USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Trenton > History of Trenton, New Jersey : the record of its early settlement and corporate progress. > Part 45
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HUGH M. SWAYZE was born in Morris county, New Jersey, July 21st, 1849. After obtaining a good education in the schools of his neighborhood, he learned marble-eutting at Hackettstown, New Jersey. In 1872, he eame HUGH M. SWAYZE. to Trenton and worked at his trade. In 1884, he opened a marble-yard at Nos. 26 and 28 South Stockton street, where he is at present loeated. After thirty years' practical experienee as a marble-worker, Mr. Swayze is conspicuous for his skill in execution and good taste in designing. In polities, Mr. Swayze is a Republican and a member of the City Republican Executive Committee. He is now serving a second term on the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
ANTHONY A. SKIRM was born in Trenton, October 13th, 1841. He was edueated in a private school and also in the public schools and the Rutgers Grammar Sehool, of New Brunswick. He later entered Fish & Green's saw mill, where he remained until 1861, when he enlisted in Company C, Third New Jersey. As a Republican, Mr. Skirm has held several publie positions. He was Assessor for the Second ward from 1867 to 1874. In 1876 he was elected to Common Couneil for three years, and was re-elected for a similar term in 1879. Again, in 1887, he was a member of Couneil. He was chairman of the special committee appointed to establish a system of fire alarms for Trenton, and was deeply interested in the eleetrie light and city ANTHONY A. SKIRM. railway systems. Trenton owes mueh of its improved condition to Mr. Skirm. In 1889 he was elected Mayor, serving for two years, and in April, 1892, he was appointed by Mayor Bechtel as a member of the Board of Publie Works. On December 23d, 1864, he married Rachel Myers, of New Brunswiek.
314
THE CITY OF TRENTON.
THOMAS EICHLIN RAUB was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, in 1850. He was educated in the publie schools of Easton and afterward at the Eastman Business College, in Poughkeepsie, New York. For several years he was telegraph operator and ticket agent at Phillipsburg and Stockton. In 1885, he was transferred by the company to the Warren street station, Trenton. For six years he was the faithful representative of the company. Tiring of railroad life, he resigned, and in March, 1891, he formed a partnership with Asher Wilson under the firm name of Wilson & Raub. This firm handled coal and bundle kindling-wood, and was successful. Later, they dissolved part- nership, when Mr. Raub removed the business to the old stand, 326 Perry street, where he is still located. Mr. Raub is a Republican, but not an active partisan. He is Past Master of Ashlar Lodge, No. 76, F. and A. M., and is also Past Regent of the Capital City Council, No. 392, Royal Areamm. He is a member of the Third Presbyterian Church, and an active worker in the church and Young People's Society. In 1874, he married Helen Datesman, of Easton, Pennsylvania. They have four children, Maurice D., Anna Elizabeth, J. Stanley and Helen.
JOHN HAWTHORN was born in England in November, 1832. He located in Trenton in 1868, when American potting was making its first substantial steps. For twenty years, in England, Mr. Hawthorn had been building pottery kilns. His life study has been that trade which has been followed by his family for two and a half centuries. In fact, he is the oldest English kiln-builder in this country. All the American kiln-builders here served under him as apprentices. Prominently identified with kiln-build- ing in America, he has the distinction of having built all the older kilns in Trenton. In England, in 1860, Mr. Hawthorn invented a hot-air combustion kim, for which he made a reputation. His most notable work is the invention of the hydro-carbon kiln, patented in England and America in 1894. Twelve of these remarkable kilns are in operation. Mr. Hawthorn studied hydrogen as one of the most important inflam- mable substances, yet one the least used. He was im- pressed with the scientific fact that a large percentage of heat from fuel uselessly escapes. The combined action of steam and air supplied in the kiln is calcu- lated to effect a great saving of fuel. The hydrogen, combined with the carbon of the coal, produces a heat JOHN HAWTHORN designed to thoroughly bake pottery, largely reducing the losses from cracked ware, preserving the color and eliminating crazing. Mr. Hawthorn has his residence and office at 5544 Perry street.
MARTIN KEEGAN, SR., was born in Ireland in 1835, and came to America in 1852. He located in Trenton, and worked fifteen years as a machinist for Cooper, Hewitt & Company. For three years following, he was with Upton & Miller, hardware dealers, who were located in the store now occupied by F. S. Katzenbach & Company. Cooper, Hewitt & Company also employed him to travel in their interest. In 1870, he started in the coal business, which he successfully operated for six years. Entering upon the calling of contractor for street paving, he laid some of the first Telford pavement in the city of Trenton. When the old City Railway Company was in operation, Mr. Keegan was made the Assistant Superintendent and held the situation several years. He is a Democrat in politics and takes an active interest in his party. . In the years 1868-71, he was a member of the Common Council, during which time he was Chairman of the Law and Ordinance Committee. In 1871, he was elected a member of the Board of Freeholders. He was appointed Street Commissioner in 1874 and held the position two years. For five years he acted as Justice of the Peace, and since 1889 has served on the City Board of Assessors. He is connected with the Mercer County Democracy, and served on the City and County Democratie Executive Committees.
THOMAS E. RAUB.
315
THE CITY OF TRENTON.
Louis COUTIER was born in Germany, March 17th, 1847. His parents removed to this country when he was only six years of age, and located in Philadelphia, where he attended the publie schools for several years. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted for three years as drummer boy in Com- pany I, Seventy-second Regiment, Pennsylvania Vol- untcers, but his parents objected so strongly on account of his age-fourteen years-that he was honorably dis- charged after serving about fifteen months. Prior to his enlistment, he was learning the barber trade, and after his discharge from the army he went to New York City and again took up that trade. He worked as jour- neyman several years, and then opened a shop in New York City, which he conducted about four years. In 1871, he came to Trenton and opened the "Trenton House Barber Shop," where he is still located. Mr. Couticr has figured prominently in political circles. He was Excise License Inspector four years, Police Jus- tice 1886-87, Coroner of Mercer county in 1890, and re-elected Police Justice in 1894, which position he is at present filling. He was made an active member of the old Trenton Hose Company in 1872, and later was elected its Foreman and Assistant Chief of Fire Depart- LOUIS COUTIER. ment, 1876-77. Mr. Coutier is a popular and leading member of the numerous German societies and organizations of this city. He is President of the Social Turn-Verein, Treasurer of the Liedertafel Singing Society, a member of the Lieder- kranz and United German Singing Societies, the Sangerbund, East Trenton Mannerchor and the Schwæbischer Volksfest Verein. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Volunteer Fire Association, honorary member of the New Jersey State Fire Association, member of the Trenton Benevolent Society of Secret Orders, and the Mercer County Democratic Club. In March, 1865, he was married to Eliza Bernhart, of Matawan, New Jersey. Four sons and one daughter have been born to them.
JACOB C. MAPLE was born at Prospect Plains, New Jersey, March 23d, 1825, and soon removed to Princeton, where his boyhood and youth were spent. He received his education at a private school in Princeton. He early developed a liking for mechanical work, and, through his ability and skill in handling tools, he became expert in working in wood. At one time he thought seriously of learning the jew- elry trade, for which he showed considerable apti- tude. Abandoning this project, he came to Trenton JACOB C. MAPLE. and studied dentistry. In 1842 he became apprenticed to Dr. Matthew S. Foster. After serving Dr. Foster for four years, he was continued in the office and laboratory as operator and workman for another four years. In 1849 he started an office for himself, in State street, nearly opposite the present Post Office building. In 1860 he removed to his recent location, No. 7 West State street, and now resides at No. 105 West State street. For many years Dr. Maple was one of the leading dentists in Trenton. About five years ago he gave up the practice of operative dentistry. He has made several improvements in the methods of dentistry, but, as he is a generous and liberal man, he has frecly given the profession the benefit of his discoveries. Dr. Maple is the oldest original member living, except one, of the Third Presbyterian Church.
316
THE CITY OF TRENTON.
WILLIAM H. LEE was born in the county of Merecer, New Jersey, in the year 1842. He was educated in a country school, and worked on a farm until he was seventeen years of age. Then he came to Trenton and learned the carpenter trade with Charles Nutt, with whom he served two years. Soon after the Rebellion com- menced Mr. Lee enlisted as private in Com- pany B, Fourteenth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers. The Fourteenth served three years, through the bloodiest engagements, and was in about thirty battlee and skirmishes. Of the 950 men mustered, all that returned were but 230. Mr. Lee conducted himself with noticeable courage and bravery, and won hon- orable promotion, coming home as Sergeant. After the close of the war Mr. Lee returned to his trade, working for Titus & Conrad, and, later, becoming foreman for William Quick, which position he occupied for sixteen years. Six years ago he started in business for him- self, but, two years since, took a partner-Mr. Peirson-doing a trade as carpenters and build- ers and general contractors under the firm name of Peirson & Lee. In May, 1894, Mr. Lee was appointed Building Ihspector for the city of Trenton. His practical knowledge of the building trade makes him a most excellent official. In 1867, he married Esther L. Law- rence, of Lawrenceville.
WILLIAM H. LEE.
EDWARD HARRIS STOKES came to Trenton in 1840 from Moorestown, Burlington county, New Jersey, where he was born. For a number of years he was one of the leading photographers and picture dealers of this city. He also served the city as a member of the School Board for a long time and was President of that body for five years. For a long term he was a member of the Board of Water Commissioners. Mr. Stokes is one of the oldest Odd Fellows in this city, having joined Trenton Lodge, No. 3, about fifty years ago. He has since transferred his membership to Fred. D. Stuart Lodge, No. 154. Some time after coming to Trenton Mr. Stokes married Permelia S., daughter of ex-Mayor Joseph Wood, of Trenton. Since 1860, Mr. and Mrs. Stokes have resided in that historic mansion on South Warren street known as "Woodlawn." Here six children have been born to them, only three of whom are now living. Their only daughter, Marion H., is now the wife of Charles Swan, of Philadelphia. Their two sons, Edward Ansley and John Woolverton Stokes, are prominent young men in this city, the former a member of the legal fraternity and the latter a real estate broker. " Woodlawn " has been the home of very many prominent people, among whom may be mentioned the family of Trents, John Cox, a descendant of Governor Cox ; Governors Morris, Dickerson and Price, Mr. James M. Redmond, Mr. Joseph Wood, ex-Mayor of this city, and the present owner. Nearly all of the celebrated men of this country, from 1720 to the present, have been entertained in this hospitable home. The house was rebuilt as early as 1720, the brick used in its construction being imported. In those days the property formed quite an estate, comprising over two hundred acres, and was called Kingsbury, a name which was later changed to Bloomsbury. Gradually it has been reduced to its present proportions, which are still ample. The name "Woodlawn" is, indeed, very appropriate, for the beautiful lawn is thickly covered with noble trees, many of them planted nearly two centuries ago.
JOHN WOOLVERTON STOKES, youngest son of Edward H. Stokes, Esquire, of "Woodlawn," was born in that historic Trent mansion in 1869. He was educated at the Trenton High School and later took a thorough course at Rider's Business College. In 1888 he opened a real estate and insurance office in the Trenton Saving Fund Society building, where he is at present located.
EDWARD H. STOKES.
317
THE CITY OF TRENTON.
In connection with real estate and insurance matters, he represents his father in the latter's exten- sive local property interests. In collecting rents, insuring properties, negotiating loans, invest- ing money and buying and selling stocks, Mr. Stokes has a large elientage. He is a Director of the Standard Fire Insurance Company. He is fond of horses and has a thoroughly-equipped stable. In social life Mr. Stokes is well known not only in Trenton but in New York and Philadel- phia, in the latter city being a member of the Germantown Cricket Club. In musical circles he enjoys a reputation as a vocalist, and has organized an amateur company of talented Trentonians, who give evening entertainments in the vicinity of the capital. He is also the possessor of much histrionic ability.
JACOB BLAUTH was born in Germany, April 6th, 1849, and came to the United States on April 19th, 1855, settling in Trenton. Centre Street Public School furnished him his education. In 1862, desiring to acquire a trade, he entered the shop of a Hanover street barber. In March, 1872, he opened a shop of his own at No. 15 Centre street, which he has since successfully conducted. He resides at 555 South Broad street. Politically Mr. Blauth is a Democrat. He was elected a member of Common Council in 1883, serving until 1886. The first year of his official life he served on the Poor Committee, was on the Printing Committee the second, and the third was placed on the City Hall Committee, discharging his duties creditably. He was again honored in 1893 by his election on the Excise Board, "and is now its presiding officer.
JACOB BLAUTH.
HENRY J. BURTIS was born in Wrightstown, New Jersey, in 1855. Early developing a talent for music he was given a few lessons on the organ. Afterward he walked to Bordentown, a distance of six miles or more, to take lessons from a music- teacher there. When a young man of nineteen he took the agency for an organ and traveled through Burlington county, giving lessons and selling organs. At the same time he was organist in the Jacobstown Baptist Church. In 1880 he opened a music store in Mount Holly and is still the proprietor of a large busi- ness there. Soon after this he opened a branch store at Asbury Park and that store is still under his control. In 1889 he came to Trenton and opened a music store here. On account of its great popularity as a musical resort his store has come to be known as the "Palace of Music." Quite recently he has removed to the large and elegant store No. 130 East State street. He is not only a musician of the highest order but he is also a singer of recognized ability. For some time he has been the bass soloist of the choir in the State Street Methodist Episcopal Church and Musical Director in the Sunday-school of that church. His services are in demand as leader of singing at conventions and other HENRY J. BURTIS. public meetings. He is a member of the Mendelssohn Choral Union, and a member and Steward of the State Strect Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1878 Mr. Burtis married Carrie C. Jobes, of Pointville, New Jersey. They have had eight children, six of whom are living.
318
THE CITY OF TRENTON.
JOHN W. CORNELL was born in Ewing township, Mercer county, New Jersey, in 1841. He received his early education at country schools and was afterward a student at Wilbraham, Massa- chusetts, and other seminaries. He taught school about four years, and in 1865 came to Trenton and engaged in the real estate business, which he conducted for about four years more. He next engaged in the sale of agricultural implements and seeds. He was in this business for fifteen years, being located on North Warren street, one door south of the Trenton House. When he entered the business the firm name was Blackwell & Company. It so continued for two years, when it became J. W. Cornell & Company, and consisted of Mr. Cornell and Mr. M. H. Tomlinson. In 1884 Mr. Cornell disposed of his interest in the business to Mr. Tomlinson. Mr. Cornell was elected Surrogate of Mercer county in 1884, and is now serving his third term in that office, having been re-elected in 1894 by 5,089 majority. He served as Assessor of the First ward for a number of years, and has long been a member of the Trenton Board of Trade. In 1865 Mr. Cornell married Alice Gale, of Cumberland county.
CHARLES A. REID.
CHARLES A. REID was born in Middlesex county, New Jersey, in 1856. He came to Trenton in 1880, and entered a grocery store, where he worked seven years. Being interested in politics, in January, 18SS, he procured the position of Clerk of the City District Court, and in June of the same year was appointed to his present position, Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Water Commissioners. In April he entered, as partner, the wholesale grocery firm of Brown, Stout & Company, and is still partner in that concern. In the year 1892 he was united in marriage to Miriam W. Lanning, daughter of Joseph Y. Lanning, Esquire, President of the Broad Street National Bank.
CHARLES P. KITSON was born at Morrisville, Pennsylvania, July 19th, 1841. His education was obtained at the public school. At the age of fourteen he entered the dry goods and grocery store of Isaac Parsons, in Morrisville. In Philadel- phia, at the age of eighteen, he found employment in a coachmaking factory. After finishing this trade he procured a position stocking rifles at the Arms and Ordnance Works, in Trenton. He next learned pattern-making. He again made Philadelphia the scene of his labors, but soon came to Trenton at the solicitation of Charles Carr, then of the Phoenix Iron Works. After a year he was offered the position of foreman at the pattern shop of the New Jersey Steel and Iron Company, which position he has held ever since. In politics Mr. Kitson is a Democrat. In 1881 he was elected to Council from the Fourth ward, served on the Finance Committee and the committee that had charge of the remodeling of the City Hall. In 1883 he was made President of Council, but in the following year he refused another nomination, Mr. Kitson is a member of South Trenton Lodge, No. 36, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has filled all its offices. He was also a charter member of Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 3 of Philadelphia. In 1894 Mayor Shaw appointed CHARLES P. KITSON. Mr. Kitson as Police Commissioner. Upon the completion of the term he was re-appointed by the present Republican Mayor, Hon. Emory N. Yard, and is still serving in that capacity. In
1863 he married Andress G. Mitchell, and has three children, two sons and one daughter.
JOHN W. CORNELL.
319
THE CITY OF TRENTON.
JONATHAN COXON, SR., was born in England, August 31st, 1837. He came to America at the age of seven, locating in Jersey City, where he resided several years. He attended the Jersey City publie schools. Thence he moved to Baltimore, soon returning to Jersey City. He also lived eighteen months in Bennington, Vermont. Finally he came to Trenton, in 1863, and having a knowledge of the pottery busi- ness he became forcman of the Coxon & Thompson Empire pottery. Mr. Coxon then accepted similar positions with the Ott & Brewer Company and the Mercer pottery. He subsequently was connected with the Greenwood Pottery Company. Being tendered the position of General Manager for the International Pottery Company, he accepted the position, which he later relinquished to become Manufacturing Manager for the Ott & Brewer Company. The increasing demand for decorative and ornamental pottery prompted Mr. Coxon to organize the Ceramic Art Company, and asso- ciating with him some of Trenton's most influential citizens a corporation was formed, with Mr. Coxon as President and Walter S. Lenox Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Coxon was a member of Common Council for three years, and for three terms represented the First ward JONATHAN COXON, SR. on the Board of Frecholders, being Director of the board for two years. He is now a member of the Park Commission, having been re-appointed at the expiration of his first term. In politics Mr. Coxon is a Republican. He was one of the organ- izers and is a Past Master of Fraternal Lodge, No. 139, Free and Accepted Masons. In 1859 Mr.
Coxon married Hannah Joshua, of England. His sons follow the trade of their father. Mr. Coxon is a veteran of the late war, having gone to the front as a private in Company A, Twenty-first New Jersey Volunteers. After nine months in the army he received an honorable discharge. He is an active member of Aaron Wilkes Post, No. 23, G. A. R., and is also a member of Company A, Seventh Regiment, National Guard of New Jersey.
BYRON F. GUNSON was born in England, coming to America at the age of fifteen. He settled in New Jersey, and for a year worked on a farm. The following year he was clerk in a country store. He spent one year in Iowa and another in Minnesota. Removing to Butte City, Montana, he engaged in the clothing trade, and in the course of his wanderings has visited and worked in Deadwood City, Colo- rado ; Galveston, Texas ; California, Kansas, Dayton, Ohio ; Pittsburgh, Pa., and Dakota, finally locating in Trenton in April, 1884. Securing a position with Richard A. Donnelly & Company as third salesman, his enterprise soon made him the liead salesman of the estab- BYRON F. GUNSON. lishment. Latterly, he became its manager, which position he filled for ten years. In October, 1894, he purchased from Richard A. Donnelly the entire stock of clothing, and conducts his business in the well-known Opera House store.
320
THE CITY OF TRENTON.
THOMAS SMITH STEVENS, D. D.S., son of Israel B. Stevens and Joannah R. Smith, was born in Lawrence township, February 3d, 1837. His paternal and maternal ancestors were among the first settlers of New Jersey. Both families were large landowners in what is now Lawrence town- ship, part of this property being still in the possession of the family. While quite young Dr. Stevens graduated from the Lawrenceville Classical and Commercial High School. He studied dentistry with Dr. J. M. Davis, for many years the leading dentist in Trenton. Dr. Stevens took a complete course in the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, also in Dr. D. Hayes Agnew's Philadelphia School of Anatomy, and graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in 1862. After his graduation he and Dr. Porter succeeded Dr. Davis and carried on the business for three or four years under the name of Stevens & Porter. About this time Dr. Davis purchased Dr. Porter's interest and the firm became Davis & Stevens and so remained for ten years. Then Dr. Stevens started for himself, and has been in the active practice of his profession until the present time. He was Captain of Company A, Seventh Regiment of the National Guard, for several years.
He takes great interest in all matters pertaining to natural history, especially microscopy, in which department he is a skillful investigator, and has written many valuable papers, among which is "An Analytical Key to the Genera and Species of the Rotifera " or wheel animaleules, published in the "Journal of the Trenton Natural History Society" and republished by the "American Microscopical Journal," Washington, D. C. So scarce are the works on this interesting and wonderful family of animated spheres (in which teeth, stomach, muscles and even brain lie hidden in the compass of an invisible mote) that there has been a demand for this key by investigators in this branch, not only in this, but in many foreign countries. He was one of the organizers of the Trenton Natural History Society, and was its President for many years. Dr. Stevens' business ability has been recognized by his fellow-citizens. From 1876 to 1881 he filled the position of City Treasurer with great satisfaction to the people. He was one of the organizers of the Broad Street Bank, and has been one of the Directors since its organization. In 1865 he married Sarah S., daughter of the late James A. Phillips, of Lawrence township, and they reside at No. 9 South Broad street. Dr. Stevens has been very successful in the practice of his profession.
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