History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 49

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 49
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 49

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Mr. Rogers was a Democrat in politics; In 1862 he was elected to Congress from the Fourth Congres- sional District of New Jersey, and was re-elected in 1864. While in that body he nequitted himself with

ability and credit. IIe was appointed public admin- istrator of the city of New York, and served in that capacity four years. Mr. Rogers was very popular with the masses and highly effective as a speaker. He was also a man of great abilities and energy of character.

SAMUEL H. POTTER studied law with Hon. Daniel Haines. He was admitted as an attorney in January, 1849, and as a counselor in November, 1854. Ile first began the practice of law at Deckertown, thence re- moved to Hamburg, and thenee to Newton, where he remained some time. He then removed to Janesville, Wis., where he practiced till the time of his death.

Mr. Potter married a sister of Thomas N. McCarter, who survives him and resides at Newton, Sussex Co.

MICHAEL R. KEMBLE, of Hamburg, was born in Franklin, and is a son of Gerret Kemble. He became a member of the Sussex bar in January, 1849, having studied law with Governor Haines at Hamburg, where he has ever since practiced. He has been engaged to some extent in mining interests, and has realized con- siderable profit therefrom.

HOS. THOMAS ANDERSON, present law judge of Sussex County, is a son of William T. Anderson, and was born at Newton, Jan. 28, 1841. He studied law with Governor Peter D. Vroom, in Trenton, and with Governor Daniel Haines, and immediately after his admission in 1856 began practice at Newton. He remained a member of the Sussex bar until quite recently, when he opened an office in Newark, where his business is now done, except that pertaining to his position as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, to which he was appointed by Governor Bedle in 1876, as the successor of Hon. Daniel S. Anderson. He was at one time editor of the New Jersey Herald.

Judge Anderson is a gentleman of unblemished character and of good standing as a lawyer. He was at one time the associate of Joseph Coult, under the firm-name of Coult & Anderson, and afterwards a partner of Robert T. Johnson.

LEWIS COCHRAN .- Dennis, son of Michael and Jane Cochran, and father of our subject, was born in Manor-hamilton, County Leitrim, Ireland, March 5, 1800. He came to America at about the age of twenty years, and soon after located at Newton, N. J., where he afterwards resided until his death, Feb. 20, 1SS0. Having learned the trade of a buteber in his native country, he carried it on for several years after settling in Newton. He purchased a hotel in Newton, of Na- than Drake, naming it the "Cochran House," and about 1843 built the present hostelry of that name, of which he continued to be proprietor until about 1855, when he retired from active business except to man- nge his farm, near the town limits. Under his man- agement the Cochrane House became a first-class hotel, which reputation it has retained until the pres- ent time.

Mr. Cochran was an active and enterprising business man, and favorably known not only to his own town's

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people, but to men of prominence in this and other States. He was a genial, kind-hearted man, and es- teemed by all who knew him. His father died in Ire- land, but his mother soon after came to New York, where she died before he saw her. He had three brothers and four sisters, who also settled here as fol- lows: Lewis located in Philadelphia and there died ; John resided in the same city ; Michael resided there for several years, but was also a resident of Pottsville, Pa. His sister Rose was not married; Margery be- came the wife of Johnson Vanderen, of Port Jervis, N. Y., and after his death removed to Philadelphia, where she died; Ann became the wife of a British officer serving in India, named Wise; and Margaret became the wife of Mr. Cassidy, the father of Lewis C. Cassidy, a distinguished lawyer and Democratic politician in Philadelphia.

Dennis Cochran married, May 7, 1831, Lydia, danghter of Benjamin W. and Margaret Hunt, who bore him the following children: Jane, the oldest, became the wife of William E., son of Samnel D. Morford, of Newton, and resides at Los Angeles, Cali- fornia ; Michael resides in Newark, N. J. ; Sarah C. was the wife of Dr. R. A. Sheppard, of Newton, and died April 22, 1868, leaving a daughter Minnie; Mar- garet A., became the wife of John Winans, a promi- nent lawyer in Janesville, Wis., and died there Dec. 22, 1878, leaving no children; Jolin Cochran, after graduating at Princeton College, read law with his cousin, Lewis C. Cassidy, in Philadelphia, and since his admission has practiced his profession in that city. He was for nine years a member of the Select Council there, and is in 1881 a Democratic State senator, rep- resenting a district of the city. Phebe became the wife of Edward M. Wildrick, a salesman in the store of the Franklin Iron Company at Franklin Furnace; Lewis, subject of this sketch; Benjamin H. resides in Newton ; William, a salesman in the clothing-house of McGregor & Co., Newark, N. J .; Mary, the present wife of Dr. R. A. Sheppard; and Kate, the youngest child, died when four years of age.

Mrs. Cochran was born in 1810 and died in Newton, April 16, 1871. She was closely identified with her husband in every work in which he was engaged, was well known, and no one enjoyed more of the good will and esteem of the people of Newton than she for her many virtues and her devotion to friends and family. Her death was an irreparable loss to her family.

Lewis, third son of Dennis Cochran, was born in Newton, Feb. 3, 1843. His preliminary education was received in the public schools of his native place. IIe read law with his brother-in-law, John Winans, at Janesville, Wis., and was admitted to the bar there; he was also a student in the office of John Linn, Esq., at Newton. He was admitted to the bar as an attor- ney at the November term of the Supreme Court of New Jersey in 1862, and as counselor at the February term in 1872. Immediately after his admission as

attorney he began the practice of law in Newton, where he has ever since continued it. On March 25, 1874, he was appointed prosecutor of pleas for Sussex County, and upon the expiration of his term, March 25, 1879, was reappointed for a second term of five years. -

During his incumbency of this office several of the most important cases known to Sussex County have fallen to his care to conduct, among which are the following :

The trial of " Jack" Hughes for the murder of his wife ; he was convicted and executed in July, 1875. In this case he was assisted by the late Jacob Van- natta, then attorney-general of the State of New Jer- sey.

The trial of John Sawyer and two others, masked burglars, who broke into the house of Sanford Hough, of Wantage, Nov. 2, 1879; they were convicted and sent to the State prison for a term of fifteen years.

The case of Clarence Campbell, Peter Kane, alias "Mickey," and John Clark, indicted for the murder of Melancthon S. Washer, who was killed Feb. 16, 1880, on Spring Street, Newton, in which Campbell and Kane were convicted of murder in the second degree and sentenced to State prison for twelve years, Clark being acquitted.

The trial of Frank F. Patterson, editor of the New- ark Courier, for libelous publications against Hon. Henry C. Kelsey, Secretary of State, in connection with his management of the insurance department, tried in February, 1880. In this case, the prosecutor was assisted by ex-Governor Bedle, Thomas Kays, and Joseph Coult, against Judges Stevens and Fort, of Newark. Patterson was convicted and sentenced to the county jail for thirty days and to pay a fine of two hundred and fifty dollars and costs.

The case of Frederick Crill, which was not only a most important case, but a most peculiar one. Crill was indicted for the murder of his daughter, Eliza Babcock, of Vernon, June 5, 1879. He was indicted and tried at the September term of the Court of Oyer and Terminer in the same year, was found guilty of murder in the first degree, and was exceuted at New- ton, April 24, 1880, after having been once reprieved by the Governor.

In these important cases, and many others, Mr. Cochran not only has been successful as prosecutor, but has won the confidence of the people and the es- teem of his fellow-members of the profession, for the fair and impartial manner in which he has performed his duties.

For several years he was the law-partner of Capt. Lewis Van Blarcom, but since the spring of 1880 he lias had no associate. He prepares his cases with great care, is very discriminating in his examination of a witness, and his familiarity with and correct knowledge of the law have made him successful in his profession. IIe has had a large experience in conducting cases in the higher courts, and is recognized as a superior

LEWIS VAN BLARCOM.

Tho paternal grandfather of Lewis, Garret, was born in Bergen Co., N. J., about the year 1780, and married Mary De Graw about the year 1804. Of this union were born two sons and two daughters,-viz., Samuel, William, Susan (wife of L. L. Conklin, of Paterson, N. J.), and Mary A. (wife of J. F. Dunn, of Belle Plain, Iowa).

Garret Van Blarcom served in the war of 1812. Ile was a muson by trade; settled in Sussex County about IS20, where he carried on farming the remainder of his life. Both he and his wife were members of the North Church (Presbyterian) of Hardyston. He died in 1834. His wife was descended from one of the Huguenot families, was n devout Christian woman, and died in 1864, nged about eighty years.

Of their children, William was father of our subject, and was born at the " Ponds," in Bergen County, in 1814. He removed to Lafayette township, Sussex Co., in 1852, and died in 185-1. He was a practical farmor, led a quiet life, and never sought political place or the emoluments of office.

His wife was Catharine A., daughter of Jacob and Haonnh (Rorick) Sutton, of Hardyston. Her parents removed to Mich- igan in 1858, where hoth died. She was born in 1811, and sur- vives in 1881. Both William Van Blarcom and his wife were active members of the Christian Church, and assisted in building the church-edifice at Monroe Corners.

Their children are Lewis, Garret, Lucy A. (wife of James E. Price, of Romeo, Mich.), Susan C. ( wife of Nelson Ackerson, of Lafayette), Joseph, Andrew J., and Hannah (wife of Charles Y. Dolsen, of Newton).

Lewis, eldest son of William Van Blarcom, was born in Sparta township, July 19, 1835. His early education was obtained nt the common school in his native township, and under the private instruction of Edward A. Stiles, n well-known teacher of Wantage.

His minority was mostly spent at home, where he became inured to farm work, and learned the inestimable lessons of self-reliance and perseverance. After reaching the proper age he was a teacher for four tormns.

In 1858 he began to read law with M. R. Kimble, of Ham- burg, and after one year entered the law-office of John Linn, of Newton.

On Aug. 25, 1862, Mr. Van Biurcom enlisted as first liou- tenant, Company D, Fifteenth Regiment New Jersey Volun- teers, and for meritorious service he was promoted in June, 1863, to enptain of Company C. This regiment was a part of tha First New Jersey Brigade, which formed a part of the Army uf the Potomac, First Division, Sixth Army Corps.

Capt. Van Blareom was in the following engagements : Fred- ericksburg, December, 1862; second Fredericksburg, at Salem Heights, May, 1863; Gettysburg, July, 1863; Rappahannock Station, November, 1863; Spottsylvania, May 8, 1864.

In this last engagement he was wounded and captured by the rebels, and had his leg amputated by them. After remain- ing in the hospital for ten days, he was carried to Richmond and plneed in Libby Prisoo, where he remained until Sept. 12, IS6t, when he was exchanged and placed in the hospital at Annapolis. Ile received his discharge from service on Dec. 19, 1864, and returned home.

After his return to Newton he resumed the study of the Inw, which he completed, and was admitted to the bar ns an attorney nt Trenton, at the June term in 1865, and as counselor at the June term in IS6S.

After his admission as an attorney he began the practice of law in Newton, where he has successfully practiced. his profession sinec. From 1869 to 1873, Joseph Coult was nsso- eiated with him in business, and from 1873 to 1880, Lewis Cochran. He was appointed prosecutor of pleas by Governor Randolph, March 25, 1869, and discharged the duties of that office with acknowledged ability and justice for a term of five years.

Cnpt. V'an Blareom is, politically, a Republican, and lending and influential in his party in Sussex County.

I'pon his return from the war in the fall of 1861 he was the Republican candidate for county elerk, but failed of election on account of his party being largely in the minority.

For two years he was one of the chosen board of freeholders. and he has been chairman of the Republican county committee for the past eight years.

Ile married, Aug. 17, 1871, Mary, daughter of Dr. Alex- under II. Thompson, of Marksborough, Warren Co .. N. J. Ilis children are Kate and Andrew.

Chart. Pue

Martin Rosenkranz

BENCH AND BAR OF SUSSEX COUNTY.

195

chancery lawyer. In his speeches he gives little at- tention to rhetorical effect, but they are usually marked by terseness of diction and great carnestness.

Mr. Cochran is a Democrat in politics, and has been an influential member of his party for several years. lle was a director of the board of chosen frecholders of the county for several years, and was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held at Cincin- nati, in June, 1880, which nominated Hancock and English for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency of the United States. Although not a candidate, his name was prominently mentioned in connection with the Democratie nomination for Congress in the fall of 1880. He married, in 1869, Miss Ella S., daughter of Andrew and Theodosia (Cummins) Shiner, of Newton, and has three children,-Fred. A., Jennie MI., and Lewis Cochran, Jr.

CHARLES J. ROE .- The paternal great-grandfather, Jonas Roe, came from Scotland with two of his brothers, and settled at Florida, Orange Co., N. Y., about the year 1730. A deed of the property owned by him is dated 1737, and is written on parchment. lie reared a family of seven sons and several daughters, of whom Nathaniel resided near Unionville, N. Y., and has several descendants there; William and Jonas have descendants in Orange County; Benjamin married and reared a family in Sussex Co., N. J., and William J., John, and Edward Roc, of Frankford township, are his grandchildren.

George Roe, youngest of the family, married, in 1797, Margaret, daughter of Leonard Struble, and granddaughter of Peter Struble, who emigrated from Alsace, Germany, in 1748, and settled on Smith's Ilill, in the old township of Newton, Sussex Co., in 1752, from whom descended the large family of Strubles in New Jersey. Margaret Struble was born in 1777, and died at the age of seventy-two years.

George Roe was born at Florida, N. Y., in 1777, and died in 1815. He lived at his native place for a short time after his marriage, and about 1798 pur- chased five hundred acres of land at the intersection of the outlet of the "l'onds" and the Paulinskill, in the' township of Frankford, Sussex Co., N. J., upon which he settled, and where he resided the remainder of his life; this property is now owned by his descend- ants. Ile was a somewhat publie-spirited man, and was familiarly known as "Capt. George Roe," from his connection with the old State militia. His chil- dren were six sons and four daughters,-viz., Leonard, Nathaniel, Timothy, James, Charles, William H., Eliza (became the wife of William Cory, of Sparta, and settled in Bradford Co., Pa.), Phehe ( was the wifo of Levi Lewis, of Jerseyville, III.), Charlotte (became the wife of John Williams, of Branchville, N. J.), and Sarah Jane (became tho wife of James Shotwell, of Branchville). Only four of theso children are living in 1881,-viz., Charles, William H., Charlotte, and Sarah Jane.

Charles Roe, son of George, is father of our subject,

and was born on the homestead, near Augusta, April 23, 1812. He began mercantile business at Branch- ville in 1836, and continued it successfully until 1863, when, upon his election as surrogate of Sussex County, he removed to Newton, where he has since resided. By re-election he held the office continu- ously for fifteen years, and discharged the duties in- cumbent upon him with credit to himself and with justice to the people. In May, 1879, he purchased a drug-store in Newton, and he continues to carry it on in 1881.

Mr. Roe's first wife was Lucy Coult, daughter of Joseph and Jerusha (Price) Coult, of Frankford, and granddaughter of Isaac Coult, who was a large land- owner in that township and lived to be about one hundred years old; his will was dated in 1764. Mrs. Roe died very soon after her marriage, and Mr. Roe married, for his second wife, September, 1842, Elizabeth Ann, a sister of his first wife. She was born in 1814, and died Jan. 1, 1876, leaving one son and three daughters,-viz., Luey M., a graduate of Bordentown College, died in April, 1877, aged twenty-eight; Charles J .; Anna M., a graduate of Vassar College in the class of 1876; and Jennie J.

Charles J., only son of Charles Roe, was born at Branchville, in Frankford township, Sept. 11, 1850. He obtained his preparatory education at Chester In- stitute, in Morris Co., N. J., and at Newton Collegiate Institute; entered Princeton College in 1867, and was graduated from that school with the usual honors in the class of 1870. The same month with his grad- uation he entered the law-office of the late Levi Shep- herd, a prominent lawyer at Newton, and was admitted to the bar as attorney at the June term in 1873, and as counselor at the June term in 1876. He began the practice of his profession in Newton immediately after his admission to the bar as attorney, and has continued to do a successful business since. On July 1, 1880, he associated with him as a law-partner Frank Shepherd, under the firm-name of Roe & Shepherd.

In 1877, Mr. Roe was admitted to practice in the United States Circuit Court, and in 1878 he was appointed a special master in chancery.

HION. WILLIAM E. SKINNER was admitted to the bar of this county in November, 1860, and practiced at Hamburg, Newark, and Newton till his removal to Ilackensack, Bergen Co., a few years ago. Hle mar- ried a daughter of David Ryerson, of Newton. After his .removal to Bergen County he was appointed by Governor MeClellan president judge of the Court of Common Pleas, which office he now holds.

Judge Skinner is a lawyer of good abilities and acquirements, and a man of strict integrity.

MARTIN ROSENKRANS .- HIis great-great-grand- father was Alexander Augustus Rosenkrans, who came from Holland to New Amsterdam in 1689, ar- companied by his wife, whose maiden name is not known. lle reared a family of sons and daughters, among whom was John Rosenkrans, who was horn

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May 18, 1724. He married, Aug. 8, 1751, Margaret De Witt (a cousin of De Witt Clinton), who was born April 18, 1731.

The wife of Jolin Rosenkrans was a descendant of the De Witts who came to New Amsterdam about 1639 and were the progenitors of the family in America.

John Rosenkrans resided in Walpack, Sussex Co., and was one of the earliest settlers. During his day the Indians were numerous in that section of the country. He often related to his son, the grand- father of the subject of this sketch, many interest- ing and thrilling narratives concerning his adventures and associations with the red man of the forest. Bands of Indians would often come to his house and partake of the generous hospitalities which he offered. Frequently a score of them found shelter beneath his roof for the night, sleeping on the kitchen-floor. Often in the dead of night he would hear the Indian war-whoop ring out in hideous tones, sending terror to the bravest heart. He visited their wigwams, whose locations were marked by the curling smoke ascending from their camp-fires high above the tallest trees of the then dense forests that crowned the banks and flats of the Delaware on either side. The river was dotted with Indian canoes, in which the Indians would transport their families, provisions, and weapons from place to place in the Delaware valley.

When the Revolutionary war broke ont he entered the army, and was soon commissioned to the rank of colonel for his gallantry. He (Col. John. Rosen- krans) accompanied Gen. Sullivan in his campaign against the Indians of the upper Susquehanna and Genesee valley, in 1779. In that memorable cam- paign he commanded a brigade. He was the leading man on the Delaware in the section where he resided, and carried news to headquarters in the State, and kept the government posted on the affairs of the Northern country, in peace as well as in times of trouble. He lived in a large stone house, now be- · longing to the estate of John Berk, deceased, which may be seen in 1881 in good condition, having witlı- stood the blasts of more than a hundred winters.

In the Revolutionary war he was shot in the shoulder, from the effects of which he never recov- ered. A physician at Morristown, in the treatment of his wound, scraped the bone of his shoulder, which caused it to grow worse. He died June 5, 1786, and was buried in the old Shapanack graveyard, near his residence, where stood a low Dutch church built of logs, of which he was an elder.

His children were John, Jacob, Orianna, Orianna (2d), Alexander, Catharine, Charick, Elijah, Levi, Joseph and Benjamin (twins), Simeon, Simcon (2d), and Mary. Of these children, Benjamin was the grandfather of our subject, born March 31, 1770; married, Oct. 27, 1790, Margaret Schoonover, who was born Nov. 16, 1774, and dicd Feb. 1, 1842. Hc

died Dec. 30, 1848. He was a representative farmer in his time, owning a large tract of land of some five hundred acres on the Delaware, in the township of Walpack.

During the war of 1812 he was in command at Sandy Hook as major, and was subsequently con- neeted with the old State militia, and ranked as col- onel. His children were Rachel, born April 17, 1791, wife of John W. Vanauken ; John B., born July 19, 1792; Roanna, born July 14, 1794, wife of John Young; Nicholas, born Jan. 31, 1796; Everitt, born June 8, 1798; Levi, born March 10, 1800; Maria, born March 14, 1802, wife of James C. Bevans; Abra- ham, born Nov. 11, 1803; Elijah, born March 11, 1806; Sally, born April 4, 1808, wife of Everson Wheat, second wife of James C. Bevans; Amanda, born Feb. 4, 1811, wife of Simeon Cole; Lucinda, born Dec. 4, 1813, wife of Leonard Bell; Anson, born May 22, 1815, died young; Margaret, born Feb. 28, 1817, wife of Daniel Knight. Abraham, Elijah, Sally, Amanda, and Margaret are living (in 1881).

Of these children, seven sons and seven daughters grew to manhood and womanhood and raised families. Everitt Rosenkrans was the father of our subject. He was born in Walpack, June 8, 1798, and married for his first wife Mary Smith, who bore him four children,- viz., Benjamin, born Dec. 23, 1823, and died Dec. - , 1874; Margaret M., died at the age of twenty-one; Phoebe Jane, wife of John Swartwood; and Jacob.

His second wife was Mary Buss, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Miller) Buss, of Monroe Co., Pa. She was born Sept. 1, 1812, and died Sept. 5, 1878.

The children born of this union are Martin; Sarah E., wife of Martin Decker; Amanda, wife of Daniel S. Smith; John S. Seely ; Maria; Martha A .; Aquil- lie; and Celestia, wife of L. Milton Wilson.

Everitt Rosenkrans died July 7, 1874. He led a quiet life as a farmer, and was a judicious and suc- cessful business man. He took great interest in the education of his children, and always lent his influ- ence for the good of society.

For many years he was an elder of the First Re- formed Church at Walpack, and took an interest in all worthy local objects tending to the welfare of the community in which he resided.

Martin Rosenkrans was born Sept. 11, 1840, in Walpack, and spent most of his minority at home, where he became inured to farm-work and received the advantages of a district school education (going to school during the winter seasons). At the age of twenty he engaged as a teacher, and after teaching several terms, following his early inclinations, he be- gan his preparation for college, which was in May, 1862. He received his preparatory education at Mount Retirement Seminary, and at Blairstown Presbyterial Academy, and entered the Sophomore Class at Prince- ton in 1864, from which institution he was graduated with honor in the class of '67.

In June of the same year he commenced the study

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of law in the office of Coult & Anderson, at Newton, where he remained for one year. For two years fol- lowing he was a law-student in the office of Capt. Lewis Van Blarcom, at Newton. He was admitted to the bar as an attorney at the June term of the Su- preme Court of New Jersey, in 1870, and as counselor at the June term in 1873. In 1875 he was appointed a special master in chancery by Chancellor Runyon.

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History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 49

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