History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 143

Author: Snell, James P; Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1140

USA > New Jersey > Sussex County > History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers > Part 143
USA > New Jersey > Warren County > History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers > Part 143

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he owned the remainder of his life. About 1824 he- returned to the old homestead, in Morris County, where he resided until 1852, when he again took up his residence on his place in Mansfield, where he re- sided until his death, in 1867. Politically he was a Democrat, and while a resident of Mansfield the first time was many years a justice of the peace, receiving his first appointment in 1816, and while a resident of Morris County the second time he was also justice of the peace, and was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas for five years. He was a man of good judg- ment, and his counsel was frequently sought by the citizens of his township, and in matters of convey- ancing and clerical work his services were often re- quired.

Judge Jacob Hann was known as a man of strict integrity, temperate habits, and a promoter of all worthy local objects. He was a member of the Pres- byterian Church while a resident of Morris County, and after his return to Warren County he took an active part and contributed liberally in building the Methodist Episcopal Church at Anderson, of which he became a member.

Philip H. Hann was born on the homestead, in Mansfield, Aug. 6, 1819. Most of his minority was spent at home on the farm and in obtaining an educa- tion, which he received at an academy at Schooley Mountain Springs, and under the private instruction of Rev. Holloway W. Hunt. In early manhood he took an active interest in local politics, and at the age of twenty-three was elected to the office of constable, and at the age of twenty-five he was elected justice of the peace in Morris County, which latter office he held while he remained a resident of the county.

In 1848, Mr. Hann settled on the homestead, in Mansfield, but after four years purchased a farm of his father adjoining it, where he resided until 1854, when, upon his election as surrogate of Warren County, he removed to Belvidere, where he resided during the continuance of his official term of five years. In the spring of 1860 lie removed to Wash- ington, N. J., and for two years carried on mercantile business. In 1864 he was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and by reappointment held the office continuously for ten years.

The same year of his appointment to the bench, upon the organization of the First National Bank of Washington, Judge Hann was elected its cashier and appointed a notary public, which positions he has con- tinuously filled since. He has also been a director in the bank nearly since its organization, and was a di- rector of the Phillipsburg Bank for several years. During his connection with the bank its management has been largely under his control, and the financial standing and stability of this institution bespeak the judicious handling of funds and the executive ability of its officers.

In 1878, Judge Hann was elected collector of the county, and by re-election is the present incumbent

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WASHINGTON BOROUGHI.

of that office. Wherever he has resided he has been interested in church and kindred interests, and a pro- moter of all local enterprises tending to the public good and the peace and good order of society. In 1845 he married Miss Caroline C., youngest child and daughter of Rev. Johnson Dunham, one of the early Methodist ministers, who married Mary, eldest daugh- ter of Daniel Hunt, Esq., and a few years after his marriage located at Asbury and engaged in mercan- tile business, where he remained most of his life. He had three sons and three daughters, all of whom were born at Asbury.

Mrs. Haun's maternal grandfather, Daniel Hunt, was an influential and prosperous merchant af Is- bury, N. J., as far back as 1790. He took an active part in all that pertained to the prosperity of the little town, gave the ground on which the Methodist Epis- copal church now stands, and contributed largely to its support. He was one of the earliest Methodists of Warren County, and his house was ever the "welcome home" of the Methodist preachers of long ago. Bishop Asbury, Father Boehm, and others used to find a rest- ing-place there and a welcome at his hospitable board. lle and Col. William McCollough were ever very in- timate friends, and their children continued friendly relations until they were married and scattered.

Judge Hann and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Washington, where they reside. Their children are Mary, wife of Rev. S. W. Gehrett, a clergyman of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and a member of the Philadelphia C'on- ference ; Augustus P., assistant cashier in the bank at Washington ; and Louis J., at present residing with his father.

"THE WASHINGTON BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION."

This institution was established about the year 1870, and had for its first or early officers Joseph Johnston, President; Daniel Spangenberg, Treasurer; Oscar Jeffery, Secretary ; and a directory composed of W. Sweeny, J. Vliet, J. D. Taylor, E. W. Alleger, P. T. B. Van Doren, 11. W. Johnston, and M. K. Ranb. It carried on a flourishing business for some time, but for the past few years has done but little, and is now about closing up its affairs.

VIL .- THE POST OFFICE OF WASHINGTON

was established in the year 1814, under the title of " Mansfield," and changed to its present name in 1852. For the following list of postmasters from 1814 to the present time we are under obligations to 1. E. Fulper, the present accommodating incumbent :

Feb. 11, 1814, John G. Robbins; Ang. 21, 1815, Joseph V. Wilson; JJuly 17, 1816, Imla Drake; July 9, 1817, James Vanatta; Dec. 6. 1512, Josoph Burton ; April 5, 1527, Nicholas Emmons; March 31. 1829 Charles G. Wilson; Feb. 21, 1×30, Charles Johnsin ; Jan. 3, 1x1, John Potty, Jr .; July es, Is-11, Richard Emana; Ang. 22, 1812, John Kearns ; Sept. 19, 1815, John C. Winter ; Feb. 1. 1:47, James Thus- littlo; June 19, 18-49, John R. Barton, Jr. ; Feb. 18, 1 /2. George U're. veling ; June 2, 1553, WHIHamn 1 .. Cyphers; Sept. 21, 1860, Alphous Cyphers; July 10, 1561, Henry Van Nest: Oct. 27, INTE1, Jeremiah

Keafer; Feb. 1x, 1Gb, Nathaniel Jeoulugs; March 24, 1869, Harvey L. Cornwell : May 7, 1870, James Stewart; March 26, 1-71, James Stewart ; March 13, 1875, James Stewart ; March 1, 1278, Joseph F. Fulper.

VIII .- FIRES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The Presbyterian church was burned in 1862. About ten years later two fires occurred, within a year of each other, which destroyed the school-house and Mattison's planing-mill respectively.

On Wednesday night, Nov. 29. 1869, the largest building in the place, the five-story structure known as Mattison's Block, together with the entire corner, embracing four buildings and eight mercantile estab- lishments, was entirely destroyed. The following were the principal sufferers: Cummins, Rockwell & Co., merchants; S. E. Craft, hardware; Trow- bridge & Gibbs, dentists ; Joseph F. Vanderveer, jew- eller; J. W. Van Doren, cigars ; N. A. Folsom. saloon and billiards; J. W. Van Doren, meat-market ; Mir. Mattison, flour and feed ; the National Bank ; Matti- son's Concert Hall; lodge-room of the Good Tem- plars, etc. The loss was estimated at over $75,000.

Another destructive fire, destroying a business block and a hotel, occurred about half-past ten o'clock on Saturday night, March 26, 1870. It was supposed to have been the work of an incendiary, and origi- nated in the back cellar of Carter & Van Doren's drug- store. The Phillipsburg steamer arrived about three o'clock in the morning, but too late to save the build- ings; they, however, promptly extinguished the flames, and prevented their further spread. The loss was not far from $50,000, involving the following per- sons : John M. Wyckoff, Carter & Van Doren, Jacob Weller, Annie M. Castner, William MI. Horn, Albert Camfield, of Newton, etc.

There has been no large fire since, although on March 17, 1880, the store of Mary (. Van Doren was burned. It was occupied by Jacob Wandling's gro- very and the hall of the O. V. A. M. society.

The fire department of Washington consists mainly of a large Babcock Fire Extinguisher, mounted on wheels (cost $2000). supplemented by several smaller extinguishers, which, in case of a fire, are carried on the backs of the citizen firemen. Also a hook-and- ladder apparatus. A steamer is needed, to afford ample protection against the " fire-fiend," and will no doubt be soon purchased. This prophecy is based upon the fact that her citizens are enterprising people, of metropolitan notions, who will stop at nothing short of attaining all advantages that other cities pos- sess. A steam fire-engine added to her present appli- anees will give her an efficient department, equal to almost any possible emergency, if an adequate water supply be provided.

IX .- MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.

Washington enjoys the reputation of being the heaviest manufacturing town of its size in the State. and, in one line of industry, in the U'nion. Among

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WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

other branches here carried on are agricultural imple- ments and foundry, by Bowers & Brother; carriage- and wagon-making, by William Van Atta and Charles McCracken ; furniture-manufacture, by Jacob Fitts & Son and Jesse Pittinger ; marble-work, by Josiah E. Linn ; tannery, by G. O. Gerard ; and the sash-, door-, blind-, and moulding-factory of E. W. Alleger. The planing- and turning-mill of E. W. Alleger was erected in 1870. William Van Atta established his line here in 1869. The firm of G. H. & J. H. Sawyer, who several years previously had engaged in the man- ufacture of tombstones, monuments, etc., removed to Belvidere about the year 1870. In the

PIANO AND ORGAN MANUFACTURE

several firms are largely engaged. Perhaps the most extensive organ-manufactory in the State is that of Daniel F. Beatty, located at the corner of Railroad

THE BEATTY ORGAN MANUFACTORY.

Avenue and Beatty Street. The factory is in the shape of a gigantic E; is 165 feet long and 40 feet wide, with wings extending back 80 feet, of 30 feet width. It is a frame building, painted in a dark color, with the proprietor's name in large white let- ters, which can be read a mile away, indicative of the man, who is one of the most extensive advertisers in the country. On the first floor is the engine-room, the "trap-work" department, where the intricate wire and metal work is prepared, and the packing-room, where boxes stand ready for shipment. The second floor is a wilderness of machinery ; there are found 30 wood-working machines, all in motion. On this floor is done all the scroll-sawing and carving, and to one side is the drying-room. In the west wing of the third floor are the offices of the superintendent and secretary. The superintendent's office is connected by a Bell telephone with the mayor's up-town office and the telegraph-offices at the depot. On this floor are also the stock-, the action-, the fly-finishing, the correcting-, and inspecting-rooms. On the fourth floor the cases are put together; and in the west wing are the varnishing-room and twelve commodious rooms for the " voicers" and "filers," whose duty it is to put the new reeds in shape. The building is heated by steam, and has an elevator large enough to accommo- date the largest-sized piano. In all its appointments it is most complete. Its five floors aggregate an area of 57,000 square feet. Its machinery is propelled by a 60 horse-power engine. The instruments manufac-

tured at this factory are sent to all parts of the United States, to South America, Europe, Asia, etc. Al- thongh now working at its fullest capacity, it cannot begin to fill its orders.

In January, 1881, the number of organs manufac- tured was 528. Two hundred men are employed in this establishment, which is under the superintendence of Hon. John M. Wyckoff. Lewis Hann is assistant superintendent.

And this is only one of the several establishments in the borough devoted to this branch of industry. The manufactory of the "Star Parlor Organ" was es- tablished in 1869, employs 60 men, and has a capacity for turning out 225 organs per month. Its factory is a large new building, 140 by 40 feet, four stories in height, located on Railroad Avenue, near the depot.

H. W. Alleger commenced the manufacture of or- gans in Washington in 1870. In 1874, in connection with C. P. Bowlhy and Thomas McMurtrie, he com- menced to make the organ styled the "Gold Medal," which name was changed ahout one year later to the "Star Parlor Organ," and Edward Plotts admitted to the firm. The following year Mr. McMurtrie severed his connection with the firm, which then consisted of H. W. Alleger, C. P. Bowlby, and Edward Plotts, under the title of Alleger, Bowlhy & Co. They con- tinued to manufacture the Star Parlor organ until Aug. 1, 1880, when Mr. Alleger disposed of his inter- est therein and commenced the manufacture of the " Acme Organ," on the corner of Church Street and Jackson Avenue, in which he is still engaged. The present capacity of this last-named factory is about 60 organs per month, although the demands for an increased manufacture are so great that an enlarge- ment is proposed the current year which shall give a capacity of 100 finished organs per month.

Messrs. Cornish & Co. are the manufacturers of the "Cornish Organ." This establishment was founded a little over two years ago by Dawes & Wyckoff, and within a year thereafter was purchased by the present firm. They turn out some 50 organs per month. As with their present capacity they cannot fill their or- ders, they are about to increase their power and facili- ties. Their factory is located on Belvidere Avenue, at the canal, and is about 80 by 26 feet, three stories in height, with basement. The building was originally the grain-store of Peter T. B. Van Doren. This firm make a specialty of large organs for churches, where volume of sound is required.

John A. Smith, now manufacturing organs near Erie, N. Y., began the making of melodeons here about 1850. He was the first musical-instrument maker in Washington. He was quite a musician, and taught singing-school while living here. But Robert Hornhaker is the pioneer organ-manufacturer of Washington. When he commenced, prior to 1860, he thought he was doing big work in making one organ a week. Now there are made an average of 170 per week, or 28 every day.

Dawit Beaty

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WASHINGTON BOROUGHI.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

HON. DANIEL F. BEATTY.

Daniel Fisher Beatty, the subject of this sketch, was born on the summit of Schooley's Mountain (near Beatty»town), in Lebanon township, Hunter- don Co., N. J., on the 14th of August, 1848. He is the son of George W. and Elizabeth ( Fisher) Beatty, the former being a son of James, who emigrated from the north of Ireland and was eighty-eight years old at the time of his death. John Beatty, one of the sons of James, of Ireland, was the father of Maj .- Gen. Samuel Beatty, of Stark Co., Ohio, who served with distinction in the Mexican war, and in the late war of the Rebellion rose through all the grades to the rank of major-general.

James Beatty came to this country in the latter part of the eighteenth century. His son, George W., mar- ried when quite a young man, and brought up a family of ten children, four daughters and six sons, of whom the third son, Daniel F., has become noted for hi- extraordinary genius and enterprise in the devel- opment and manufacture of the popular musical in- struments which bear his name. In early life he evinced not only a rare business capacity, but a de- cided taste for music and for the rustie scenes sur- rounding his native home in the mountains. In the reception-room of the old homestead the visitor is shown the instrument-an old-fashioned melodeon, long since out of date-which first inspired the subject of our sketch, while he little dreamed that in after- years he should be the means of introducing instru- ments far superior to this one on which he practiced his first youthful lessons. Amidst these early associ- ations we learn for the first time the reason why we do not find him established in the city, like other large and influential manufacturers, carrying out his ideas amidst the hum and bustle of the busy mart, but pre- ferring to remain near the place of his birth and to build up a business which has now become the chief industry of Washington, N. J.

It is said that "young Beatty gave early indications that he was not 'ent out' for a farmer." Tucking his music-book under his arm, he would sally forth to the field-, and, while perhap- his father would berate him for not taking his hand at the plow, he would be deeply immersed in the mysteries of the theory of music, or making out impromptu advertisements of his contemplated occupation, or, beside the cool spring of never-failing water, he would con his book, and amidst the rustic scenes and sounds instil into his mind his first rude conceptions which in after-years moulded his tastes and pursuits to that refinement which carly musical associations beget.

While at home on the farm, Mr. Beatty led the choir in the church of his neighborhood. His opportunities for education were such only as the common schools afforded, but his lack of classical culture is compen-

sated for in a great measure by his quick perception, clear and rapid insight into the nature of things, the characters of men, and the readiness with which he appropriates the results of science and philosophy. He sees and generalizes rapidly, and comes directly 'to his conclusions, which are generally found to be safe and accurate. Above all, that which gives Mr. Beatty his great success is his practical common sense in business matters, which enables him to arrange his plans with reference to the best financial results,-a quality of mind which appeared early in his life, and which induced his father to entrust him with all his finances while he was yet in his minority.

Starting out in life for himself without one dollar in hand, he commeneed business as a salesman, and finally advanced to the manufacture of the instru- ments which bear his name ; and, in the short period of his industrial life and fair dealing, he has so pros- pered that he now owns one of the largest factories in this country; has large and commodious offices, di- vided into seven departments, connected by electric bells, telephones, and telegraphs, by which news is received and transmitted to all parts of the world, adapted to all branches of his extensive business. JIis sales of musical instruments are simply enor- mous.

It may be truthfully said of Mr. Beatty that he is a natural genius, a sociable, elever man, and has abun- dantly prospered by being so liberal in giving to his customers the profits of the middle man by selling to them directly. He is a liberal and cheerful giver of his substance to benevolent purposes; and, as a token of the high appreciation of his fellow-townsmen, he was elected mayor of Washington, N. J., the place of his residence, which office he holds at the present writing. The community which has thus honored him with its confidence is indebted more to him than to any other person for the prosperity it now enjoys, on account of the immense organ and piano trade which he has centralized there. His generous dona- tions of orders upon the largest local stores to supply flour to the needy during the severity of winter, and his liberal contributions to the various religious organizations, without regard to denomination, are indicative of but few of the many incidents that are continually transpiring, and which have made Mr. Beatty exceedingly popular among his fellow-citizens.

The following account of the growth and extent of Mr. Beatty's business is taken from the New York Daily Star :

" Daniel F. Beatty In still n young man, but he has succeeded to build- ing npn business that today ranks second to none of its kind in the world, and his name is familiarly known in every Stato of the Union, andl in the Canadas, Mexico, South Amerlen, and in many Enropenn cont- tries, as the head of an establishment whose operations are vast in cons. ception, complete in details, and successful in achievement. His atten- tion was early turned to music, and in this way he became interested in the sale and Aually in the manufacture of musical instruments. ITis Arst operations were on a small scale, but his motivo nud progressive mind man wble felds open to energy and enterprise in his chosen voca- tlon, and he has never wavered vor faltered in his projects. Mr. Beatty

580

WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

conceived the idea of embarking io business for himself, and being a man with whom to conceive was to perform, he at once established himself in a small office and began to manufactura organs in a small building. By his shrewd, skillful, and persistent advertising he attracted wida atten- tion at once. His business grew to such an extent that he was forced to employ assistant aftar assistant, notil to-day he amploys forty men and women to keep his books and manage his correspondence, besides adding hnudreda of workman at the factories. Tha growth of his business was a surprise to him, and resulted from his peculiar methods of advertising. Letters and orders poured in very rapidly with every mail, and the in- strumants wera sold in such numbers that he was unable to supply the demand withont largely increasing his facilities.

" His organs are known in avery part of the civilized world, and avery- where favorably known for their cheapness, elegance, and durability. Mr. Beatty is the man who first conceived the idea of reducing the prices of organs and pianos to a reasonable basis. He exposed tha deceptions ; practiced by the leading manufacturers, and in face of established prices and customis he boldly bid for tha patronaga of the musical public. Ha was ridiculed and misrepresented by the monopolists who saw their profits io danger, and Do stona was left unturned to defeat and ruin him. But conscious of tha justice of his intentions, assured that the intelli- geot public would support him, ha gallantly met and repulsed his foes at every toru, and they, instead of crushing him, were forced to curtail, and some go out of the market. This was a great thing for one young man to accomplish from an obscure inland village, but Daniel F. Beatty did it. These operations indicata the character of Mr. Beatty's mind,

" But amid all tha rush and hurry of a vast and far-reaching business, Mr. Beatty never forgets the duties of a man and a citizen. He was ala- vated to tha Mayoralty of Washington entirely without hia seeking it. Hia fellow-citizens chose him. He conductad no campaign, and was not even present ou election day, business having called him to New York on that day, and the news of his triumph was telegraphed to his head- quartera at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He bears his honors modestly, and is the sama genial, open-handed, free-hearted man as ever, not forgetting to relieve the pauper, to donate freely to his church, nor deeming it be- | neath him to preside at Children'a Day service in his own church."

WILLIAM SWEENY.

His grandfather, Joseph Sweeny, was born and reared in Lycoming Co., Pa., and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His wife was Anna Praul, a native of Bucks County, in the same State. Daniel, son of Joseph and Anna (Praul) Sweeny, born in Pennsylvania, June 28, 1789, came to Greenwich township, Warren Co., N. J., in 1809, and on Feb. 11, 1816, married Miss Catharine Reiley, who bore him the following children : Willett, George, Margaret, Daniel, William, Anna, Jacoh, and John D. She was born Feb. 21, 1796, and died April 10, 1867. He carried a musket in the war of 1812, and in the latter years of his life received a pension from the govern- ment. For many years he resided at Stewartsville, where he kept an inn. He was a Democrat of the old school. He died in August, 1872.

William, son of Daniel Sweeny, was born June 20,

1820. Most of his minority was spent at home. Be- fore reaching his majority he came to Washington and began learning the wheelwright trade, in which business and carriage-manufacturing he subsequently established himself, in the same place, and success- tully carried it on until 1856, when he was elected sheriff of Warren County, and during his term of office took up his residence at Belvidere. Notable among his official duties was the hanging of Rev Jacob Harden, who was tried and convicted for the murder of his wife. Mr. Sweeny's wife, formerly Miss Barbara C. Cowl, of Franklin township, born Sept. 23, 1823, whom he married Oct. 23, 1845, died Dec. 4, 1858, while he was a resident of Belvidere. The children of this union were Daniel S., George C., William, David R., John M., and Mary, wife of Charles P. Bowlby, of Washington, N. J.

Upon returning from Belvidere he established a supply-store on the canal at the outskirts of the borongh, which he carried on for some time. He was interested in the "Washington Land and Improve- ment Company," and a director in the First National Bank of Washington for many years prior to his death. Mr. Sweeny built a fine residence for himself on the corner of Jackson Street and Washington Avenue, which is, in 1880, one of the finest locations and most pleasant places in the village, where his widow now resides. In early life he began to take an active part as a member of the Democratic party, and his influence in local politics gave him place in the councils of the party in the county. Mr. Sweeny was a man of strong convictions and force of charac- ter. Although unassisted pecuniarily in making his start in life, by energy, economy, and judicious man- agement he secured a fair competency. Although limited in his opportunities for an education in early life, by reading and observation he was well informed upon the current topics of the day, and he was always interested in the material prosperity of the village and the welfare of its citizens. On Nov. 7, 1865, Mr. Sweeny married Annie M., daughter of Mark and Ruth K. (Smith) Thomson, and granddaughter of Robert C. Thomson, one of the early settlers of Changewater. She was educated in Trenton, where she was for some time a teacher, and at the time of her marriage she had been for some time a teacher in Washington. The children of this union are Ruth D. and Susan D. Mr. Sweeny died Aug. 31, 1874.

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History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 143

Author: Snell, James P; Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1140

Author: Snell, James P; Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1140