought politieal or public honors, having neither time nor inclination to fill the offices of public trust which he was often urged to accept. As a citizen he was a staunch republican, and an ardent supporter of the party and its principles. At the time of his death he was Vice-President of the Broadway Savings Bank, and at varions times he was director in the Lorillard Insurance Company, and in the Central National Bank.


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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.


Mr. Sullivan married, in 1844, Miss Sarah Martin Runyan, daughter of Mordecai Runyan, a descendant of Richard Runyon or Rognion, one of a colony of French Huguenots who settled in New Jersey during the latter part of the last century. Richard, the ancestor, was born in 1719; he married Jane Van Court (born Angust 13, 1727) and had issue seven children, the third of whom, Elias, born June 7, 1749, married, January 9, 1771, Deborah Clark. It is probably through Elias that Mordecai, the father of Mrs. Sullivan, is deseended.


The death of Mrs. Sullivan, which occurred November 30, 1881, was a shoek from which her husband never recovered. She was a sweet, loving, gentle woman, greatly beloved by her friends and neighbors, and sadly missed by the whole community. Her husband felt the loss deeply. His vigorous mind and body were unimpaired, but it is thought, to a greater or less extent, his prostration was due more to that blow than to any bodily illness with which he might have been afflicted.


HIe was a Christian gentleman, and a man of generous impulses. He died September 1, 1884, leaving but one child, Helen Runyan, the wife of W. D. Baldwin.


WILLIAM DELAVAN BALDWIN.


There were two distinct branches of the Baldwin family in this country, not immediately connected. The Baldwins who were among the early settlers of this locality were all descendants of the Connecticut branch, while W. D. Baldwin, who for so many years occupied the Sullivan homestead in Montclair, is a descendant, probably, of John Baldwin, one of the early settlers of Dedham, Mass.


Baldwin is one of the oldest names mentioned in English history. It is said there was in England a Baldwin as early as A. D. 672. The Baldwins. Earls of Flanders. were contemporary with Alfred the Great, whose son Baldwin (2d) married the daughter of Robert, of France, whose daughter, Matilda, married William the Conqueror. Baldwin, Archbishop of Canterbury, with a train of 200 horse and 300 foot, his banner inscribed with the name of Thomas O'Becket, went on a crusade with Richard Cœur de Lion in 1120. The name is said to be derived from the words Bald, quick or speedy, and win, an old word signifying vietor or conqueror-the true signification being " The speedy conqueror or victor." In 1198 Robert Fitz Baldwin is mentioned as holding lands in Bueks County. England. Sir John Baldwin, of Bucks, was Chief Justice in 1536. The English branch of the Baldwins bore Arms, argent, a saltire sable. Crest : On a mount vert a cockatrice argent wattled, combed and beaked or, ducally gorged and lined of the last.


The mother of W. D. Baldwin was Sarah Jane Munson, daughter of Oscar D. Munson, of Vermont, a descendant of Richard Munson, of New Hampshire, one of the petitioners, in the winter of 1689-90, for Massachusetts jurisdiction. The mother of Sarah Jane Munson was Sarah Latin Bennett, daughter of Aaron Bennett, of New Brunswick.


W. D. Baldwin, the subject of this sketeh, was born in Auburn, N. Y., Sept. 5, 1856. He was educated at the High School of his native city, and began his business career as a boy in the office of the Osborn Mowing Machine Co. Ile was a young man of quick perceptions, honest, industrious, obliging and courteous, and soon won the confidence of his employers. Soon after reaching his majority he was sent abroad as manager of the company's European business, which he managed successfully for five years, evineing great tact and business sagacity. It was during his residence abroad that he met Miss HIelen R. Sullivan, daughter of Nahum Sullivan, with whom he returned to this country and was married at the home of the bride in Montelair, Oct. 19, 18S1. After his marriage he spent another year in Europe, returning to Montelair in 1882; at the same time he resigned his connection with the Osborn Mowing Machine Company, and soon after became connected with the Otis Elevator Company as its treasurer. As a resident of Montelair he was one of the most prominent as well as one of the most popular of its citizens, readly at all times to promote its social as well as its religious affairs. He was active in politics, and during the Presidential campaign of 1884 was made President of the Blaine Republiean Club. He was one of the governors of the Essex County Club, and an active participant in


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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.


all its affairs. He was one of the founders of the Montclair Club, the first meeting of which was held at his house, and while he continued a resident of Montelair was one of its most active and earnest supporters. He was a vestryman in St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and used his best endeavors to advance the cause of religion and build up the church. During his seven years' residence in Montelair his influence was felt throughout the entire community, and when circumstances necessitated his removal to Yonkers, N. Y., in 1888, to assume the management of the Otis Elevator Works, his departure was greatly regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.


As a citizen Mr. Baldwin has always been active in promoting the interests of his fellow-citizens with reference to public enterprises and internal improvements, to all of which he contributed liberally.


In business dealings he is uniformly courteons, but quick to apprehend and prompt and efficient to act. In the midst of public duties and business cares he has never forgotten or neglected the arts which contribute to the amenities of life, and tend to elevate its dignity and enlarge its enjoyment.


Mr. Baldwin has already become prominent in the community where he now resides, and evinces the same readiness to serve his fellow-citizens in whatever way he can be most useful. Ile is a Director and Vice-President of the First National Bank of Yonkers, and is Junior Warden of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.


His domestic relations have always been of the happiest and his home life is a model of peace and comfort. " Given to hospitality," he delights to welcome his numerous friends, and leaves no stone unturned to contribute to their happiness and enjoyment-in all of which his loving and devoted wife, who inherited from her mother those noble qualities which characterize true womanhood-heartily unites with him in all his efforts. Six children have been born to them, five of whom are still living, viz. : Martin Sullivan. born July 18, 18 3; Delavan, born Aug. 9, 1886; Helen, born Dee. 25, 1887, all at Montelair ; Lonise, born July 14. 15 9. at East Hampton, L. I, during a temporary residence there ; Elsie, born at Yonkers March 28, 1591, deceased Feb. 14, 1592: Runyon, born at Yonkers Ang. 28, 1892.


STEPHEN W. CAREY.


Most men of the present day who seek, or evince a readiness to accept, public office, are influenced to a greater or less extent by selfish motives.


It is a rare and exceptional case to find a man whose time is wholly absorbed during business hours with matters requiring the closest concentration of thought and intense application to details, to dismiss from his mind at the close of the day everything connected with his business affairs, and on returning home to seek the needed rest and recreation, to enter a new field of operations requiring the same attention, careful consideration and sound judgment-rendering such service to his fellow citizens withont compen- sation or hope of reward. Such is the public record of Stephen W. Carey in Montelair. Some of the most important changes and public improvements in the township have taken place since he became a resident. To what extent he is entitled to credit for these is shown in the following sketch, which, with the exception of the mere outline, is gleaned from records and other sources outside of his own immediate circle.


The family of Carey is one of the most ancient and honorable mentioned in English history. According to Burke the family of Cary or Carey derives its surname from the manor of Carey or Kari, as it is called in the Doomsday Book, lying in the parish of St. Giles in the Heath. near Lanneester. In the year 1195, Adam de Karry was Lord of Castle Karry in the County of Somerset. Sir Robert Cary, a descendant in the sixth generation of Adam de Karry, vanquished the presumptuous Arragonois, for which King Henry V. restored unto him a good part of his father's lands, which for his loyalty to King Richard II. he had been deprived of by King Henry IV., and authorized him to bear the arms of the Knight of Arragon. for, according to the laws of heraldry, whosoever fairly in the field conquers his adversary, may justify the bearing of his arms. Various descendants in this line were raised to the peerage. George Cary, Esq., was Recorder of Londonderry and M.P., in 1613. He had a grant of Red


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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.


Castle (an Irish estate in the barony of Innishowen, County Donegal) from Sir Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast, who was Lord High Treasurer of Ireland in 1618.


It is from the Irish branch of the Carey family that the subject of this sketch descends. His father, David Thomas Carey, was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and at the age of fourteen years was sent by his parents to this country to attend school, but chiefly to escape the eouseription laws in force during the wars of 1812 and 1814.


Through the duplicity of the Captain of the ship in whose eare he was placed (with several hundred pounds sterling to defray the necessary expenses for a time) the money was misappropriated and the youth left a stranger in a strange land, communication with his home being very meagre during those years. Ile was thus forced to make his own way from an early age.


Shortly after reaching this country he enlisted on the American privateer " Yankee," and was wounded while in her service as a powder boy.


Landing in a New England seaport village, where he received kind and friendly treatment, he naturally made that his home to which he returned from time to time, in the intervals of the voyages in


" A GLIMPSE OF BROOKLAWN."


which he was engaged. At the age of twenty-four he became the Captain of a merchant ship and so continued until his death at the age of forty years.


It was at a little seaport town on the Island of Martha's Vineyard that he met and married his wife. Mary Chase West, daughter of Peter West, a direct descendant of Sir Francis West (second son of Lord Delaware). Several branches of the West family did active service both under the King's com- mand in the French and Indian War, and at the storming of Quebec, and on the plains of Abraham, and later in the Revolutionary War, aiding the colonies to gain their independence, and again in serving the United States in the war with Great Britain.


Captain Carey died at Alexandria, Va., in 1838. His devoted wife did not long survive him. Their death left three orphan children under fourteen years of age.


Stephen W. Carey, the only son, was thus left (not unlike his father) at the age of twelve to make his own way in the world. Ilis guardian was the senior member of a shipping firm in South Street, New York. Into this house he entered at the age of thirteen years and, with but a rudimentary edu- cation obtained in the New England schools, commeneed his business career.


With this house he has been uninterruptedly connected for a period of more than forty-nine


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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.


years. In March, 1554, at the age of twenty two, he founded the present freight brokerage firm of Carey. Yale & Lambert. For several years he has been one of the members of the Committee of Five on Foreign Commerce and Revenne Laws of the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York. For upward of thirty-nine years he has been a member of the New York Produce Exchange, and for nine years of which was one of its Board of Trustees. He has also been a Director in many of the Marine Insurance Companies of the port of New York.


In the spring of 1-71 he became a resident of Montelair, from which time to the present he has been closely identitied with its growth and progress. He purchased the property known as Brooklawn, lying along the Orange Road, in IS71, on which he spent several thousand dollars in improvements. Every natural feature of the okl place was ntilized to enhance its beauty. The little brook that rau along the front of it was enclosed with a rustic fence, and rustic arches and bridges span it at intervals, while near the main entrance the brook forms a beautiful waterfall, and the view from this point, looking up through the arches and overhanging boughs of the trees, is one of the most pleasing and picturesque of the many that are to be found in this delighful suburban township.


The house, which is of brown stone, Gothic style of architecture, is partially hidden by the trees. There is no attempt at di-play either in the house or the surroundings; art has been employed only to further enhance the beaaties of nature.


The extensive improvements made by Mr. Carey on his own place attracted the attention of his fellow citizens, and his aid and co-operation was sought in the furtherance of public improvements. At their earnest solicitation he became a member of the Township Committee, continuing in office for six consecutive years; was Chairman of its Finance Committee, serving as Treasurer for the township at the time of its funding the bonded indebtedness incurred by the obligation to the New York, Oswego and Midland Railway Company. By pledging their individual credit, he, together with other members of the Committee, saved to the township many thousands of dollars, and placed the indebted- ness on a sound financial basis. Snch unselfish devotion to the public interest, at great personal risk and sacrifice, merits the lasting gratitude of his fellow citizens. Mr. Carey is foremost in every enterprise tending to the further advancement of the township interests. Hle is at present a member of the Com- mittee of Seven appointed for the purpose of considering the matter of a more extended form of govern- ment for the township. He was one of the founders of the Bank of Montelair, was Chairman of the Subscription Committee, and is still a director. He is also a director of the Montelair Savings Bank and of the Montclair Gas and Water Company.


While not an active participant in the varions religions and benevolent enterprises of Montelair, he has been a liberal contributor, and no one ever appealed to him in vain for assistance. He was a large contributor to the Washington-now known as the Pilgrim-Mission, and has rendered financial aid to several of the churches from time to time, regardless of sect or denomination. No man in the whole community is more respected or holds a warmer place in the hearts of the people.


Mr. Carey married, in 1>63, Miss Sarah S. B. Yale, daughter of Dr. Leroy M. Yale, and the issue of this marriage is Stephen W. Carey, Ir.


Mrs. Carey has been no less active than her husband in the benevolent organizations that have engrossed the attention of her sex, and has done much to promote the work of the Children's Home Association, of which she is now the honored President.


THOMAS RUSSELL.


The people of Montelair who have witnessed its rapid growth during the past twenty years, and the remarkable changes and improvements that have taken place, are perhaps not aware that, with the exception of the actual cost of time and labor expended, this has been accomplished withont cost to the taxpayers. The men who have directed its affairs have given their time, labor and business experience without any compensation whatever. Among those who are especially deserving of mention for their


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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.


unselfish devotion to the public interests is Thomas Russell, an old and leading merchant of New York City, but for the past twenty years a resident of this township.


With the exception of the mere outline, the facts contained in the following sketch were compiled from the public records and from published statements without the knowledge or assistance of Mr. Russell, who, it is well known, is averse to having any mention made of either his public or private acts, but it is due to the publie and to the friends of Mr. Russell that " honor to whom honor is due " should be given.


then sixteen years business eareer, it was faithful, indus- eapable. He mas- the business and in moted to a leading office, which he of his departure for 1856 he was sent by York City to as- charge of this iness. He has had their affairs for during which time steadily increased, firm have attained a


Thomas Russell was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1829. After receiving a liberal edneation, he entered the house of John Clark. Jr., & Co., proprietors of " Mile-End Spool Cotton," in 1845, being of age. Of his early may be said that he trious, honest and tered the details of due time was pro- position in the held up to the time this country. In his firm to New sume the entire branch of their bus- the management of nearly forty years, the business has and the goods of the wide reputation. of the oldest mer- City. Most of the business when he long sinee passed IIe is one of the few the several financial tained his credit


Mr. Russell is one elants in New York firms who were in commeneed have out of existence. who passed through erises and main- unimpaired.


Mr. Russell was resident of New was induced in elair, and soon after that his permanent chased the Samuel


for many years a York City, but he 1874 to visit Mont- decided to make residence. He pur- THOMAS RUSSELL. Wilde homestead, a quiet, picturesque spot hidden among the trees, located on Union Street and Orange Road. He made many alterations and changes in the general appearance, greatly improving the entire surroundings. He soon became interested in the various publie improvements which were being made, and was finally indneed to accept an appointment on the Township Committee. In this position he earned the lasting gratitude of his fellow citizens by the efforts of himself and his associates to reduce the bonded indebtedness of the township, and during a most critical period pledging his own private credit to meet the defaulted bonds until permanent arrangements could be effected.


It was during his term of office that some of the greatest changes were wrought in the affairs of the township, and which laid the foundation of its subsequent growth. At the beginning of his administration the streets were poorly lighted, there being only sixty-five lamps in the whole township. Before the close of his term there were over two hundred lamps and provision made for their proper


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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.


care. The contract for the introduction of water was made by Mr. Russell and his associates, and an impetus was given to publie improvements during this period, the results of which were far reaching. Property owners cheerfully submitted to the increased taxation, knowing that the appropriations for the various objects were wisely and judiciously expended.


From his early childhood Mr. Russell has been an earnest worker in the cause of religion. During his residence in New York City he was an eller in the Associate Reforme I Church, and was also Super- intendent of the Sabbath school. Soon after his removal to Montelair in 1874 he united with the First Presbyterian Church, and has since labored earnestly not only to advance the cause of religion in his own church, but in the whole community. He was elected Superintendent of the Sunday school in 1876 and continued to hold the position for sixteen years, being heartily supported in all his efforts by the officers and teachers of the school. The little children who first greeted him as their superintendent grew up under his fostering care, many of whom united with the church and finally became teachers in the school. Others have joined the happy throng of the church triumphant to greet him with songs of praise when he shall be called to his reward above.


THE RAND AND WIHPPLE FAMILIES.


JASPER RAYMOND RAND .- The earliest record of the Rand family is that of the Viear of Norton, 1578, Prebendary of Durham (England), 1606, of Gateshead, County Durham, and of London, having Arms, Or, a lion rampant, charged with three chevrons. Crest : Out of a coronet a boar's head in pale. ROBERT RAND, the American ancestor, born in England 1599, married Alice, daughter of Nicholas Sharpe, born 1604. He came with his wife to New England, and settled in Charlestown, Mass., in 1624. Ile had a son, Robert, who lived in Lynn, who had a son, Zachariah. Daniel, the son of Zachariah, was born in 1700; married Mary, daughter of Major John Keyes, in Marlboro, Jan. 8, 1720. They settled in Shrewsbury, Mass., and he was one of the founders of that town and of the church. Their second chikl was Solomon, born March 13. 1723, who married Deborah, daughter of Jabez Dodge, Sept. 15, 1741. Jasper, eighth chill of Solomon and Deborah (Dodge) Rand, born March 10, 1760, married Rachel, daughter of Joseph Knowlton, April 30, 17-3. Jasper Raymond, son of Solomon, when but eighteen years old, was a private in the War of the Revolution, a member of " Capt. Ebenezer Ingall's Company, Col. dob Cushing's Regt. of Militia belonging to the State of the Massichusetts Bay in the Continental Sarvis." His brother Daniel became a colonel. His brother Ezekiel was a sergeant in the battle of Bunker Hill, and his younger brother Artemus afterward died in the service of his country. Jasper Raymond (father of the subject of this sketch), eighth child of Jasper and Rachel ( Knowlton) Rand, was born in Shrewsbury, Mass., Anne 6, 1501, and settled in Westfield, Mass. He was one of the founders of the Westfield Bank, and twice represented his town in the State Legislature, and was a man of weight and influence in town affairs. He married Lucy, daughter of Joshua Whipple, who was the son of Joshua, a descendant-probably-of " Elder" John Whipple, born about 1605, who received a grant of land in Ipswich Hamlet (now Hamilton) in 1638. The latter was a man of great prominence, and held the chief offices in the town, and served on some of its most important committees. He had a son, John, who was also a prominent " Captain of a troop to march for Marlboro against the enemy." Matthew, his son. known as " Major Matthew." was the father of William, who was the father of William, signer of the Declaration of Independence and Brigadier General at the capture of Burgoyne. The Boston Transcript of 1851 refers to the death of Capt. John Whipple, aged 81, as "the son of Capt. Job Whipple, of the American army, who was wounded in the battle of Bennington, fighting in the regiment of his uncle, Col. William Whipple, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence."




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