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 41
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Colonel Miller became a resident of Montelair in 1-73. and has been more or less identified with public matters. especially with politics, in which he has always been on the side of reform without regard to party affiliations. He was one of the founders of the Tariff Reform Club, and has been active in promoting its objects. He was also one of the founders of the Montelair ( lub.
Hle married, in October, 1578, Julia E. Wainwright. He has two children, viz. : George A., Ir., and Gertrude.
EDWARD GYRE BURGESS.
The name of Burges or Burge -- , as appear- from ancient documents, was formerly De Burges, afterward Burches, and subsequently Burgess. From the French derivation of the name it is probable that the English ancestor came from Normandy with the Conqueror, and was among those to whom lands were apportioned for military service rendered. Eleven persons of this name are mentioned by Burke as having received Coat-of-Arms in recognition of distinguished service. Those borne by Charles Montoliere Burges, of Beaufort County, Sussex, were : Arms-Per fesse argent and ermine a fesse azure fretty or. a bordure of the third bezantee, on a canton gules a bend of the first, charged with a baten of Knight Marshall ppr. Crest-A camel's head ppr. erased gules.
The American ancestor of the New York branch of this family was Edward E. Burgess, who came from England to this country about 1760, and settled in Watervliet, now Bethlehem, in Albany County.
Edward G., Sr., the father of Edward G .. was a sneees fol merchant in Albany for a number of years. He removed to Jersey City in is40, and was one of the originators of the system of floating grain elevators which has revolutionized the grain business in the country, and enabled those engaged in the grain trade to handle millions of bushels in the same time that thousands were handled under the old system. He with others owned the first grain floating elevator and established the new system as early as 1848, in face of great opposition. Ile is on the roll of honor of the Produce Exchange, having volunteered his services during the riot of 1863.
An unele of Mr. Burgess. Sr .. Leonard Burgess, was for many years a prominent manufacturing jeweler in Albany. Another mele, Daniel Hewson, a prominent resident of Auburn, was a warm friend and neighbor of William H. Seward.
The mother of E. G. Burgess was Mary Tanner Wands, daughter of James Wands, and grand- daughter of John Wands. of the township of New Scotland, formerly Bethlehem, Albany County, New York, who came from Glasgow. Scotland, about 1750. He and his brother " Ebenezer " are the only persons of that name who ever settled in this country. In the history of New Scotland, it is stated that " from 1750 to 1775 there was a large emigration of a sturdy, industrious class from Scotland, Ireland, England, ete .. possessing an intelligence which inspired them with courage to promote the well being of each other, and by their influence to give to the reformed religion an example worthy of Christianity."
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
Among the names prominently mentioned in this connection is that of John Wands. He was a thrifty Seotelnnan and an industrious farmer. At the outbreak of the French and Indian War, he shouldered his " flint lock " and fought the wily savages-the allies of the French-with that courage and determin- ation which distinguished the hardy Scotch pioneer. A powder horn artistically inscribed with designs of Fort Stanwix and other fortifieations-now in the possession of E. G. Burgess, his great-grandson-is evidently a record of his achievements. lle was stationed for a time in a stone church in the village of Schoharie which was then used as a fortification ; this old church is still standing. During the War of the Revolution he was known as " Ensign John Wands"; he was ensign of First Regiment Albany Militia, commanded by Colonel Henry Quackenbush. In the war of 1812, the family was represented by Peter, Joseph and James W. Wands, who volunteered their services.
John Wands was evidently a prominent member of the Masonie Fraternity, and one of the organizers of the lodge in his locality. The history of New Scotland states that as early as 1794 a Mason's lodge was in existence at New Scotland. Among the few names of the members given are John Wands, Glond Wands, James Wands and eight others. It is further stated that " James Wands 2nd, was a teacher previous to 1794." James B. Wands was Supervisor of the town in 1832, and again in 1837. Another account states that " Dr. Wands, from New Scotland, practiced in the township of Guelderland about eight years and then removed to Cohoes." Thomas D. Wands. the grandunele of Mr. Burgess, was Supervisor of his district in Albany for many years. He was a stove manufacturer and was a near neighbor and friend of Thurlow Weed. The families of Wands and Burgess were both prominent in Albany County, and held many offices of trust both before and after the Revolution. William E. Burgess, a cousin of Edward G., is specially mentioned in the annals of the town for the part he took in the Mexican War. Another cousin, Ebenezer E. Wands, now occupies the old homestead of the great- grandfather, and had six boys in the Civil War, James M., James E., Robert J .. Thomas, Alexander II. and Oliver.
EDWARD G. BURGESS, son of Edward G. and Mary T. ( Wands) Burgess, was born in Albany, N. Y., but removed with his parents in early childhood to JJersey City. fle was educated at the public schools of that city and subsequently entered the service of the Grain Elevating Company, of which his father was the leading spirit, being President of the Company at the time of his death in 1872. lle was made President of the Company in 1873, and conducted its affairs successfully until 1881. He then became associated with Annan & Co., and in 1891 the firm was changed to the International Grain Elevating Company, Mr. Burgess becoming its President.
Ile is one of the Board of Managers of the New York Produce Exchange, elected to serve from May, 1892, to May. 1894 ; he is also one of the Managers of the New York Produce Exchange Building and Loan Association.
Mr. Burgess' connection with the affairs of Montelair extends over a period of more than twenty years, during which time it has grown from a small suburban village to a township of nearly twelve thousand inhabitants. As a public spirited citizen he has done his share to promote publie improvements and physical and educational development. He first purchased a house on Chestnut Street, where he resided for about ten years. In 1883 he bought the property on the mountain slope fronting Mountain Avenue, near Gates AAvenue. On this he erected a large and substantial brick villa of the English Gothic style of architecture. Its broad verandas and spacious rooms give to it an oriental appearance and an air of comfort and restfulness, while its picturesque surroundings, with its beautiful shade trees, spacious lawn and magnificent view. all combine to make it a model home and delightful retreat. In improving and beautifying his own home, Mr. Burgess has not been unmindful of the interests of his neighbors and fellow citizens, and has done what he could to improve their condition and promote their happiness. He was one of the founders of the Me Viekar Military Institute, which has already attained high rank as a private educational institution for boys, fitting them for the practical duties of life : also preparing them for college. Mr. Burgess was also one of the founders of the Montelair Club and of the Montelair Athletic Club. Ile assisted in organizing the Montelair Bank, which has done so much for the business
G. A. Bradley
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
interests of the township and is still one of its Directors. He is also a Trustee of St. Luke's Church. He is a member of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution by virtue of his descent from John Wands. He married Elizabeth M. Atkins, daughter of Chas. H. Atkins, of Jersey City. Three children are the issue of hi- marriage, viz. : Charles E .. Edward G., Jr., and Herbert R.
The Atkin. family referred to is one of great antiquity and prominence in the history of England and Ireland. Burke, in his " Landed Gentry," says : " Sir Jonathan Atkins, Knight of Givendale, County York, Governor of Guernsey, born in 1603, died 1702, aged ninety-three years, leaving by his first wife, Mary 2nd, daughter of Sir William Howard, of Havorth Castle, Cumberland, and sister of Sir Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Carlisle, three sons. One of these settled in Ireland abont 1640, and founded that branch of the family. The other- remained in England."
EDWIN A. BRADLEY.
Mr. Bradley was born in Rinney, Grafton County, N. H., February 14. 140, son of Moses, who was born at Rummey, 1510, and grandson of Eben, who was born at Plaistow, N. IL .. 1772.
The American ancestor of the New Hampshire branch of the Bradley family was Daniel, of Haverhill, Mass., who came in the " Elizabeth" from London, Eng., in 1635. Ile was killed by the Indians Angu-t 13. 16-9.
Abraham, son of Joseph. a descendant of Daniel, was the immediate ancestor of the New Hampshire Bradleys. Several of the Bradley family were killed by the Indians March 15, 1697, when Mrs. Dustin was made prisoner.
Through his grandmother Mr. Bradley is descended from Richard Hall, who settled in Bradford. Mass .. about 1670. He had a son, Joseph, born in Bradford. 1650, who was the father of Joseph, born in Bradford, 1707. married Deborah AAbbott. daughter of Thomas Abbott, of Andover, Mass. The last Joseph probably removed to Chester, N. H .. and had among other children Jonathan, born in Chester, N. II .. December 19, 1745, who married. June 20, 1776. Desire Butterfield, born in Chester. N. H .. February 23, 1750. Their daughter, Sarah Hall, born in Concord. N. H., November 22. 1767. married Eben Bradley, grandfather of Edwin 1.
The mother of Edwin A. Bradley was Marenda Chapman, daughter of Mark H. Chapman, a descendant of the Sanbornton, N. H .. branch of the Chapmans. Mark H. was born in Boxford. Mass. Mark H. Chapman was the second husband of Sarah Greenongh. the mother of Marenda Chapman, a descendant of William Greenough, who emigrated from the West of England in 1650 and settled in Boston, Mass.
Edwin A. Bradley, the subject of this sketch, was educated at Newbury. Vt., and Northfield, N. II .. and afterward entered his father's employ, who at that time was engaged in mercantile business at Haverhill, Mas>. E. A. Bradley soon after he reached his majority bought out his father's business, and in 1867, in company with Mr. George C. Currier, removed to New York City, where they started in the manufacture of building materials under the firm name of Bradley & Currier. changing the firm in 1885 to The Bradley and Currier Company, Limited. Beginning with a small trade their shipments now extend to almost every part of the globe. Mr. Bradley has kept apace with the times and often anticipated the changes and improvements in this direction. His company employs upward of 600 men. His is probably the largest house in this line of business East of the Mississippi. He has managed the business successfully for over a quarter of a century.
Mr. Bradley was attracted by the beauties of Montelair as early as 1877, and soon after purchased a plot of ground on the corner of Mountain Avenue and Van Vleck Street, being a part of the original "Crane" property. Ile erected on this a large and commodious house, which he ocenpied for some years. After the death of Mr. Dike he bought the property owned by that gentleman, situated on Mountain Avenue on the slope of the mountain, embracing one of the finest and most extended views within fifty miles of the metropolis.
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
While taking no active part in politics, Mr. Bradley has shown himself to be one of the most publie-spirited citizens in the township, and has co-operated with his fellow citizens in the various public improvements that have been made. He has long been a vestryman of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
Mr. Bradley married into an old distinguished Huguenot family. His wife, Mariana, was the daughter of James C. Gulick, of New York City, whose ancestor came from Holland after the revocation of the edict of Nantes, and settled first on Long Island and afterward removed to Middlesex County, N. J. James, the grandfather of James C. Gulick, served with the New Jersey troops in the War of the Revolution. Other members of the family also served as officers and privates of the New Jersey troops. A brother of James Gulick was killed at the battle of Monmouth.
On the maternal side James C. Gulick is descended from Thomas Galbraith, who came fromn Scotland and settled in Somerstown, Westchester County, N. Y., and afterward changed his name to Calbraith. The family of Galbraith is one of the remotest antiquity. Its name is derived from the Celtie, being formerly called " Clann a Bhreatanuich," and originally belonged to the Lennox. It was in the Parish of Baldernoch, County Stirling, that the Galbraiths of Baldernoch (anciently Baldrunich, or Druidstown). Chiefs of the name, had their place of residence. There is a charter from Maldruin. Earl of Lennox, to Maurice Galbraith, in the reign of Alexander II., conveying to him the lands of Gartonbenach ; and in the year 1238 the same barony was granted to Arthur Galbraith. The family sprang from the Galbraiths of Gigha, who descended from the Galbraiths of Baldernoch, having fled with Lord James Stuart, youngest son of Murdach. Duke of Albany, from the Lennox, after burning Dumbarton in the reign of JJames I. The Galbraiths were called " Children of the Briton " and were once reckoned a great name in Scotland.
The children of Edwin A. Bradley and Mariana (Gulick) Bradley, are Edwin A., Jr. (deceased), George Guliek, Herbert Chapman, Ethel. Harold Hall and Mariana.
GEORGE PENRICE FARMER.
The name of Farmer is from the Saxon Fearme or Froome, which signifies food or provisions. The Farmers were of Saxon origin, and in the reign of Edward IV., of England, were seated in Northamp- tonshire. Only one family of that name is mentioned as having emigrated to this country during the colonial period.
George P. Farmer, one of the founders of the First Baptist Church of Montelair, and its Senior Deacon, is a native of England, where he was born May 8, 1836 ; he came with his parents to this country when but three years of age. More than thirty years of his life was spent in Philadelphia, where his parents settled. He received his education in the public schools of that city, after which he obtained a position in the commission house of E. C. Pratt, and in 1865 became a partner in the house under the firm name of E. C. Pratt, Bro. & Co., afterward Pratt & Farmer. The business was carried on success- fully for a number of years in Philadelphia, and in 1870 removed to New York City, where the firm had conducted a branch for a number of years, and which now became the headquarters for the firm. Mr. Farmer resided in Brooklyn for about six years. He visited Montelair during the Centennial year, and was so well pleased that he decided to make that his future home. Four years later, in 1880, he bought the Baldwin farm, fronting on the Orange Road, containing about fourteen aeres. This was one of the famous apple farms of West Bloomfield, and the remains of the oldl cider mill which for more than a linndred years had ground the products of the orchard into the choicest cider, and often distilled into "applejack," was a conspicuous feature of the place when it passed into the possession of Mr. Farmer. Not a trace of the "early industry " is now left. A beautiful lawn with handsome shade trees now covers the spot, and the transformation is so complete that those " who knew it in former days would know it no more." The only relic of the former industry left standing is a few choice Canfield and Harrison apple trees, which still bear their fruit in season, and add to the many attractive features of the place. Mr. Farmer utilized the old homestead foundation and some of the framework of the
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
homestead, but no part of it would now be recognized in the beautiful modern villa that attracts the passer-by, nestled behind the beautiful shade trees and weeping willows which were planted by him. The rushing brook, which in the spring time swept everything before it, destroying the roads and the neighbors' fences, now meander, along under the roadway and through the homestead lot, restricted in its course by the art of man, but ever flowing onward.
" Man may come and man may go, But I go on forever."
bordered with stones and broken-down tiful avenne, winding passing the beautiful either side, with their ing to the very edge. other objectionable the view. These im- a great extent to the aided by some of his bors. He has recently provements byentting his own place, one of son Avenne.
The old Orange Road, with its unsightly crooks and eurves, its rough and uneven road-bed, and half-decayed trees fences, is now a beau- its serpentine course, villas fronting it on spacious lawns reach- with no fences or features obstructing provements are due to efforts of Mr. Farmer, enterprising neigh- made still further in- wide avennes through which is named Madi-
taken a leading part in this community. a and decided views in but charitable to these While a resident of Deacon in the Broad of that city, and on lyn, N. Y., united Avenne Baptist came to Montelair in was no Baptist Church field. He attended Church in Montelair finally took his letter tist Church, where he several years, waiting time when a sufficient GEORGE P. FARMER. gathered together to organize a church nearer home. A movement was finally begun in the summer of 1885, and the first meeting of the present organization was held in his house. and afterward in Montelair Hall, where the Baptist Society in Montelair worshiped for several years. He was elected the first and the Senior Deacon, and on the expiration of his term of office was re-elected. He has been unceasing in his efforts to build up the Church and extend its influence, and when in the autumn of 1889 it was decided to ereet a house of worship, he was made a member of the building committee.
Mr. Farmer has in the Baptist Society man of pronounced matters of religion. who differ with him. Philadelphia he was a Street Baptist Church his removal to Brook- with the Washington Church. When he 1876 he found there nearer than Bloom- the Presbyterian for a short time, but to the Bloomfield Bap- labored earnestly for and watching for the number conld be
Mr. Farmer has been conspicuous in the affairs of the town and was one of the earnest advocates of a " higher education " against a strong and determined opposition of a class of taxpayers who were unwilling to meet the additional expenditure required. He has never advocated any measure that he has not been willing to share his pro rata of the expense even where he himself was the least benefited. Ile
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
served two years as a member of the Road Commissioners and two years on the Town Committee and in both positions he was an earnest advocate of progress. It was during his time of office, 1883-84, that some of the most radical changes were made. The streets had been laid with the common gravel which soon washed away and left the streets in a most deplorable condition. Mr. Farmer obtained permission to macademize a single block as an experiment. This met with strong opposition at first and Mr. Farmer was roundly abused, but several miles of streets have since been treated in the same manner, and the citizens of Montelair are under great obligations to Mr. Farmer for this, one of the greatest improvements ever made in the township. In laying sidewalks he practiced the greatest economy with the most satisfactory results, having used only about one-third of the amount appropriated during his term of office as Chairman of the Sidewalk Committee, and over 50,000 feet of sidewalk was laid in two years. The sub- jeet of lighting the streets also received his special attention. Several of the most thiekly populated streets were in total darkness, in many cases the lamps having been removed. He, as Chairman of this Committee, had new lamp posts erected and lamps better distributed and lighted. Mr. Farmer served as one of the Town Committeemen during the greatest crisis through which Montelair ever passed, viz. : that of funding the debt of Montelair Township amounting to $400,000, which by a decision of the United States Supreme Court became immediately payable, and for which all property, publie and private, was held liable. Mr. Farmer was one of the three-the others being Mr. Stephen W. Carey and Thomas Russell-to whom the entire matter of this judgment debt and its settlement was referred, resulting in its satisfactory liquidation within a period of eight months, greatly to the advantage of the town and placing its eredit upon a sound financial basis.
In his management of the affairs of the township Mr. Farmer's ideas have often been in advance of his associates and fellow citizens, and his aets have often caused bitter opposition to him personally, but subsequent events have demonstrated the wisdom of his conrse. Although decided in his convictions of right, he is a man of unswerving integrity, conseientions, upright, and no one can question the honesty or purity of his motives, however mueh they may criticise his aets. He is recognized by friends and foes alike as a man of progressive ideas, and one who has the welfare of the whole community at heart.
DANIEL OSCAR ESHBAUGH (OR ESCHBACHI).
The ancestor of Mr. Eshbangh was John Eschbach, who was born December 15, 1747, and emigrated from Germany in early life and settled in Northampton County -- now Lehigh County-Penn. His maternal ancestor was JJacob Follmer, who came from Germany and settled in Berks Co., Penn., in 1737. George Jacob, a son of the latter, was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary War, serving his country faithfully for nearly five years. He also served four terms as representative in the Legislature of Pennsylvania. In 1802 he was elected to the State Senate and died in 1804 before his term expired. His son, Colonel Daniel Folhner, who was the grandfather of D. O. Eshbangh, took part in the war of 1812, and was for many years Colonel and Brigade Inspector of Militia. The family of Mr. Eshbaugh on both the paternal and maternal sides, presents an unbroken record of honest industry and thrift. virtuous citizenship and pure Christian lives. Rev. E. R. Eschbach, D.D., of Frederick, Md., is a first cousin of the subject of this sketch.
Daniel C. Eshbaugh, third son of John A. and Mary (Follmer) Eshbaugh. was born in Northum- berland County, Penn., May 24, 1850. When he was six months of age his parents removed to Niagara County, N. Y., and nine years later to Tama County, Iowa. That part of the country was considered at the time the " Far West," and was very sparsely settled. The Eshbanghs in attempting to open up a farm on the mubroken prairie endured many of the hardships and trials that befell the early pioneers. The two eldest sons, imbned with the same spirit that distinguished their ancestors, left the farm at the breaking out of the Civil War, entered the Union army, and rendered faithful service to their country. The eldest, William, served four years in the Second lowa Cavalry, and the other, Frank, three years in the Sixth Iowa Cavalry. Daniel being then but eleven years of age remained at home to assist his father on the farm. For several years he was a great dependence to his parents. Though loyal and obedient,
Deshlaugh
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
and willing to serve them until he should have attained his majority, he was ambitions to obtain an edn- cation. This could only be done by partly purchasing his time of his father, and working his way through college. The outlook under such cireninstances would have discouraged most young men, but he deter- mined to make the attempt, and his proposition to his father was accepted. With only a small sum which he had earned by his own efforts. he, at the age of eighteen. entered the Academy connected with Iowa College at Grennill. In order to earn his way he did ahnost every kind of work. During vacations he helped run a threshing machine, and worked in the harvest field. During term time he dug cellars, made garden, husked corn, built fence, lathed houses, and for a time acted as janitor of one of the college buildings. Hle tanght several terms of country school, and after term was able to make up his work and catch his class again. In 1870 he entered college, and as he advanced in his studies was able to devote more of his time in teaching, and less to hard labor. By these means he worked his way through college, graduating in 1974, with health meh impaired, and an indebtedness of about three hundred dollars. He took high rank in his elas and graduated with honor. In 1875 he began the business of negotiating loans on Towa real estate. In 1876 he formed a copartnership with General L. A. Grant (who was Assistant Secretary of War under President Harrison, under the name of the New England Loan and Trust Company. Hle prospered in business, but after five years of severe labor and mental strain his health failed, and he was compelled for a time to retire. In 15-2. in connection with others, he purchased General Grant's interest in the business, and the Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Iowa, retaining the same name. He was elected it> Treasurer, and in 1890 was made President. The Eastern office of the Company since its organization in 1550 has been in New York City. A large and successful business has been done. The capital of the company has been increased at various times from $50,000 to $750.000. Connections of the highest character have been formed in the United States and abroad, the business annually increasing with the most gratifying results to the stockholders as well as to its numerous patrons.
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