USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > Hudson County to-day; its history, people, trades, commerce, institutions and industries > Part 15
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He lives in the Hudson City section of Jersey City, and is a member of the advisory board of the Hudson City Branch Y. W. C. A .. with Hon. Thos. McEwan and Thomas J. J. Stewart. He was never in politics. He is an Arcanian, a member of the A. O. U. W., and affiliated with the Jersey City lodge of Elks.
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Herrie A. Hivarttas
ERCIE A. VIVARTTAS, architect. at 110 Fourth street, Union Hill, is among the foremost men of his profession in North Hudson. He has erected and superintended the erection of many of the prominent buildings of that section. He goes about his work in that quiet, forceful way that characterizes him as a master of his profession. This impression is borne out by the actual results of his skill and industry, as shown in the private and public buildings to his credit.
In his professional career Mr. Vivarttas has gained the respect and con- fidence of builders, contractors, financiers, etc., with whom he has come in contact. They recognize in him the business man in whom confidence can be placed. They know instinctively that he is above the sharp practices which would permit inferior material or inferior plans to profit his own pocketbook. With Mr. Vivarttas every detail of plan must be carefully com- pleted before he will issue a certificate of acceptance of work.
This very characteristic makes Mr. Vivarttas a busy man. Where others might be satisfied with a casual and perfunctory glance at work in hand, Mr. Vivarttas goes into minute details and wants to know just what is being done, and how. He questions contractors carefully and observes keenly. If a flaw in the work or material is found he is quick to detect it and to have the work done over with a warning that no such work must be attempted upon buildings where he is the architect. This correction is done quietly and effectively. It is indeed a hardened contractor who would care to have his work twice corrected by Mr. Vivarttas through any fault of the workmanship or material.
Outside of his profession Mr. Vivarttas is the type of manhood of which any community might feel proud. His own characteristics are reflected in his work. Careful, conscientious, genial to a marked extent, yet always keen upon having everything "just right," makes Mr. Vivarttas a man with whom it is both a pleasure and a privilege to hold a friendship.
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Thomas J. harmon
A MONG the best known and most highly respected business men of North Hudson is Thomas J. Harmon, surveyor, with offices at 140 Fourth street, Union Hill. Mr. Harmon has been engaged in the surveying business for the past several years, and has practiced his pro fession in all parts of the county and state.
Combined with the profession of surveyor is that of civil engineer. In this branch of his profession Mr. Harmon has become as well, if not better, known as in that of surveying. He has solved some pretty difficult problems hereabouts, and enjoys the patronage of road builders, contractors and builders who know trustworthy work and want it done promptly and to their satisfaction.
To the layman there is something mysterious about the work of the civil engineer and surveyor. It is difficult to conceive how, by squinting through a spy-glass, one may make darkness light before him and crooked paths straight. But squinting through the spy-glass is merely the super- ficial end of the profession, the part that is seen outside. Inside the observa- tions made through this same spy-glass, which, by the way, is a perfect measuring instrument, are worked out to satisfactory conclusion, in which hills, valleys and projections have to be levelled to proper grade for the work in hand. This is done by a system of higher mathmetics not understood ex- cept by those having special training in this direction. In the civil engineering branch even higher mathmetics are brought into play, and the successful engineer must understand the laws of physics as well as mathematics in order to reach conclusions which satisfactorily settle the problem upon which he is engaged.
Mr. Harmon has studied these things. He knows his work. He is com- petent to solve problems in civil engineering and surveying in a much more direct manner than many others of his profession because of his application to his work.
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Robert J. Rath
OBERT J. RATII is fast forging to the front as one of Hoboken's most extensive builders. His business has been organized for the past twenty years, and from a small beginning, has grown to be known as one of the biggist of the kind in Hudson county. This is due in a large measure to punctuality and good service, two attributes upon which Mr. Rath prides himself and his work.
While Mr. Rath is a good business man, he is extremely modest and reticent. lle is one of those men who want little said about their person- alities, but believes that good work should be rewarded by the praise of those for whom that work is done. Consequently, when asked to say a little about himself, he replied : "Ask any of those for whom I have done work. They can tell you more than I can, or more than I care to, at least."
One finds his work scattered all over Hudson county, and wherever it is found, there is sure to be one of those buildings built in the old fashioned way-on honor. Mr. Rath would rather lose a few dollars and have his work done right, than make more money and have it done shabbily.
Because of this characteristic his business has grown. He has a total of twenty employees regularly. and this is a large force for a local contractor and builder to operate the year round. This force alone bespeaks the popu- larity of his work. Of course, he is always ready to put on extra hands when Decasion arises, as it often does. One thing about Mr. Rath, no matter how many employees he has working under him at any one time, he always insists upon supervising the work himself, and no job given to him is allowed to suffer because of lack of personal supervision.
Architects are loud in their praise of Rath. They say they have as little trouble with him as with any contractor in the county, because he is as anxious as they to see that specifications are lived up to, and takes a personal pride in seeing that it is done. "You can trust Rath to do what is right," is a common saying among them.
Rath's place of business is at 259 Sixth street, Hoboken, and it is a busy hive of industry when the men are not working on outside jobs.
Alfred J. Mahuken
A LFRED J. MAHNKEN, civil and consulting engineer, associated with his brother. Walter R. Mahnken, has built up one of the most promi- nent businesses of the kind in the northern and central section of New Jersey. As a graduate of Rutgers College and at the age of twenty-six he has successfully negotiated many difficult and complicated engineering and construction problems and is rated as a highly efficient man.
Mr. Mahnken has prepared and made preliminary investigations, esti- mates, surveys, plans, specifications and supervised and contracted work for many of the architects, builders, constructors and engineers here in the East He is actively engaged in the survey and subdivision of property, in land- scape work for parks, private estates and cemeteries, in the design of street and road improvements, in making borings and tests for foundations and in the designing of piers, docks and other water front improvements.
Hle is considered a sanitary expert, especially in the investigation, design and construction of sewerage systems and sewage disposal works, and he has been associated in the design and construction of various types of re- inforced concrete and steel structures, mill buildings, apartment houses and dwellings.
Mr. Mahnken is at all times genial, has a pleasant word and hearty welcome, shows a genuine interest in the political and social affairs of this community and appreciates a real friend. He is a man of strict integrity and his word is as good as his bond.
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Affairs
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Abraham Jay Demarest
N O man in Hoboken is more worthy of extended mention in a work like this than Abraham Jay Demarest, who for the past thirty years has been connected with the public schools in the city, being principal of the Hoboken High and Grammar Schools for thirteen years, and for the past seventeen years superintendent of the public schools there.
Mr. Demarest was born at River Edge, N. J., February 14. 1858. His parents were John A. Demarest and Elizabeth Vanderbeek, both of the sturdy, historical stock which has made New Jersey so justly famous in the annals of the new world. He inherited the sterling qualities of his progenitors, and with such an inheritance it is not to be wondered at that he occupies so high a position in the public affairs of his adopted city.
He graduated from the public schools of his native village. Being deter- mined to follow the life of an instructor, he was sent to the State Norma! School at Trenton, from which institution he graduated in 1882. He then took up his duties as principal of the first school located in Lower Teaneck N. J., from which he was chosen as principal of the Hoboken High and Grammar Schools. In 1906 the degree of B. S. was conferred on him by the University of New York, and in 1908 he was again honored by the University with the degree of A. M.
In Hoboken his life has been quiet and uneventful. He never forgot the dignity which his school duties required. He has been careful and conscien- tious in his school work, depending rather upon the approval of his own sense of duty well done than upon the acclaim of the populace. He has always been a thinker of no mean ability, and a splendid example of that old school of preceptors who valued results more than sham progress in learning.
Fraternally he has advanced with the years. For three years he was exalted ruler of Hoboken Lodge, No. 74, B. P. O. E. In Masonic circles he is a member of Euclid Lodge, F. and A. M .; Pentalpha Chapter. R. A. M .. and Pilgrim Commandery, Knights Templar, all of Hoboken. He is an active member of the Hoboken Board of Trade, and president of the Castle Point Building and Loan Association. His affiliations and his distinctions have been won solely because of the force of character which was inherited from his sterling forefather and which is noticeable in his everyday life. He comes under the tongue of true repute in every action of his public and private life.
In "Genealogy of New Jersey" Professor Demarest is mentioned as a descendant of the old New Jersey families whose life is closely interwoven in the history of America, whose deeds of valor and whose natural nobility still have their influence upon the country and its people, and who are set down in history as among those who aided greatly in throwing the shackles of old world oppression off the shoulders of the new world when the fight for freedom became necessary because of the indignities heaped upon the American colonists by the old world rulers to whom they were subject.
Mr. Demarest bids fair to be useful in the educational field for many years to come. When in the city he lives at 1017 Bloomfield street. His summer residence is at Lake Hopatcong. New Jersey.
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Alvin Gumusirker
A LVIN HUNSICKER was born at Collegeville, Pa., on September 20, 1864. He is the youngest son of Henry A. Hunsicker by his first wife, Mary Weinberger. Ile was born in what is now the main building of Ursinus College while his father was still principal of the institution, which was then called Free- land Seminary. Ile inherited a natural taste and inclination for books and learning. He received his education in his native town; was graduated from Ursinus College at the age of nineteen in 1884. While at college he developed into a fluent speaker and a ready de- bater, a trait that served him well in his subsequent success- ful business career.
After leaving college he Went to Philadelphia and ac- cepted a position with his father in the lumber business. Leaving the lumber business in 1892, he became the manager of a trade paper published in the interests of manufacturers. For seven years he remained in this position, during which period he came in contact with the leading industrial concerns in the country. The valuable experience gained gave him, early in life, an enlarged commercial experience which served as a foundation for his later success.
In 1899 he became the treasurer of the Keystone Oil-cloth Company of Norristown, Pa. This concern had a small capital and was the smallest of its class in the country. Mr. Hunsicker doubled the business in two years and attracted sufficient attention to entitle him to a seat in the council of the larger oil-cloth manufacturers.
In 1901 a successful effort was made by Mr. Hunsicker to combine the largest oil-cloth concerns into one large company. He secured options on six of the largest and most successful oil-cloth plants in the United States, which, with his own concern was combined by him, with the assistance of a western banker, into the Standard Oil-cloth Company of New Jersey, with offices in New York City. This company secured a charter and started in business in July, 1901. It had a capital of $8,000,000 and to-day ( 1914) is the largest of its class in the world. Hr. Hunsicker in addition to becoming a director and large stockholder, became the secretary of the new company at the start. and in 1906 its general manager as well, which position he still holds. The company has been remarkably successful and has doubled its business during the period that Mr. Hunsicker has managed its affairs.
In 1889 Mr. Hunsicker married Helen Theresa Boice. who was born in Chester County, Pa. Miss Boice had a remarkable talent for music and had. in addition an exceptionally good and well-trained soprano voice. They met on the concert stage. Mr. Hunsicker has always been interested in music and is the possessor of a good baritone voice.
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Since 1903 Mr. Hunsicker has resided in Clifton Park, Weehawken. where he built a fine home. He became interested in local affairs, and was instrumental in organizing a Civic Betterment Association, of which he is still the president. He has taken a prominent part in Jersey politics, and in each campaign has spoken for the Republican party. He was a presidential elector in 1908.
In club life Mr. Hunsicker has been prominent. He is a Mason, a mem- ber of the Hamilton Club of New Jersey. the Automobile Club of New Jersey, the Englewood Country Club, the Touring Club of America, the Sphinx Club of New York, the Pennsylvania Society, and is the treasurer of the Arkwright Club, the leading dry-goods club of New York. He is an enthusiastic golfer and spends considerable time automobiling. Travelling has been a pastime of Mr. Hunsicker, and he has visited most of the countries of Europe, South America, and the West Indies.
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. William Strhu, A. B.
WILLIAM STEIN. M. B., has the honor not only of being ver- satile in music, but enjoys the distinction of
being the youngest founder of a college devoted exclusively to music in this State, if not. indeed, in the entire country. Ai- though but twenty-six years of age, he is the founder and principal of the Hudson Col- lege of Music and Art, at 100 Highpoint avenue, Weehaw- ken Heights. At one time the College had a Brooklyn branch, devoted to the teach- ing of art, but this took so much time from the musical duties of Prof. Stehn that he soon abandoned it, although it was highly successful.
Professor Stehn was born in Hoboken, March 11, 1888. His parents were John Henry Stehn. a native of Norlede. Germany, and Helen F. Stehn (nee Seedorf) a native of Lesum, Germany. He was graduated from the public schools in Hoboken and Shell's Commercial College. His musical education was under Dennis E. Hartnett of the Hartnett School of Music, New York City. Dr. Philip Foersch of the Berliner Kunst Schule and the Cleveland University School of Music. by which institution he was awarded the degree of M. B.
From February, 1903, until the end of 1906 he worked as bill of lading clerk for the N. Y. O. and W. railroad and taught music during his spare time during this period. In 1906 he moved to Union Hill, gave up his position with the railroad and started in to make his living by teaching music, at which he has been eminently successful. In 1910 he founded the institution of which he is the head, which besides the main school, has branches in Union Hill, West New York and Brooklyn, N. Y. He makes his home at his Weehawken Heights studio.
From his boyhood he was interested in music, which he studied from the time he was seven years old until he was twenty. He gave his first lesson at the age of fifteen. He organized, or helped to organize, the Symphia Zither Club of Hoboken, the Twentieth Century Orchestra of Hoboken, the Hudson Cor- lege Orchestra, the Symphia, Jr., Musical Club of Union Hill, the Crescent Musical Club of West Hoboken, and other musical organizations of more or less lasting fame. He is a member of three fraternal organizations, director of the Hudson Orchestra and various other musical organizations and an officer in the National Qualified Teachers' League of Music. He is fond of theatres and good dining and his one hobby is the teaching of the music to the young.
February 18, 1912, he was married to Miss Julianna Anna von Dohren of Wechawken Heights, a former well known concert pianist.
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Thomas Bliss Stillman
HOMAS BLISS STILLMAN has
attained a prominence in the busi- ness and chemical world which none but those of superior attainments may hope to reach. He was born May 24, 1852, at Plainfield, N. J. His parents were Charles II. Stillman and Mary E. Starr. lle was educated in public and private schools, Alfred University, Rutgers Col- lege, and the chemical laboratory at Wies- baden. Germany. He holds the degree of B. Sc., M. Sc. and Ph. D).
Prof. Stillman was instructor of chem- istry at Stevens Institute from 1874 unti: 1886. lle then became professor of en- gineering chemistry at the same seat of learning, a position which he held until 1910. when he was retired on a Carnegie pension. He was state inspector of oils 1884-1888, and examiner in chemistry for the Municipal Civil Service Commission of New York in 19IL.
He is president of the American Chemical Education Co., New York; of the Corporation Securities Co .. New York; the Stillman and Ilall Co., Ltd., Montreal, Canada: the Stillman & Van Siclen Laboratory Co .. New York : director in the Electric Fire Proofing Co., Montreal, Canada; the Amadon Mining Co., Utah ; the Radium Products Co., New York ; foreign corresponding member of the Edinburgh Society of Arts and Sciences; and member of the Socitie Chemique de France, Paris : Deutsche Chemische Geselschaft. Berlin : International Society for the Testing of Materials, Zurich : American Chemical Society : Society of Chemical Industry, London : American Electric-Chemical Society : Phi Beta Kappa ( Rutgers) ; Sons of the Revolution ; Society May- flower Descendants and Order of Washington. He is mentioned in various educational works, and is a constant contributor to the chemical journals. His manual. "Engineering Chemistry" ( fifth edition) is the standard of pro- cedure in the chemical testing of engineering materials.
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Captain John A. Emery
APTAIN JOHN M. EMERY, manager of the marine department of the Lackawanna Railroad, with headquarters in the Terminal build- ing in Hoboken, is a living example of what a man may become solely through his own efforts to advance himself by honest and conscien- tious work. Captain Emery was born in Troy, N. Y .. June 1. 1870. His parents were James and Anna Emery. They were far from well-to-do, and could give the young man but little education. What little schooling he received was in the district schools of the up-state city.
There is one thing he did learn, however, which has stood him in good stead. He was a natural born machinist, and took to the trade like a duck to water. After mastering the details of the machinist trade he came to Hobo- ken. He engaged with tho Fletcher people as a machinist foreman. His work soon attracted the attention of the officers and directors of the Hoboken Ferry Company, and eighteen years ago he went with that company as assistant chief engineer.
Hle was soon promoted to be chief engineer, and this position he main- tained until the Lackawanna railroad bought the ferries. He was too valuable a man to lose, and the Lackawanna officials took him with them. making him superintendent of ferries soon after they took the ferries over. His last promotion was when the entire marine department was consoli- dated and he was made manager of the larger department, with enlarged responsibilities and a corresponding increase in salary.
Besides his duties as manager of the marine department for the Lacka- wanna Railroad, the Captain is identified with the Oakland Steamboat Com- pany of New York. He is one of the directors and chairman of the executive board of that company. This, however, takes up but little of his time, and that at hours when he is not on duty at the ferries.
Although Captain Emery is in every way a likeable fellow, he has steered clear of politics, militarism and such follies and foibles all his life. devoting himself to the perfection of his trade, or profession. as one may call it in this case. He is one of the most able machinists and mechanical engineers in the country, and many a problem has been solved both for his old and new employers since he has been connected with the ferry.
Of course, a man in such standing as Captain Emery must become affiliated with organizations of a varied character. He belongs to the National Democratic Club of New York, the Railroad Club of New York. the Traffic Club of New York, the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers of New York, the Glen Ridge Golf Club of Glen Ridge, N. J .. and so many other clubs that he says he cannot remember them all.
Fraternally he is a Mason and a Shriner. He belongs to floboken Lodge No. 35. F. and A. M., Penlalpha Chapter. R. A. M., of Hoboken; Pilgrim Commandery, Knights Templar, and Salaam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .. of Newark. The intermediate steps in Masonry were all taken in New Jersey. He is also a member of the Hoboken Lodge of Elks.
Socially the captain is a pleasant man to meet. If he likes you, you can count on him as a friend to the end of your days unless you do something to forfeit that friendship. If he doesn't like you, you might as well go on your way, for he will have nothing to do with you beyond extending the ordinary courtesies of life to you.
He owns but one home, the one in which he lives at 1214 Garden street. Hoboken. To this and his family he is devoted, as all good men should be. He has but one hobby, according to his own account, and that is golfing. He says he has often made a foozle. But it may be stated that his greatest hobby is the proper management of the marine department of the Lacka- wanna Railroad.
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Grorgr Frederick Brensinger
EORGE FREDERICK BREN- SINGER, one of the first commis-
sioners of Jersey City under the Commission Government or Walsh act, al- though still a young man has made a re- cord for himself of which many an older man could well feel proud. He was born September 5, 1882, at Philipsburg, Warren County. New Jersey. His parents were Joseph 11. Brensinger and Ida Jones-Bren- singer.
Young Brensinger came of good. sturdy stock. llis early education was obtained and most of his life has been spent in Jer- ser City. He graduated from the public schools, including the High School there, attended the Stevens Institute at Hoboken for two years, took the scientific course at Princeton University, was a law student with Bedle, Edwards & Thompson in Jer- sey City. attended the New York Law School and graduated with the degree of LL. B. He was admitted to the New Jersey bar as an attorney in 1906 and as a counselor in 19c9. lle has prac- tised law since in Jersey City.
Mr. Brensinger's military record has been one of advancement. He en- listed as a private in Co. I of the Fourth Regiment. March 20. 1903, and on April 19 of that year at the company election was elected to the office of second lieutenant. He has been judge advocate with the ranks of captain and major respectively, the latter of which rank he now holds.
He was elected to the General Assembly on the Democratic ticket in 1911 and was defeated for renomination in 1912. He was elected a commissioner of Jersey City at the special election held June 10, 1913, and has charge of the department of finance. He is a member of the Jersey City Club, the John J. Egan Association of Hudson County, Eagle Lodge, F. and A. MI .; Triune chapter. R. A. M .: Warren Council, Royal and Select Masters, and the Scottish Rite body of New Jersey.
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William Schlemm
IL.LIAM SCHILEMM. coroner of Hudson county, and undertaker at 426 Spring street. West Hoboken, where he continues the business of Robert Schlemm & Son, established for many years, is one of the most notable buisiness characters of North Hudson because of his business and political activities in his own town and throughout the county. He is a man of pleasing personality, has a host of friends throughout the entire county and is a sterling business man whose worth is recognized wherever he is known.
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