USA > New Jersey > Memorial cyclopedia of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 24
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sey, on June 19, 1865, that city was his place of residence from that time until his death. He became a reporter on the staff of "The Paterson Press," giving his at- tention to this vocation for a period of ten years, during which time be utilized his spare moments in the study of the law, a study he later continued in the office of the Hon. John Hopper. His studies not hav- ing been pursued regularly, it was not until 1878 that Mr. Nelson was admitted to the bar, but in the meantime he had been of great service to his city owing to his knowledge of the law, and had become a public man of no mean reputation. In April, 1868, he was elected a member of the Paterson Board of Education. In 1869 he drafted a supplement to the city charter, altering the provisions relating to the Board of Education; and in 1871 he drew up on original lines a new charter for the city, which for the most part is still in operation. In May, 1871, he was elect- ed clerk of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and was re-elected annually until 1894. In 1877 he was ap- pointed clerk of the Paterson District Court; holding this office for ten years. In 1902 he was appointed United States Commissioner, an office he held for twelve years, during which time many noted counterfeiters and offenders were haled be- before him. His resignation from this of- fice was on account of failing health. On numerous occasions he was honored by being selected as delegate to National, State, Congressional and local conventions of the Republican party. At the Republi- can National Convention at Chicago, Mr. Nelson was the first officer of the conven- tion to announce to General Benjamin Har- rison his nomination for the presidency.
Yet all these demands upon his time did not prevent his taking an active part in the development of the religious, social, historical and literary circles of the city. For many years Mr. Nelson served on the advisory board of the Paterson Gen-
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eral Hospital, and he was also a trustee of the Pennington Methodist Seminary. His religious membership was with the First Presbyterian Church, on Main street, and in this he served as elder and as clerk of the session. In 1893 was printed "The First Presbyterian Church of Paterson, New Jersey," being compiled by Mr. Nel- son from records of the church running from 1813 to 1891. Later he became a member of the Presbyterian Church of the Redeemer, on Broadway. As a teacher of a Bible class, his expounding of the Scrip- tures, and his faithful, conscientious in- struction, gained a large attendance. Throughout his life his interest in church affairs was an active one, and this was evident in the support he gave to the Sun- day vesper services on Half Moon Bay, Thousand Islands, where he was accus- tomed to spend his summers. Following is a communication received after the death of Mr. Nelson :
,
"One of the spots which Mr. Nelson loved best was the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence river. Here for the past fifteen years he spent his summer months at his home on Cherry Island, one of the beautiful islands on the Canadian side of the St. Lawrence. He greatly enjoyed the simple, wholesome life which did much during the past few seasons to restore his failing strength, but after the summer of nineteen hun- dred and twelve his physician advised his not going so far from home. This was a great dis- appointment to Mr. Nelson, and only the night before he died he remarked that if he could get to Cherry Island he would feel well on the road to recovery.
"A beautiful and unique feature of the life on the St. Lawrence is the Sabbath evening service which is held in Half Moon Bay, a sheltered nook with overhanging rocks and a veritable nature's temple. Here the islanders gather, remaining in their boats, while a simple service is conducted by a noted divine, and sometimes by a layman, from a rough rock pulpit on the shore.
"When the news of Mr. Nelson's death reached the friends and neighbors in the Thousand Isl- ands, a very simple and beautiful memorial ser- vice was held in Half Moon Bay. Mr. Edward Dickson, of Toronto, conducted the service, from which we quote the following: 'All who gather
here tonight know of Mr. Nelson's deep interest in and great enjoyment of this beautiful feature of our island life, and of how faithfully he al- ways supported these services. Mr. Nelson was a member of the committee having the services in charge, and often secured the supplies for the pulpit and frequently took the service himself. One summer, while all the other members of the committee were away, Mr. Nelson became re- sponsible for all the work connected with these gatherings. We all knew him and loved him, and we shall greatly miss him from our Island circle, especially when we gather here, and al- ways when we sing, as we shall now do in closing this simple memorial service, Mr. Nelson's fav- orite evening hymn :
"'Now the day is over, night is drawing nigh, Shadows of the evening, steal across the sky, Jesus, grant the weary, calm and sweet repose.
With Thy tenderest blessings, may mine eyelids close.'
Mr. Nelson married, in 1872, Martha Buckley, daughter of the late Mayor Ben- jamin Buckley, of Paterson, New Jersey. Mrs. Nelson died in 1885. On July 25. 1889, Mr. Nelson married Salome Wil- liams Doremus, daughter of Henry C. and Ann Eliza (Banta) Doremus, and his home life was an exceptionally happy one. True companionship and cheerful, sympa- thetic co-operation were his in every phase of his life, and the home was one of culture and warm-hearted sociability. When ill health overtook Mr. Nelson, the co-opera- tion of his wife became especially valuable, and this was given with an efficiency which was invaluable. During the last summer of his life, Mr. Nelson was too ill to bear the long trip to the St. Lawrence, and the benefit of mountain air was sought at Matamoras, Pennsylvania, where he pass- ed away in August, and was buried in Cedar Lawn Cemetery, Paterson. The expressions and tokens of love, respect and sympathy were innumerable and sin- cere, and many found their way into print. As an example of what Mr. Nelson was in his home life, a letter by his former sten- ographer. Miss Ella M. Hill, is quoted in part : "Often, in my own home and to others. I have made the remark that a stenographer had an excellent opportunity
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to know the man by whom she was em- ployed; and I have always been proud to say that in the four and a half years that I spent in Mr. Nelson's office, I never saw one thing that was not absolutely gentle- manly and honorable."
Mr. Nelson was connected with numer- ous organizations of varied scope and character, either as a corresponding, hon- orary or regular member ; among the lat- ter we find the following: New Jersey Historical Society, Washington Associa- tion of New Jersey, American Historical Association, American Bar Association, Revolutionary Memorial Society of New Jersey, American Association for the Ad- vancement of Science, American Anthro- pological Association, American Biblio- graphical Society, American Folk-Lore Society, American Antiquarian Society, New York Historical Society, Pennsyl- vania Historical Society, Alabama His- torical Society, Minnesota Historical So- ciety, New England Historical and Gen- ealogical Society, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, Hamilton Club of Paterson, Drawing Room Club of Pat- erson, Nassau Club of Princeton, Grolier Club of New York. Carteret Book Club of Newark, Bibliophile Society of Boston, Brothers of the Book, and the Ganonoque, Ontario, Yacht Club. All of these bodies sent resolutions of sympathy at the time of his death.
While a part of the literary work of Mr. Nelson consists of legal essays, the bulk of it has to do with historical, biograph- ical, ethnological and antiquarian subjects. A great number of his publications were first given to the world in the form of ad- dresses before learned bodies, among these being: "Alexander Hamilton in New Jersey," which was originally read before the Washington Association of New Jersey, in Morristown. February 22, 1897; "Life of William Colfax." was read before the New Jersey Historical Society, January 10, 1876; "Discovery and Early
History of New Jersey," was read before the Passaic County Historical Society, June II, 1872. His contributions to the press were frequent, and mainly related to historical subjects. The Paterson History Club published a number of his pamphlets. The last large publication which bore his name was "Nelson's Biographical Cyclo- pedia," issued in two volumes in 1913, by The Eastern Historical Publishing Com- pany of New York. Works of this nature become indispensable to those engaged in genealogical, biographical or historical work, and this Cyclopedia is one of an ex- ceptionally high standard. Among the monograph writings of Mr. Nelson we find: "Summary of the Law of New Jer- sey in Relation to Public Bridges," "Early Will-Making in New Jersey," "The Law of Marriage and Divorce in New Jersey," "Jos. Coerten Hornblower, Chief Justice of New Jersey 1832-1846." "Clifford Stan- ley Sims-Soldier, Statesman, Jurist," "Genealogy of the Doremus Family in New Jersey," "The Indians of New Jer- sey," and "Indian Personal Names in New Jersey."
Mr. Nelson was elected a member of the New Jersey Historical Society in 1872, and in June of that year he read before the Passaic County Historical Society one of his first papers, "Discovery and Early History of New Jersey." From that time until his death, he never lost his enthusi- asm in collecting, preserving, and present- ing all phases of New Jersey history. His essays on this subject have become stand- ard references, and for many years he has been regarded as an authority on all mat- ters connected with the history of New Jersey. In 1880 he was elected to suc- ceed Adolphus P. Young as recording sec- retary of the society, and, while the in- cumbent of this office, commenced editing the Archives of the State of New Jersey," bringing out Volume IX of the First Series in 1885, in association with Fred- erick W. Ricord, and Volume X in 1886.
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In 1890 Mr. Nelson was elected corres- ponding secretary of the society, an office he held continuously until his death, dur- ing this time corresponding with people ali over this country, and with many in for- eign lands. In 1890 he also again collab- orated with Judge Ricord, bringing out Volumes XIII, XIV and XV, containing the "Journal of the Governor and Council of New Jersey." Being then engaged in other work, he allowed Judge Ricord to carry on the work alone to Volume XIX, but Mr. Nelson brought out Volume XI in 1894, this commencing a series of vo !- umes devoted to extracts from American newspapers relating to New Jersey, and this was followed by Volume XII. With but few breaks, this series, commenced in 1704, has been brought up to 1780. the manners and customs of New Jersey dur- ing this period being shown in most avail- able form. The activity of Judge Ricord in connection with this work ceased in 1893, and Mr. Nelson edited the succeed- ing volumes alone, the one most frequent- ly consulted being Volume XXIII, pub- lished in 1911, and containing his "Ab- stracts of Wills." In 1895, when the His- torical Society celebrated its fiftieth an- niversary, Mr. Nelson, as corresponding secretary, published his "Semi-Centennial Celebration," as Volume VIII of the Col- lections of the Society, and it is the only volume edited or compiled by him. He has, however, aided in the compilation and editing of the "Proceedings of the So- ciety" since 1885.
He was a tireless and conscientious worker, and every letter was answered, however trifling the communication might have been. His colleagues on the board of trustees remember with pleasure the monthly reports of his labors in corres- ponding, how in detail and in variety they abounded in information, the best of which was annually presented in a full report to the society, and later printed in the "Pro- ceedings." During the last weeks of his
life, when other earthly interests com- menced to fade, those of his historical work still remained with him, and were able to lighten his hours of pain to a cer- tain extent. It was the endurance of Wil- liam Nelson in the field of history that won for him recognition and reputation that makes it a pleasure for his surviving contemporaries to crown his memory with love and honor. While the limits of this article make it impossible to reprint all the resolutions which were offered at the time of the death of Mr. Nelson, we quote from two of them :
In the death of William Nelson, August 10, 1914, the New Jersey Historical Society suffers an unusual ioss. Men may come and men may go and the world still moves, yet there are spheres in which the loss of but one active spirit may appreciably slacken the wheels of progress. Such a world is our Society and such a spirit was that of our departed corresponding secretary.
His place was unique, because in himself were the peculiar qualities and efficiencies which made his office prominent and useful not only in New Jersey historical circles but throughout the United States. His efficiency as a local historian was the result of years of research, investigation and authorship. His knowledge of original sources was intimate, his zeal for discovering facts was inextinguishable, and his publications make an extensive bibliography.
The by-products of his talents would make, if printed, a large library, a small part only of which may be found in the annual reports presented to this Society in the form of answers to inquiries. Add to this mass of information his verbal com- ments and answers to endless queries and the imagination halts in wonder.
Recognizing the vast range of knowledge which Mr. Nelson had covered, and his valuable literary contributions to the state of New Jersey and to historical research in general, Princeton Univer- sity conferred upon him in 1896 the degree of A. M., and an alcove in the University Library was named "The Nelson Alcove," in honor of his historical and literary contributions.
Some later and more extended tribute will de- tail the labors of William Nelson: the intent of this minute is briefly to express for the Society, its officers and members, that deep regret and sin- cere appreciation which his passing compels.
His many excellent qualities and his relations to domestic, social, political, professional and re-
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ligious circles are best known to his former as- sociates. To ,the New Jersey Historical Society he is best known as a historian, and a kindly, obliging and faithful officer. The work done by him as editor of the Archives and of the Pro- ceedings will stand as long as the Society en- dures.
The officers and members of the Society, re- membering with gratitude the services of this ef- ficient beloved officer, desire to express to his be- reaved wife Mrs. Nelson their sincere sympathy, and to assure her of their trust that she may be comforted and sustained by Him who ruleth all things, however painfully, for our good.
FREDERICK A. CANFIELD, J. LAWRENCE BOGGS, JOSEPH F. FOLSOM, Committee on Resolutions.
Resolved, That the Bar Association of Passaic County desires herewith to record its sense of loss arising from the death of the late William Nelson, which occurred during the past summer vacation, and who for many years was a well known member of the Bar of Passaic County; as well as to record its recognition of the many fine qualities possessed by our deceased member as a lawyer, and the learning and ability which he de- voted to the affairs of his clients entrusted to his care; and
Be it further resolved, That these resolutions be spread in full upon the minutes of the Asso- ciation, and also upon the minutes of the Passaic County Circuit Court.
WILLIAM A. SUMNER, FREDERICK W. VAN BLARCOM, PETER J. MCGINNIS, Committee on Resolutions.
RANKIN, John Chambers, Jr.,
ث:
Man of Affairs, Public Official.
New Jersey is justly proud of the purity of . her public record, and of the fact that the monster, Fraud, rarely dares appear within the confines of her government. This state of affairs is created and maintained only by the constant vigilance and unwearied labors of public-spirited citizens-citizens of the type of the late John Chambers Rankin, Jr., ex-mayor of Elizabeth. His interest in all matters relative to the city's welfare was deep and sincere, and wherever substantial aid would further public progress it was freely given. His clear head, well-trained
business mind, combined with progressive ideas, made his assistance in city affairs in- valuable.
His father, Rev. John Chambers Rankin, was a Presbyterian missionary to Hindoo- stan, India, and married Sarah Trimble Comfort, a daughter of Rev. David Com- fort, for half a century pastor of the Pres- byterian church at Kingston, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin lived at Simla, Hin- doostan, many years, all their children being born there. Among them, in addition to ex-Mayor John Chambers Rankin, were: Walter L., who was at one time principal of School No. I, Elizabeth, New Jersey, president of Carroll College, Waukesko, Wisconsin, died July 20, 1910; Sarah T., who married Robert T. Arrowsmith, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania : Rev. Edward P., pastor of the Presbyterian church at Shaw- ano, Wisconsin. Upon his return to this country, Rev. Rankin became the pastor of Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, and was the incumbent of this for a period of forty-four years. He died in 1900.
Ex-Mayor John Chambers Rankin Jr. was born in Simla, Hindoostan, July 15, 1847, and died at the Elizabeth General Hospital, after an operation for the remov- al of cancer, March 20, 1903. He became a student at the Basking Ridge Academy, where he received his preparation for a uni-
versity career. He then matriculated at Princeton University, becoming a member of the class of 1867, but left this institution in 1866, preferring to devote his energies to business life for which he felt himself well fitted. The results he achieved proved the correctness of this action. In Septem- ber of 1867 he accepted a position in the stationery and printing establishment of William H. Arthur, at the corner of Liber- ty and Nassau streets, New York City, and was later associated in the same line of bus- iness with E. Wells Sackett. This associa- tion proved so profitable a one to the firm that. in January, 1881, Mr. Rankin was ad- mitted as a member of it, the style being
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changed to E. Wells Sackett & Rankin. Subsequently Mr. Rankin purchased the in- terests of the senior partner, and became the sole proprietor of the business, which he reorganized in January, 1891, under the corporation laws of the State of New Jer- sey, the concern being known as the John C. Rankin Company. They located at No. 34 Cortlandt street, New York City, and it is one of the largest printing and station- ery houses in the city. The business abili- ties of Mr. Rankin were in request in many other directions, and he served as a direc- tor of the Union County Trust Company, Elizabeth.
To give a full account of the public ser- vices of Mr. Rankin would necessitate giv- ing the public history of the city for almost a quarter of a century in detail. From the time he attained his majority he was an ac- tive worker in the interests of the Repub- lican party. His public career commenced with his election to the Board of Education in 1877, by the Republicans of the Fourth Ward. He served three terms in this hon- orable body, was president of the Board in 1879 and 1880, and introduced many bene- ficial innovations. Elected a member of the City Council in 1881, he served seven years in that body, during four of which he was president of the council. He was elected mayor of the city in 1889, and served eight and a half years, and guided the city safe- ly through some of its most trying days. Of his line of conduct while at the head of city affairs, Mr. Frank Bergen has the fol- -lowing to say :
I was associated for more than ten years with Mr. Rankin, in the service of the city, through a very trying period of the city's history. and I learned to know him well. He was a brave and forceful man. I never knew anyone more loyal to a cause or to a friend than he. His eagerness to accomplish his objects sometimes led him to make exertions too great even for his strength. He was too generous to spare himself, even when there seemed to be no great necessity for extremely hard work. This was particularly so in his discharge of his duties as a public official.
In any community such a man as Mr. Rankin would soon and very naturally become a leader, and it is a comfort to his friends to remember that his work for the city was marked by a high degree of intelligence and a full measure of suc- cess. As a member of the City Council and pres- ident of that body, during the years when the city government seemed about to fall to pieces under the pressure of financial burdens, he was full of resources, and tireless not only in work- ing himself, but in urging others to do all in their power to extricate the city from its embarrass- ment. He tried to apply to the city's affairs the same business methods whereby he succeeded in his own business, and the result was beneficial and gratifying.
Mr. Rankin was appointed a member of the State Board of Assessors, by Governor Voorhees, in January, 1901, and in 1902 was chosen president of the board, an office of which he was the incumbent at the time of his death. His term would have ex- pired. January 29, 1905. The only time that Mr. Rankin was defeated in a political contest was in 1893, for the office of State Senator for Union County, when Fred C. Marsh was elected. The religious affilia- tion of Mr. Rankin was with the Westmin- ster Presbyterian Church, of Elizabeth, of which he was a member. He was a mem- ber of many organizations, among them being: Washington Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, of which he was a past master; Court Columbus, Independent Order of Foresters ; Mattano Club, of Eliz- abeth; Elizabeth Town and Country Club: Suburban Golf Club, Unionville, New Jer- sey ; Baltusrol Golf Club, Baltusrol, New Jersey ; all of these organizations placing their flags at half mast at the time of the death of Mr. Rankin, and formulating suit- able resolutions.
Mr. Rankin married in Belvidere, New Jersey, November 29, 1870, Anna Alethea, a daughter of Samuel Tyler and Ann Pin- ner (Freeman) Dickinson, and made his home in Elizabeth, to which city he had removed in 1869. They had children : Anna. born August 20, 1871, died the same day; Edna Dickinson, born September 16,
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1873, widow of George W. Rogers; Nellie Ives, born August 21, 1875, wife of James Leon Alexander ; Mabel Norton, born Jan- uary 5, 1878, died August 16, 1889; Anna Alethea, born October 16, 1881, wife of Ralph Manning Brown; Ethel Rumple, born November 8, 1883, wife of James Burke Irwin.
No better estimate can be given of the character of Mr. Rankin than that express- ed by ex-Governor Voorhees, a few ex- tracts from which are here given :
Few men succeed in so strongly impressing their personality upon a community as did Mr. Rankin. Few are better or more intimately known by their associates. He made his influ- ence felt by reason of the strength of his charac- ter and his untiring labor. The estimation in which he was held is best shown by repeated calls to public office. In every position he distinguished himself for his faithfulness and zeal for the pub- lic good. His loyalty to the city was intense, and his devotion to its interests unceasing. When elected mayor he found the people despondent, disheartened and discouraged. He filled them with enthusiasm and a spirt of local self-pride and helpfulness. His advent into office marked the beginning of a new era in the city's growth and improvement. The movement for its better- ment he inaugurated under circumstances the most trying and discouraging, and we feel today the influence of his work.
In everything that he did he showed the same characteristic, energy and high purpose. Obsta- cles seemed only to arouse his energies; and yet his was a tender and sympathetic heart. He was generous, charitable and loyal to his friends. Quick to respond to the cry of the needy and eager to relieve the unfortunate. It was a strange coincidence, and yet a fitting one, if he must needs die, that death should come to him at the hos- pital in which he had been so long interested, and whose very existence depended upon his ef- forts in its behalf. His charities-no one will ever know. The eyes of many will glisten today with the tear of sorrow and regret as they learn of his death and recall his many kindnesses.
YARDLEY, Samuel Swan,
Enterprising Citizen.
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