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 47
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
Mr. Wallis's maternal grandmother was Mary Cary Dunham : his mother's father was Nicholas John Meating. of the British Navy. The Careys and Dunhams, from whom she descended, were prominent Royalists in New York at the beginning of the War of the Revolution, and were obliged to thee to New Brunswick. On account of their loyalty to the British Government they were awarded a large grant of land in what is now St. George, N. B .. and which still remains in the hands of their descendants.
Frank E. Wallis was born in Eastport. Me., June 14. 1-61. Heremoved with his parents to Boston at the age of ten years, and was there eineated at the public schools. As a boy he was excessively fond of drawing, and spent most of his time at this, to the negleet of his other studies. Both his father and grandfather were amateurs in water and oil colors, although neither followed it as a profession. It remained for the younger Wallis to develop the gifts which became his under the natural law of heredity. He completed the routine of the elementary branches of education at the age of fifteen, and entered the office of Edward C. Cabot, at that time the oldest as well as the leading architect in Boston. Under this distinguished tutor he spent nine years of faithful study, and, while in his daily task he followed the style of his preceptor, he was continually working out new and original ideas of his own, which in later years he put into practice. He subsequently spent two years in the office of Peabody & Stearns, after which he went abroad, traveling through France, Italy and Spain, closely observing the various styles of mediaval architecture, of which he made numerous sketches. His pursuit of knowledge was attended with many of the difficulties which beset Americans traveling in foreign countries, and he was once arrested as a German spy, but succeeded in establishing his innocence.
After his return home he traveled south for a time in the interest of an architectural paper, visit- ing Virginia and South Carolina. where he made a study of the old colonial houses, of which he gave a minute account in the paper he represented, and his literary contributions were illustrated with mnnerous sketches. It was through this means principally that the public was educated up to the present prevailing style of colonial architecture, which has to a large extent superseded the French villas and English gothic. Mr. Wallis subsequently extended his trip further south and added a number of interesting sketches to his collection. As the final result of his experience he published a work entitled, " Old Colonial Architecture and Furniture," which has been generally adopted by the profession. The entire edition of three hundred copies, at $20 per copy, met with a ready sale. Mr. Wallis presented the Massachusetts Historical Society with twenty elaborate drawings of houses and churches in New England. Ile is a frequent contributor to architectural and other journals on subjects of interest to the profession.
In the autumn of Iss> he entered the office of the famous architect. Richard M. Hunt, and has been associated with him in the construction of some of the finest buildings in the country. Mr. Wallis made all the working drawings for the Administration Building at the World's Fair in Chicago, and had entire charge of the work. He received a diploma from World's Fair Commissioners for drawings.
Mr. Wallis removed to Montelair in October, 15As, and soon after built himself a home. Hle married, Oct. 15. 1sss. Miss Grace L. Parker, daughter of Charles F. Parker, of Boston, a descendant of the famous Capt. John Parker, who led the minute men at the battle of Lexington.
29S
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAM FELLOWES.
THE design shown in the accompanying engraving of Mr. Fellowes' house, on the corner of Fuller- ton Avenue and Union Street, is by far the most imposing and attractive residence in Montelair. The style of architecture is known as the French chateau. It is of red sand stone ashler, brown-stone trim. ming and tile roof. It covers a space of 60 by 60 feet, three stories high, and commands a fine view of the surrounding country. Houses similar in style are found in the suburbs of large cities, but this is the only one of the kind in Montelair.
Mr. Fellowes was attracted by the beautiful surroundings of Montelair, and decided on making this his future home.
William Fellowes, although a native of Louisville, Ky., born June 8, 1836, is a descendant of William Fellows, of Ipswich. Mass .. 1643, born in England 1609. The original spelling of the name is Fellowes : the family is a seated at Ramsey Abbey County Suffolk, England. of William, the ancestor. was a voter in the town of of rights of commonage, · Corporal,' had a seat ap- ing-house." lle married with other issue : Jona- Jonathan (2d), his son, was had a son, Cornelius, born born 1770; the latter had the father of the subject ried Caroline Davis, of Roxbury, Mass., born descent from William, an bury, Mass., 1635, through and Captain Aaron, born 11 tioned Charles. Colonel of Roxbury Militia, 1775; setts Militia ; member of Congress, 1774-7; mem- eral Court, 1775-6. Cap- with the Minute Men at
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM FELLOWES.
very ancient one. now and llaverland Hall, Isaac, the youngest son born in England 1635, Ipswich, and " possessed and, with the title of pointed him in the meet- Joanna Bonrne, and had, than, born Sept. 28, 1689 : born at Ipswich 1707; he 1738, father of Jonathan, a son, William, who was of this sketeh. He mar- daughter of Charles Davis, 1772, who was fifth in original settler of Rox- Ebenezer, Colonel Aaron, 1735. father of above-men- Aaron Davis was captain later. colonel of Massachu- Massachusetts Provincial ber of Massachusetts Gen- tain Aaron Davis served the battle of Bunker Hill. William and Caroline
William, eldest son of (Davis) Fellowes, removed with his parents to New York City in 1847. He was prepared for college at private school-at Churchill's Military Academy, Sing Sing, and at Swinburne's Academy, White Plains, N. Y. He entered Columbia College, but left at the end of his sophomore year, and in 1858 went to New Orleans and worked as a elerk for his unele's firm-Fellowes & Co., cotton factors. At the breaking out of the war, in 1861, he joined the Confederate army as a member of the Louisiana Washington Artillery. He took part in the first battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861 : second Bull Run, August 27, 1862; Antietam, or Sharpsburg. Sept. 16 and 17, 1862: first and second battles of Fredericksburgh; he was captured at the latter engagement, sent to Washington, subsequently paroled, and went to his father's home in New York sick with pneumonia. As soon as he was sufficiently recovered he went abroad. and while in Paris obtained, through Mr. Mason, a special exchange, with permission from the Confederate Government to enter the Confederate Navy. Ile remained in Liverpool until the spring of 1864, hoping to be assigned to one of the rams then in course of construction. Failing in this, he ran the blockade in
299
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
the steamer . Old Dominion," and entered Wilmington, N. C., July 3. Ile rejoined his old command and was present at the surrender at Appomattox. April 9, 1865. Hle returned to his father's home in New York, and from there went to Texas, and on his return to New Orleans, in 1568, entered the employ of Bradish JJohnson, where he remained for two years. In 1874 he married Miss Ann Carter Eustace, of Shrevesport. La., a descendant of an old and well-known Virginia family. Her grandmother was Ann Carter, daughter of Catharine Tayloe and Landen, of Sabin Hall, a direct descendant of John Carter, known as " King Carter," who was a member of the House of Burgesses, England, in 1649, and in 1654 was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses from Lancaster County, and commander-in-chief of the forces sent against the Rappahannock Indians. The father of General Carter built Christ Church, the first church erected in Lancaster County. Va.
Mr. Fellowes went with his wife to England in 1977, and soon after his return, in 1879, visited Montelair, where, after a residence of four years, he made another trip abroad in 18$4, with his wife and daughter, Ilarriet Davis : leaving them at Stuttgart, Germany. he returned to Montelair in October, ISS5, and soon after purchased two lots on the corner of Fullerton Avenne and I'nion Street. One of these he reserved for himself. and the other he presented to St. Luke's Episcopal Church. The plans for his home were drawn by F. B. Kimball. the well-known architect of New York, and the work was begun in April. 1sss. and the exterior completed one year later.
RESIDENCE OF FREDERICK J. DRESCHER.
I'r would be difficult to find a more beautiful location near the centre of Montelair for a suburban residence than that of Mr. Drescher's home on the corner of Park Street and Claremont Avenue. The view selected as shown in the accompanying illustration is from the southeast looking up Claremont Avenne, with the mountains in the distance as a body guard. The style of architecture is a combination of the Queen Anne and French chateau. The underpinning and first story is of rongh faced brown stone. The framework above is sheathed and painted light cream or ivory color, giving a strong contrast to the stone work. The interior arrangements are complete and all the space utilized to the best advan- tage for convenience and comfort. Hardwood trimmings are nsed in all the rooms on the first floor. On the south side is the library and dining room, communicating by sliding doors. The library has a paneled wainscot of walnut, and the doors and window trimmings are of the same material. The fire-places in both rooms are of glazed tiling. with elegant hardwood mantels, mirrors, etc. The dining room is finished in antigne oak, with furniture to correspond. There is a centre window of stained glass, which sheds a soft light over the whole, giving a pleasing effect. The hall is trimmed in oak, including the staircase, which is lighted at the landing by a large stained glass window of elegant design, representing a pastoral scene. A large antique clock of elaborate design stands in the rear of the hall, near a large open tire-place. (A smoking room and toilet room opening ont of the hall complete the arrangements on this floor.) The parlor, on the north side, shows a beautiful blending of colors, the walls and ceilings being in ivory and gold, and the trimmings and furniture all harmonize both in color and finish. The whole interior arrangment evinces excellent taste and good judgment.
Mr. Drescher, to whom Montelair is indebted for some of its finest dwellings and other improve- ments, was born in Philadelphia, near the Schuylkill River. October 12, 1839. His parents were Germans. Ile removed with them when quite young to New York City, where he attended the public school and afterward took a commercial eonrse in Goldsmith and Renwick's Business College. Like most boys le tried first one place and then another. and finally, having arrived at a suitable age, leased a stand in Washington Market and started in the provision business. He was successful in this and subsequently ran two stores on Eighth Avenue, both of which yielded a fair income. Ile sold these to good advantage and formed a partnership with John K. Lasher, wholesale produce merchant in the same business. This he afterward sold out, and for some time carried on an extensive business on Washington Street. Abont 1872 he disposed of his New York business and in the meantime his father having erected a
300
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
large building in Hoboken, he decided to go into the business of faney groceries, both wholesale and retail. From the beginning of his business career he made it a point to buy and sell strictly for eash. Ife watched the market closely and bought only the finest grade of goods in large quantities, all of which underwent his personal inspection. His methods of doing business prevented the possibility of failure, and sueeess has attended all his efforts.
Desiring to enjoy the fruits of his labors he sought a country home. He was favorably impressed with Montclair, and in 1885 he bought a place on Claremont Avenue, near Valley Road, where he resided for six years, and in the meantime bought other property, built and sold, realizing a fair profit on his investments. He began the erection of his present home in 1889, which is acknowledged to be one of the finest residences in Montclair. Through his investments and improvements he has added over
RESIDENCE OF FREDERICK J. DRESCHER.
$150,000 to the taxable property of the township. While taking no part in the public affairs of the township, he has been in hearty aceord with everything tending to its social advancement. He was one of the early members of the Montclair Club, and when it was determined to enlarge its field of usefulness, and erect a building suitable for the purpose, he zealously supported the movement, and subscribed liber- ally to the stock. He is a stockholder and director in the Montelair Bank, a member of Montelair Lodge, F. & A. M., of Pentalpha Chapter, No. 11. R. A. M., of Hoboken, to all of which he has given his generous aid as eireumstances required. Hle was an officer of the Ninth Regiment National Guard, State of New Jersey, and also formed Company F of the same regiment. Honest and upright in all his dealings, a man of unimpeachable integrity, honored and respected in business and social eireles, he well deserves the success he has achieved.
(
Drescher
301
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
He was married in 1865 to Miss Eleanor Eliza Compton, daughter of William II. Compton, a descendant of an old Jersey family. Her great-grandfather, Job Compton, was Lieutenant in a Monmonth County, N. I., Regiment, which rendered important service in the War of the Revolution.
THE . FARLEY HOUSES" ON THE MOUNTAIN SLOPE.
THE " Farley Houses," as they are now designated, have become a prominent feature of the south- western slope of the mountain-a region of country recently developed by Mr. JJames J. Farley, who, thongh but a few years a resident of Montelair, has, with commendable zeal, energy and enterprise, added to the natural beauty of this locality by the erection of a class of houses, unique in style, tasteful in design and elaborate in finish both exterior and interior. The six houses already completed by Mr. Farely have drawn to this neighborhood a class of residents who will doubtless prove of great benefit to
-
RESIDENCE OF JAMES J. FARLEY.
the community. The architectural design of these villas may be classed under the general head of " American Domestic," although in many respects they have a striking resemblance to the French château. The plans are by Montrose W. Morris, a prominent architect of Brooklyn. While the exterior is both pleasing and attractive, these houses are designed with especial reference to the carrying out of the ideas of Mr. Farley as to interior arrangements. On this he has bestowed much time and thought. his object being to combine convenience and utility, with all that artistie skill can suggest. These interiors are fitted up in hardwood, mostly oak. of the best workmanship, and the decorations and coloring are made to harmonize with the general appearance.
The one at present occupied by Mr. Farley is similar in its exterior appearance to the others. The house is 45 feet front with a round tower breaking through the roof : the whole of the exterior is shingled. The house contains three rooms front, the dining room being octagonal in form and finished in antique oak. It has a foyer hall with brick colonial mantel. A peculiar feature of the parlor in this house is that of a window built in the chimney outside, opening over and forming part of a mantel
302
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
of antique oak. The window lights are of cathedral glass, arranged in a variety of colors, and when the rays of the setting sun shine through these a most beautiful effect is produced in the parlor and foyer.
These villas overlook a wide and extended range of country, and, on a elear day, Brooklyn Heights, the Bridge and New York Bay can be elearly discerned.
Mr. Farley, to whom the people of Montelair are indebted for these and other substantial improve- ments, is a native of New York City, born May 11, 1859. He is but two or three generations removed from his English ancestors who spelled the name Farleigh. Ile is a unique character and has a fondness for the unique, a giant in stature, six feet four in height and well proportioned. Conseious of his individual greatness he resolved with Ingersoll Loekwood, General Woodward, and others, to bring together in one harmonious whole the greatest men of the present age, and so, in 1880, they founded the famous Order of Titans. Beginning with half-a-dozen members in New York City it now extends from Maine to California, with a membership over two hundred, not one of whom is less than six feet two in height. On the list of members are found the names of Hon. Chester A. Arthur, General Winfield Scott Hancock, " Long John Wentworth," Lient .- Governor William Dorsheimer, Dr. Chas. A. Doremns, Colonel Alfred Wagstaff, the author, Frank Vineent, Jr., Hon. Chas. W. Fuller, and others. W. J. Pierce is one of the highest members with six feet five and a half inches, R. W. Dayton, C. G. Dinsmore and Howard Mitehell are six feet fonr. Colonel Wagstaff, James A. Farley, W. L. Iam- mersley, R. A. C. Smith and Ingersoll Lockwood are over six feet four. Every man is able to touch a banner eight feet above the ground without rising on his tiptoes.
The Titans, according to the theory of their organization, are the descendants of the old demi- gods who were employed by Jupiter to hold up the heavens so that the skies might not fall on Mount Olympus. These modern Titans have three meetings a year. On the 1st of March the members are reminded that " We are nearing the day on which it is our enstom to celebrate with becoming solemnity, nnited with dignified mirth, the awakening of Mother Earth." On this occasion an invocation is delivered by the High Priest in Latin, calling on Mother Earth to hear her sons as they lift up their voices to her, and to wake up from her sleep and bring the happiness of flowers and fruit and good health to all the earth.
In June the Titans make a visit to the ocean to salute Father Neptune. In the autumn, about Thanksgiving time, they are again called together to put Mother Earth to sleep. This is the last of the Olympian banynets of the year, and the members are notified that the event is to be celebrated with " collation, potation, fumation, cantation, conversation, oration, narration, cachinnation, and jollification." The rest of the Order is Titan supporting the heavens ; their motto: Usque Ad Superos, and their Hower the violet.
In selecting a residence on the mountain slope in Montelair, Mr. Farley made a wise choice, and in perfect harmony with the rules governing the Order of Titans.
Mr. Farley is not limited in his knowledge to Grecian mythology, but passed through the usual course of public instruction in the schools of New York, completing his business course at the Packard Institute, and after many years spent in the employ of the D., L. & W. R.R. Co., rose to a high position of trust.
He married, in 1887, (?) Jennie Morgan Osborne, daughter of Alexander Osborn, who came from the vicinity of Osborne Castle, England.
CHRISTOPHER ANDREW IHINCK.
ALTnoran Mr. Hinek is among the more recent settlers of Montelair, the extensive improvements he has made in the township, and the large amount expended by him in opening and improving streets and avenues are matters of record, and entitle him to recognition in a history of Montelair.
Mr. Ilinek was born in Kelding Bruch, Province of Hanover (now a part of Prussia). November 1, 1831. He came of a good and respectable family, his father being of that class of well-to-do intelli-
303
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
gent farmers who compose the bone and sinew of the German Empire. His maternal grandfather, Hein Fick, was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and of great influence in the community, and at the time of the French invasion in 1810, was elected Mayor of a large district, and clothed with ample authority to protect the interests of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Hinck was educated under a system which has long been compulsory, requiring parents to send their children to school from the age of eight to fourteen years, and at the present time a failure to do so involves a penalty of imprisonment to the delinquent. Under such a system, which in his day existed in a more modified form, Mr. Hinck acquired an education sufficient to tit him for a mercantile career. He afterward spent five years in a mercantile house, and then concluded to try his fortune in the New World. He left home and landed in New York City in 1851, a total stranger. His frank, open manner and pleas- ing address, made a favorable impression on those with whom he was brought in contact, and he soon made friends that " clung closer than a brother." Among those who took a kindly interest in his welfare, and who offered to assist him, was Wilson G. Hunt. He made the acquaintance of other prominent mer- chants, who invited him to their homes and honored him with their confidence. He obtained employ- ment in a wholesale woolen house, where, by his strict attention to business, his industry and moral uprightness of character, he won the confidence of his employers. He served a year in one house, and two years in another, and during this period he acquired a thorough knowledge of the business, and laid the foun- dation for his subsequent successful business career. In July, 1854, having by careful economy saved some- thing from his yearly income, together with a few hundred dollars received from his mother, he started in business for himself under the firm name of Hinck, Harms & Co. Ile separated from them in 1859, and organized the firm of Hinck & Pupke, which later became Hinck Bros. He continued in active business for more than a quarter of a century, and passed through several financial crises in which some of the oldest business houses in the country were compelled to suspend ; but through all these and the frequent fluctuations of priees incident to the war, he maintained his credit unimpared, and met all his obligations promptly. He made it a principle of his life never to purchase in excess of his ability to pay promptly in cash when due. With abundant opportunities for speculation during the war by risking his capital, and with the chances of acquiring wealth rapidly, he preferred the "slow and sure " course, and was satisfied with fair profits and quick sales, and when the rapid depreciation in prices took place at the close of the war, he found himself in a condition to dispose of his stock without impairing his capital. From the beginning of his business career he sought to establish confidence between himself and his customers by fair dealings, and would never permit any misrepresentations in regard to the quality of goods for the purpose of making a sale. His conscientious regard for the truth forbade him to take any advantage whatever of those who trusted in his judgment and in his integrity. Honesty as a principle and not as a mere matter of policy was rooted and grounded in his nature, and instilled into his mind through the early teachings of his parents, who believed that character was more to a man than riches, or worldly honors. His uniform kindness and courtesy toward all with whom he came in contact had much to do with his success in life. He believed that every friend made added that much to his capital, and every enemy made impaired it to the same extent.
After accumulating a moderate fortune Mr. Hinck retired from business in 1883, with a spotless esenteheon, conscious that he had wronged no man and that his gains had been honestly acquired. He was then able to carry out a long cherished plan of a visit to the fatherland, and to mingle again amid the scenes of his childhood. He visited various parts of Europe and spent some three years with his family at Hanover, which, during his absence, had been merged from an independent kingdom into the great German Empire. This enforced idleness however, began to wear on him after the long and busy life which he had led, and he determined to seek some occupation which should again call forth his dormant energies and give activity to his mind and body. Soon after his return to the land of his adoption he visited Montelair and was attracted by its beauty and the healthfulness of its location. He finally purchased what was known as the " Sadler Place," comprising the homestead and fourteen acres, nearly adjoining the home of Inness the artist, know as " The Pines." He enlarged and improved the home-
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.