USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Trenton > History of Trenton, New Jersey : the record of its early settlement and corporate progress. > Part 47
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JOHN G. STOUT is a native of Trenton, having been born here in 1836. He was educated in a pay school and also in the public schools. He learned the snuff- making business with Gaddis & Potts, in Trenton. JOHN G. STOUT, He also worked in a brickyard, and finally learned shoemaking. The latter was acquired under the instruc- tion of his father. In the year 1858, he was elected Overseer of the Poor, and acceptably filled that office until 1862. For nine years more he was the General Superintendent of the Trenton Horse Railway Company. He was also a member of the Board of Health for four years. In 1873, he started in the snuff business. Connected with this business, he also established that of cigars, tobacco and smoking articles at No. 199 South Broad street, where he still continues in the same business. He married, in 1870, Emma S. Larison, of Trenton.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
WILLET H. COOPER was born in Trenton in November, 1857. His paternal ancestors, who were English, accompanied William Penn on his second voyage to this country, that they might avoid religious persecution. They settled in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. His grandfather, James N. Snedeker, acted as escort to General Lafayette from Princeton to Trenton. Dr. Cooper received a liberal education in his na- tive city, graduating with high honors from the public schools, State Model School and Rider & Allen's Business College. He then essayed civil engineering, which he followed for three years. He then became Private Sce- retary to Colonel D. K. Allen, with whom he traveled through the Eastern and Middle States, the three provinces of Canada, Prince Edward's Island and Nova Scotia. In 1877, he returned to Trenton, and studied veterinary medicine two years with Dr. Bradshaw. After a thorough course at the American Veterinary College, of New York, Dr. Cooper graduated with high honors in 1882. Soon thereafter, he located at Salem, New Jersey, where he was successful. On account of failing health, he traveled for some time. In 1888, during President Cleve- land's first administration, he accepted a com- mission as Government Veterinary Inspector, and was re-appointed by President Harrison. On March 17th, 1893, he opened his present WILLET H. COOPER. office and laboratory at No. 546 South Warren street. Dr. Cooper has met with great success as a veterinary surgeon, and is now acknowledged to be in the front rank of that profession. In Beside being a member of various
1882, he was married to Sallie M. Strasser, of Trenton. organizations, Dr. Cooper is a member of the State Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the New Jersey Trotting Horse Breeders' Association, and has been Secretary of the Veterinary Medical Associa- tion for the past nine years.
THOMAS M. WHITE was born in St. Louis, Missouri, June 10th, 1844. At ten years of age he came to Trenton and made his home with Dr. Joseph P. Turner, at Pine Grove. After passing through the public schools of this city, he took a thor- ough course in pedagogy at the New Jersey State Normal School. At the commencement of the Rebel- lion, he entered the First New Jersey Cavalry, in which he served over two years. In 1869, he embraced the profession of teaching, his first experience being in Lambertville, where he was Vice Principal of the pub- lic school for about six months. Thence he went to Somerville, where he remained two years, and then removed to Gloucester City, where for six years he THOMAS M. WHITE. was Principal of the High School. While a resident of Gloucester City, he also served on the Board of County Examiners. In 1880, Professor White returned to Trenton and was at once made a member of the Board of School Trustees
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and also appointed Principal of the Centre Street Grammar School. This position he has held continuously ever since, with the exception of a few months last year, when the Principals of the three grammar schools were temporarily changed. During the fifteen years that Professor White has been at the head of the Centre Street School the grade of the institution has been raised. He was the first Principal in the city to introduce kindergarten work in the schools. Professor White is a born teacher and a wise and careful administrator, and has the whole school under his constant supervision. The students from the Centre Street School enter the High School excellently prepared in the fundamental principles of a thorough education. In 1870 he married Eliza- beth B. Measey, of Blackwoodtown, New Jersey. They have five children-Marie Mathilde, Joseph T., Jennie L., Lillie B. and Bessie B.
WILLIAM H. MICKEL was born in Cape May county, N. J., June 6th, 1853. He attended the public schools of the peninsula, and finished his education at the New Jersey State Normal School. He applied himself to pharmacy and became a student of medicine under Dr. R. Thomas. In 1876 he purchased a drug store on Broad street, Trenton. This he conducted until 1880, when he opened a new store at 87 Spring street, where he remained until the completion of his handsome building at the WILLIAM H. MICKEL. corner of Spring and Calhoun streets, in 1894, which is one of the largest establishments in the city. Mr. Mickel has a well-established drug trade in a rapidly-growing section of the city. He was Police Justice during the years 1879 and 1880, a member of the Board of Health in 1881 and 1882, a member of the Board of Public Instruction in 1883 and 1884, and in May, 1893, was appointed Health Inspector for a term of three years. He is a particularly faithful and painstaking official. In 1876 Mr. Mickel was married to Emma G. Crossley, of Trenton.
JESSE B. LANE was born in Ocean county, New Jersey, in 1847. At the age of three years his parents moved to Staten Island, New York. He entered the Staten Island public school, but after the death of his father he moved to Ocean county. There he attended a country school. He studied nights to acquire a further education. In spite of disad- vantages he made considerable progress in the study of art, and thoroughly learned the trade of house and sign painting, bringing to his work more than ordinary ability. In 1875 he came to Trenton and engaged in painting in its various branches. In 1885 he opened a JESSE B. LANE. wall-paper store on Hamilton avenue, and was the first one to engage in the wall-paper business in Chambers- burg. In 1874 Mr. Lane was married to Louisa Lathrop, of Ocean county, New Jersey. They have two children-Rudolphus and Bessic. Mr. Lane occupies the large store and residence at 269 Hamilton avenue.
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ALBERT F. R. LUTZE was born in Berlin, Germany, in December, 1839. He received a liberal education in his native city, where he became a practical jeweler and watehmaker. While yet very young, he emigrated to this country and for several years worked as journeyman in New York City. He came to Trenton in 1867, and after working at his trade, opened a notion and variety store on Broad street, which was, for two years, a profitable invest- ment. He then purchased the building No. 133 South Broad street, which he fitted up handsomely and opened as a first-class jewelry store. Mr. Lutze has one of the leading establishments in this city. On April 10th, 1871, he married Emma Moll, of Trenton, and has four sons and two daughters.
JOSEPH H. MOORE, the son of Imlah Moore, of Moore's Mills, was born in Trenton in 1846. He obtained his education at the Model School and the Philadelphia Polytechnie College, graduating from the latter institution in 1866, after taking Master's degree. He returned to Trenton and followed his profession as mechanical engineer for five years. He then bought out ALBERT F. R. LUTZE. the East Trenton Porcelain Company, and condueted the pottery business about fourteen years. In the year 1886, he became connected with the Merchants Transportation Company, and, in 1890, was made Superintendent of the same. His practical knowledge of business and its methods, with wide travel
and much research, fits him in full measure for the responsible office he fills. In 1879, he married Mary E., daughter of the late Charles Carr, the well-known founder and machinist.
CHARLES S. BURLEY was born in Deerfield, Cumberland county, New Jersey, in 1858, and was educated at the public schools in Philadel- phia. For several years he clerked in the store of his father, Joseph C. Burley, in Camden, New Jersey. In 1886 he went to Bristol, Penn- sylvania, and formed a partnership with Mr. Samuel I. Whitaker, carrying on a grocery business under the name of the Philadelphia Cash Stores. They operated two stores in Bristol, and in 1887 opened three stores in Trenton, located as follows : Perry, corner Stockton street ; Second, corner Furman street, and Hudson, corner Mott street. Mr. Burley immediately located here, and Mr. Whitaker stayed in Bristol to manage the stores there. In 1890 the partnership was dissolved and since then Mr. Burley has been the sole pro- prietor of the Trenton stores. The Hudson and Mott street store has been sold. Last March Mr. Burley opened a store in Hights- town, New Jersey, which he is now conducting CHARLES S. BURLEY. in connection with his Trenton stores. Mr. Burley buys and sells on a strietly cash basis. He is a strong Republican in principle but has never taken a very active interest in politics. In January, 1888, he married Emma Moore, of Camden, New Jersey. They have one son, Russell.
PETER E. BAKER.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
POULSON & COLEMAN .- The funeral directing firm of Poulson & Coleman, consisting of George H. Poulson and Jedediah Green Coleman, was formed in April, 1888. For fourteen years Mr. Poulson had worked as undertaker with Messrs. Disbrow & Van Cleve and B. L. Disbrow. In their establishment, which is located upon the first floor and basement of No. 26 South Warren street, the firm possesses every device neecssary for properly conducting their business. Every accessory for embalming and designs for the dead arc in their eustody. The wagons and teams which they use are the finest in the State, and inasmuch as they give each call their personal attention, particularly in emergencies, the firm has met with a due share of popular appre- ciation.
JOHN H. MARTINETTE was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1852, and has always resided in his native city. After attending the public schools, he was early apprenticed to the carpenter trade. He worked as a journeyman carpenter for the firms of Sutton & Johnson and Lindsay & Johnston until 1881. Then, in connection with his brother, William E., he commenced busi- ness under the name of John H. Martinctte & Brother. In 1888 this partnership was dis- solved, and since then he has conducted the business alone. He has erected over one thou- sand homes in this city. Among some of his JOHN H. MARTINETTE. most notable buildings are Lawrence Farrell's double stores, on Perry street, opposite Stockton, the Greek Catholic Church and the Hamilton Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHARLES H. DILTS, D. D.S., was born in Ringocs Hunterdon county, New Jersey, May 18th, 1868. He was carly sent to the public school and to the Aead- emy of Science and Art, in his native town. In 1889 he graduated with credit from the New Jer- sey State Model School, of this eity. He then en- tered the University of Pennsylvania, where he pursued - a course in the Dental Department, graduating in 1891. He immediately opened an office in Bristol, Pennsyl- vania, and remained three years, establishing a suc- cessful practice. In April, 1894, he came to Trenton and opened an office at No. 221 East State street. He still retains his office in Bristol. Dr. Dilts is a member of the Royal Arcanum and has been through all the offices of the local council in Bristol, where he is now Regent. While a student of the University of Pennsyl- vania he was a member of the James Truman Dental Society. He was also initiated into the Iota Chapter of CHARLES H. DILTS. the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. This fraternity numbers among its members some of the most celebrated pro- fessional men of this country. Dr. Dilts has always been much interested in public speaking, and was one of the most active members of the Thencanic Debating Society during his Model School days. He l honor of serving that society in all of its offiees and as chairman of all of its most impor 3.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
FRANK J. BIRT was born in Trenton in 1864. His early education was received in St. John's Parochial School, of this city, and in Rider's Business College. Later he attended Scton Hall College, South Orange, New Jersey, and the Philadel- phia College of Pharmacy, being graduated from the latter institution in 1886. For a year he was clerk in a drug store in New York City, and in 1887 became proprietor of the store at the corner of Centre and Bridge streets, where he is still located. Mr. Birt eon- ducts the oldest-established drug store in South Trenton, and does a general drug and prescription business.
WALTER FIRTH was born in Halifax, England, in the year 1861. His father, Samuel Firth, came to America in 1865 and immediately located in Trenton. The following year he started a grocery store, which he conducted until 1885, when Walter succeeded to the business. In 1888 he built a three-story brick store and dwelling, corner of North Clinton and Houghton avenues, where he conducts a general store. Mr. Firth is a prominent member of Onalaska Tribe, Improved Order Red Men, which was organized in his new build- FRANK J. BIRT. ing. He is an exempt member and has been Vice President of Liberty Steam Fire Engine Company. He is Treasurer of the John C. Smith Bowling Club, being one of its organizers. He was married on April 8th, 1885, to Annie Sutcliff, of Philadelphia. They have four children, two boys and two girls. On April 9th, 1895, Mr. Firth was elected to a seat in the Common Council by a majority of one hundred and forty-two votes over two candidates, in a strongly-Democratic ward. As he is a staunch Republican this demonstrates his popularity, which is not limited to his ward alone. His father was, for a time, Chairman of the Millham Township Committee, and was one of the first organizers of a school district in that locality.
AUGUSTINE A. GRIBBIN, D.D.S., was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in the year 1867. His education in the English branches was imparted to him at the parochial school of the Sacred Heart Church, and was followed by a course at Rider's Busi- ness College, and later by a further course at St. Vin- cent's College, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. Making dental surgery his special study, he entered the Pennsyl- vania College of Dental Surgery, and after graduating from that institution, he took a special line of training at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He is a member of the Pierce Society of Dental Surgeons. He worked under instructions with Drs. Kniffin, Smith and Hellyer, and had considerable experience in the AUGUSTINE A. GRIBBIN. Pennsylvania Hospital, receiving the recommendation of Dr. Morton, the chief surgeon of that institution. His office is located at 109 South Warren street, where he is building up a lucrative practice. His knowledge of the profession should certainly enable him to become one of the fore- most dentists of the city.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
SAMUEL F. HODSON was born in Burlington county in 1868. He came to Trenton in 1884 to learn the undertaking business. For two years he was with Charles B. Cogill, and after that time with Benjamin L. Disbrow until the latter's death. Mr. Hodson is a practical and thorough cmbalmer, having graduated from the Utopia School of Embalm- ing, in Brooklyn, New York, and the Egyptian School of Embalming, in New York City. His undertaking establishment, No. 31 West State street, was opened June 11th, 1894. He is a prominent member of Masonic and I. O. O. F. lodges of this city. In 1889 he married Lydia, daughter of George Lawton, of Trenton.
WESLEY C. OWENS was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in December, 1847. After completing a course of study he secured employment with Lord & Taylor, in New York City, remaining with them thir- teen years. Shortly afterward he came to Trenton, his first engagement being with the clothing firm of Wil- liam J. Owens & Company. For nearly fifteen years Mr. Owens carried on the sale of notions and furnish- ings at No. 175 South Broad street. About nine years ago he relinquished his store, since which time he has SAMUEL F. HODSON. been retired from active business. For fifteen years his duties as Secretary of the Washington Market Association have occupied much of his time. He is also a Director of the Greenwood
Cemetery Association and is active in the improvement of that model burying-ground. In 1869 he married Elizabeth, daughter of the late Adam Exton, and has two children, Mary E. and Dr. Hudson Owens. Mr. Owens' maternal ancestors were the Van Lieus and Buckalews, among the first settlers of Middlesex county, New Jersey. His paternal ancestors were early settlers in Pennsylvania, making their home near what is now known as Lewistown, Mr. Owens' father was one of the first members of the original Greene Street Method- ist Episcopal Church. Both of his great-grandfathers were in the Revolution.
HOWARD N. RICHARDS, son of John J. Richards, a prominent grocer of this city, was born near Durham, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, September 10th, 1865. When only nine years of age he moved to Trenton and was cducated at the public schools of this city and at the New Jersey State Model School, graduat- HOWARD N. RICHARDS. ing from the latter institution in 1884. At this time he entered the drug store of Irving W. Kelly, on the corner of Perry and Montgomery streets. While clerking for Mr. Kelly he studied pharmacy, and attended lectures at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1888. On October 6th, 1890, Mr. Richards became proprietor of the drug store and has since conducted the business with marked success. He gives the store his undivided atten- tion, and being of genial disposition is universally liked and highly respected by all with whom he comes in contact. On December 19th, 1888, he was married to Lillian R., daughter of Samuel J. Kelly, and sister of his former employer.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
HARRY D. GIRON, D. D.S., was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in October, 1845. When a young man he came to Trenton, and for five years studied dentistry with Dr. Charles Dippolt, with whom he was associated as assistant and partner for twenty-two years. Since this time he has occupied his present offices, located on the second floor of his hand- some residence, 185 South Broad street. In 1870 Dr. Gihon married Mary B. Page, of Trenton. They have four daughters and one son, Harry D., Jr., a member of the Class of '95 in the Philadelphia Dental College. Dr. Gihon started life a poor boy, with very little or no outside help, but has succeeded in establishing him- self as one of the most successful dentists in Trenton.
CLARENCE EMILE QUINTIN was born in Hamilton township February 24th, 1865. He obtained an excel- lent education in the Trenton Institute, Belmont Gram- mar School, and later took a course in the Trenton Business College, graduating from the latter school in 1883. In 1886, he entered into partnership with his brother, D. Scott Quintin, Jr., the celebrated trainer of horses. This firm established the present Trenton HARRY D GIJON. Riding Academy, which has proved a big success. Since April 1st, 1894, the academy has been under the sole control of Mr. Clarence Quintin, who, like the rest of the Quintin family, is a thorough horseman. His success in training high-class horses is marvelous, and he is equally successful in teaching that rare accomplishment-good riding. In connection with the academy is a livery and boarding stable. The building is large and thoroughly adapted to the business, extending from Academy street to Commerce strect. Among the horses that have been trained by Mr. Quintin were the celebrated beauties "Boston," "Sweetheart," "Patsy " and "New York." The academy is admirably conducted and is liberally patro- nized by Trenton's best citizens. On November 5th, 1892, Mr. Quintin took to the altar of Hymen Eliza- beth W. Rulon, one of Trenton's most estimable young ladies.
LOUIS DIEHL, SR., was born in France in 1828. He received his education and also learned the trade of butcher in his native country. When about twenty- six years of age he came to America, and settled at once on a farm near this city. For some time he did farm work, and then secured a position in the rubber mills, where he worked several years. In 1883, he opened a café at 89 Klagg avenue, which he success- fully conducted until the time of his death, March 20th, 1895. Mr. Diehl was more or less prominently LOUIS DIEHL, SR. connected with the political life of the city and county. For about four years he was Con- stable, and from 1886 to 1890 he was a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders. In 1857, Mr. Dichl married Jane Doherty, who died in 1873, leaving five children, Stephen L., Mary, Louis, Jr., Jennie and Sarah. Mr. Diehl was quite an athlete in his day, and was at one time a famous sprinter.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA.
N 1873, ere yet New Jersey had, by the enactment of general railroad legislation, put an end to the hoary slander that her proper nomenclature was the "State of Camden and Amboy," an act was passed by the Legislature the enormously important con- sequences of which were then undreamt of-would, had they then been prophesied, have called down upon the head of the prophet the jeers and mockeries of the multi- tude. This act was a modest, unassuming special act. It easily went through the various stages of the law-making mill, the Trenton statesmen of the period failing to see anything in it worthy of their distinguished consideration, pro et con. It simply authorized certain persons to form and operate a "Friendly Society " in the city of Newark, the objects of which were to provide burial fund insurance, sick benefits and old age annuities for the industrial masses, the premiums to be paid weekly. The Society was duly formed, but all the business it did was purely experimental. Under the guidance of its controlling mind, Mr. John F. Dryden, it was feeling its way, testing its plans for greater, larger, years later, additional tained, and on Wed- 1875, the Friendly So- into what has grown to life insurance com- THE PRUDENTIAL IN- AMERICA. this, John F. Dryden, ton, Maine, who had of ill-health to leave fore his graduation design of a career at terested in life insur- it became a passion mastered the theory next entered theprac- ence to a weekly-pay- ance operated in Eng- to the Massachusetts celebrated Elizur missioner of Insur- tracted Mr. Dryden's about the time of the
broader things. Two legislation was ob- nesday, October 13th, ciety was transformed betheseventh greatest pany in the world- SURANCE COMPANY OF
Ten years before a native of Farming- been obliged because Yale College just be- and to abandon his the bar, became in- ance. The study of with him. Having of the business, he tice of it. Some refer- ment plan of insur- land, in a report made Legislature by the Wright, then Com- ance of that State, at- attention. This was close of the war of the Rebellion. Possessed of a mind that was speculative and analytical, a disposition that was studious and practical, and a temperament that was buoyant, hopeful and energetic, the young New Englander entered into an elaborate and exhaustive study of this special subject. Everything that he could procure anywhere, either in this country or England, he read with avidity. After years of the most careful examination, he became thoroughly convinced that a plan of insurance could be devised that would embrace the industrial masses, meeting alike their wants and their financial abilities. And so from his brain sprang the germ whence has grown American industrial insurance, the mighty system which engages the attention of twelve com- panies, employs over 30,000 persons, has about 8,000,000 policies in force, covers over $900,000,000 of risks, and has paid out in claims over $100, 000, 000.
But, of course, the germinal part of this marvellous outgrowth was not carried to victory with- out drawbracks, discouragements and the invocation of all the qualities that make for success- ability of a high order, toil that defied fatigue, faith that was sublime, patience and perseverance
1
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
that were exemplary and enthusiasm and energy that were irresistible. With his well-matured but as yet untried scheme of mighty consequences to the whole American people in his head, Mr. Dryden came to Newark, and there, among its business men, manufacturers and professional men, found the encouragement that elsewhere he sought in vain, and with the primary results stated in the opening sentence of this article.
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