USA > New Jersey > Memorial cyclopedia of New Jersey, Volume III > Part 11
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One of his most marked characteristics was a detestation of hypocrisy, falsehood, chicanery or meanness. He was out- spoken in his opinions and was often op- posed, but whether criticised or praised. he was always respected and was always worthy of respect. Underneath an ex- terior sometimes reserved and a brusque- ness of manner, sometimes assumed to conceal the depth of his emotions, he carried the kindest of hearts, the tenderest of sympathies. Adding to this his manli- ness, sincerity and those attributes form- ing character, he drew the hearts of men to him and the better they knew him the deeper their affection for him.
He had an abiding faith in Summit and his interest was manifested constantly. In his early life there he was always plan- ning some improvement, finding time from a constantly increasing practice to
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devote much time to public affairs, and no single individual since Summit was in- corporated ever accomplished so much to- ward making it so desirable a suburban community. He was one of the few men who realized the importance of a pure and ample water supply and possessed the courage to advocate such a system for Summit. He advanced a part of the money to insure the beginning of the work, withdrawing when a supply was assured and his support not essential. In like manner he courageously advocated a sewerage system at a time when prac- tically the entire community was opposed to it. The results of both the water and sewerage systems were alike tributes to his good judgment and fearless public spirit in supporting those movements he believed beneficial. He possessed strong qualities of leadership, believed in himself and inspired others with his own courage and enthusiasm, and thus became a won- derful power for good in his community.
Dr. William Henry Risk, son of James and Catherine (Stauffer) Risk, was born at Muncy, Lycoming county, Pennsylva- nia, February 15, 1842, died at his home in Summit, Union county, New Jersey, February 7, 1905. William H. Risk ob- tained his early and preparatory educa- tion in boarding schools, later entering Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, there completing his classical studies. Deciding upon the profession of a healer, he matriculated at the Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated M. D., class of 1866. He had served a brief term of enlistment during the Civil War, and after receiving his degree was for several months recruit- ing surgeon for the United States navy at Philadelphia. The same years until 1874were spent in practice in Philadelphia, valuable experience being gained in hospital work as well as in his private practice. In 1874 he located at Summit, New Jersey, and
thenceforth his life history is that of Sum- mit, until after thirty-one years of valu- able association Dr. Risk beheld the "King in His Beauty."
It was inevitable that a man of his char- acteristics should become a power for good in the community. Summit was then little more than a village, but with possibilities which inspired the public spirit of Dr. Risk. He at once sprang into prominence and as the village grew he saw that there must be a strong hand to guide if Summit was to take and retain its position as a popular suburban town. He did not aspire to prominence outside of his profession, but certain things had to be done, and a leader being necessary he naturally fell into the position and once he had demonstrated an ability to lead the public unanimously accorded him the privilege and there was no improvement inaugurated during his active years in Summit in which his influence was not felt and his leadership seen.
Although so deeply interested in Sum- mit's development, Dr. Risk was essen- tially the physician and in no direction was his influence stronger than in those matters which concerned the public health. That influence was seen in pro- curing a pure and abundant water supply, in the installation of a system of sewerage and in the operation of the Board of Health. Membership on that board was the only public office he would ever ac- cept, but as president of the board he used the full power of the office to safe- guard the public health. Although he was ardent in his Republicanism, he was strictly independent in local affairs, and the public official, whether of like or op- posite public faith, who was faithfully endeavoring to discharge his duties could always count upon the staunch friendship and support of Dr. Risk, just as the official recreant to his trust could be certain of his vigorous and energetic opposition.
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He was one of the first to aid in the establishment of the Fresh Air and Con- valescent Home in Summit and served as attending physician to that excellent in- stitution from the time of its inaugura- tion. He was a prominent member of the New Jersey Medical Society, the Morris County Medical Society, and took a very deep interest in the Orange Inter-Medical Society. His philanthropy extended to all, and to the poor he was a constant and generous friend. He was one of the or- ganizers of the Kent Place School for Girls and to that institution gave un- wearied effort, also displaying a deep in- terest in the public schools and their supervision.
He did more for the upbuilding of Sum- mit than is shown in the preceding ac- tivities, as the sections lying along Hobart and Summit avenues testify. Both locali- ties were simply large tracts of woodland when their beauty and desirability as home sites attracted his attention. He purchased the tracts and with his genius for improvement he developed them with an energy and good judgment which in a few years converted both into the choicest of residential sections. He was a lover of horses, always owned good ones and was particularly fond of horseback riding. He was a director of the Summit Trust Company, was one of the organizers of the Monday Night Club, and of the High- land Club, was an attendant of Central Presbyterian Church, and a member* of the Masonic order, in fact there was little of a social or charitable nature in the borough in which he was not interested or that failed to enlist his cooperation.
Dr. Risk married, December 20, 1871, Sophia, daughter of George Drake Wood- ruff, of East Orange, New Jersey. She died April 29, 1901, aged fifty-five years, leaving an only child, Margaret Hender- son Risk, married Benjamin Vroom White, an architect of note, and has three
children : Benjamin Vroom (2), Margaret Risk and James Boyd Risk White.
The following resolutions were adopted by the Summit Board of Health in honor of the memory of Dr. William H. Risk:
This board recognizes that in his death, it has lost a kindly and courteous fellow member, and a vigorous and efficient head. The city of Sum- mit has met with an irreparable loss, deprived as it is of an official who was always at his post, who had a solicitous regard for the best interests of the city, and who was equipped by nature and education with such knowledge, skill and experi- ence, disposition and temperament, as made him an ideal head of the city's health department. Ever on the alert, quick to diagnose the trouble, and prompt and sure with the remedy, our late president guarded well the public health of the city entrusted to his case. Therefore be it re- solved, the members of the Board of Health in common with the people of Summit mourn the loss of a beloved, upright fellow citizen, whose interest in the City's welfare was always preemi- nent; that they especially mourn the loss of one who as President of this Board, endeared him- self to every member thereof, and that individu- ally they mourn the loss of one who was to each a dear, personal friend. Dr. Risk's long resi- dent in Summit, his rugged, unflinching courage, and his high professional gifts, especially adapted him to the office of our President, which office without reward he filled for many years. The Board desires to put on record its appreciation of him as a man, a citizen and a friend. With grief we bow to the inevitable will of God and tender deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.
RISK, James Boyd, Physician, Public Official.
For twenty years Dr. J. Boyd Risk was a resident of Summit, New Jersey, one of the leading practicing physicians of that borough, a prominent man of affairs and a borough official honored by all who knew him. To estimate the value of Dr. Risk's life is impossible, as it is of the life of any doctor devoted to his profession as he was. It is a peculiar relation the phy- sician of long standing maintains to his community, the healing of their diseases
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being but one of the services required of him. So Dr. Risk was not alone the healer to his people, but to him came the young for advice on the questions they deemed of so much importance. To such he freely gave of friendly as well as pro- fessional advice, and those boys and girls who confided in him became his warm friends and enthusiastic supporters. To the old whose sands of life were running low, he was the source of hope and en- couragement ; to the young man he was the business adviser or the helper in de- termining a career, business or profes- sional; to the voters he was the man of experience who would aid them in decid- ing upon the momentous questions of borough administration, while to every- body he was the genial friend in whose fidelity they might with safety confide. Such a life lived conscientiously and de- votedly cannot be valued, only the great Hereafter shall reveal its harvest. Dr. Risk was a son of James and Catherine (Stauffer) Risk, his father born in Lon- donderry, Ireland, but living in Pennsyl- vania from childhood, his mother of Ger- man descent, her family a prominent one in Pennsylvania.
Dr. James Boyd Risk was born in Muncy, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, October 26, 1858, died at his home in Summit, Union county, New Jersey, May 30, 1913. His early life was passed in Pennsylvania, where he acquired his pre- paratory education in the public schools. After the completion of such courses he matriculated at Lafayette College, Eas- ton, Pennsylvania, whence he was gradu- ated in the classical course with the de- gree of Master of Arts, class of 1877. He then spent two years at the Medical School, University of Pennsylvania, re- ceiving his degree of M. D. with the class of 1879. He supplemented his medical preparation by an extended course of lectures at a famous university in Vienna,
Austria, and by foreign hospital experi- ence, then returned to the United States thoroughly equipped to engage in profes- sional work. He first located at Balti- more, Maryland, where he opened a drug store and there continued in the drug business for some time.
This was not in accordance with his plans for life work and he, as soon as possible, effected an advantageous sale of his business and located in Morristown, New Jersey, where for several years he was in successful medical practice. He continued in Morristown for several years, and although his practice was a large and still increasing one he transferred his offices to Summit in 1892, chiefly to be in closer touch with his brother, who was a practicing physician of that thriving borough. Here Dr. Risk entered upon the final period of his career and one most important in its results to that commu- nity. He soon acquired a loyal clientele and until his death ranked with the fore- most physicians of Summit. His practice was general in its character and no man of his day was more devoted or more thoroughly able to meet its demands. He was exceedingly broadminded and liberal in his intercourse with other physicians, and no matter to him what their school he met and welcomed them as professional brethren. In fact that was his entire atti- tude toward life, consideration for the rights of others and a willingness to con- céde the utmost freedom of thought in all matters relating to the individual. allow- ing to others the right he demanded for himself.
He was a member of the medical so- cieties of Morris and Essex counties, had a wide acquaintance among medical men and ever held their highest esteem. His personality was charming and so thor- oughly did he identify himself with his community, its ambitions, hopes and aims, that he was generally beloved. In
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fact none knew him but to love him. He was one of the organizers of Kent Place School for Girls and served on the board of directors; he gave much of his time to the advancement of this project which became a decided success. He was also interested in the opening up of new sec- tions of the borough and helped to build up some of the choice parts of Summit.
Dr. Risk was not a recluse nor did he consider that his profession shut him out of participation in the business and civic activities of his community. He was vice- president of the Summit Trust Company and a director of the First National Bank, nor was he a figurehead in either. He served the borough as councilman and for two years was mayor of Summit, accept- ing that office as a responsibility he dare not decline when convinced his accept- ance would result in benefit to the com- munity. He filled the office most credit- ably to himself and to the satisfaction of the people who would gladly have re- tained him in the office. He belonged to many of the social organizations of the borough, the Country Club, the Baltrus- rol Golf Club, the Highland Club; was a member of the Masonic order and an attendant of the Presbyterian church. He could devote but little time to the enjoyment of these organizations, his life being so full of absolute duty, but he enjoyed such of their privileges as were possible and was always an honored and welcomed visitor, whenever he could command a brief period, "off duty." He was most charitable and no appeal was ever made to him in vain, particularly calls upon his professional skill. Thus was his life passed. "Spending and being Spent." His death came to the people of Summit as a distinct personal loss and few of the town were absent when the time came to pay the last token of respect to his memory.
Springfield and Morris avenues, Summit, and there his widow continues her resi- dence with her two daughters, Mary Hen- derson and Catherine (Boyd) Risk. Dr. and Mrs. Risk were married April 16, 1902, she formerly Miss Mary Browning Butler. She is the daughter of Noble C. and Annie (Browning) Butler, natives of Indiana and Kentucky, her father a lawyer of Indianapolis, now clerk of the United States Courts of that city.
JOHNSTON, Henry, Former Mayor of Washington.
With the passing of Henry Johnston there closed the life history of a remark- able man. The keynote of his life was in- tegrity and to that he added an intensity of purpose, energy. enthusiasm, and deep conviction. Temperamentally of nervous disposition, he took decided position on all public questions which arose, and after espousing a cause he threw himself into its advocacy with all the remarkable energy he possessed. He never occupied middle ground, if a cause was just and right it should be supported, if it was wrong it should be condemned and wiped out. That was the principle upon which he conducted his administration of the mayor's office, and wrongdoers found their path a thorny one as long as he remained in office. So in his advocacy of the cause of prohibition. He belived the legalizing of the liquor traffic through license, high or low, was wrong, and he fought for constitutional prohibition with all his powers. He personally promoted practically all the local campaigns and his wonderful energy was put to its hardest test in his support of local, county, state and national prohibition, for he stopped at nothing less than the complete out- lawry of the liquor traffic.
Probably Mr. Johnston was more wide- Dr. Risk's home was at the corner of ly known throughout Warren and adjoin-
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ing counties for his unceasing labor as an agent of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He gave himself to the work of the Society at a personal sacrifice in money and time, but from the wonderful aggressiveness he displayed in seeking out and punishing violators of the law in Warren and adjoining counties it might have been supposed that it was a matter of personal gain instead of per- sonal sacrifice and loss. There was hardly a week but that he had a case pending somewhere and it was a matter of public knowledge that he punished violators of the law wherever he found them, friends and foes faring alike at his hands.
He was a descendant of Judge Samuel Johnston, who came to New Jersey from Scotland, one of the strong men of his day. The line of descent from Judge Samuel Johnston was through his son, Samuel (2) Johnston, his son, Samuel (3) Johnston. his son, Joseph Johnston, his son, Philip Johnston, his son, Joseph Johnston, the well-known hardware dealer of Washington, New Jersey, his son, Henry Johnston, to whose memory this sketch is dedicated.
Henry Johnston, son of Joseph and Lydia (Hope) Johnston, was born at As- bury, Warren county, New Jersey, March 27, 1856, died at his home on East Wash- ington avenue, Washington, New Jersey, August 30, 1915. Almost his entire life had been passed in Washington where his father was a leading merchant and founder of the hardware business later conducted as Joseph Johnston's Sons. After completing his school years Henry Johnston entered the Johnston hardware store, later became a member of the firm of Joseph Johnston's Sons and for about fifteen years was engaged in the hard- ware business in Washington. He then severed his connection with the firm and became district agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, and for
a time had an office in the St. Paul Build- ing in New York City. He became one of the company's most successful district agents, his territory covering parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York, and for a time necessitated the maintainence of an office in Easton, Pennsylvania. He continued the active, energetic, successful head of his district until a fall on an icy pavement in the winter of 1014 which resulted in so severe an injury that it forever ended his busi- ness activity.
Mr. Johnston from youth was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, joining at the age of sixteen years and ever order- ing his life from that time forward accord- ing to the teachings of the Master he served. His activity in public affairs be- gan at almost as early an age, and con- tinued all his active years. In 1882 he was elected a member of Washington's Common Council, and in 1890 was chosen mayor, running on a no-license ticket. In 1891 he was reelected and during both terms he strove with all his might for the moral betterment of the borough. Poli- tically he was an ardent Prohibitionist and the leader of his party in Warren county, also was potent in state and na- tional councils of the party. He was chairman of the Warren County Pro- hibition Committee, and in 1892 was the nominee of the party for Congress.
He was vice-president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was a director of the society and its local agent. His work for dumb animals was one which will be long remembered and in his death they lost one of their best friends. So a useful life was passed, spending and being spent. The record of that life is a noble one, and as shown was filled with earnest effort to help his fel- low-man. In private life he was honor- able and upright, very generous and open- handed, ever ready to contribute to any
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good cause. He was a tower of strength to any cause he advocated, and while his intense nature carried him to extreme lengths in that advocacy, arousing strong opposition, even his opponents honored him for his open manner of fighting evil and respected his motives. Such a char- acter as his naturally made enemies, but also attracted the friendship of all lovers of the right and he numbered a host of warm friends and loyal sup- porters. He was a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, the Pa- triotic Order Sons of America, and of that order which admits both sexes, The Daughters of Liberty.
Mr. Johnston married, December II, 1878, Emma E. Dilts, who survives him, her home the residence on East Washing- ton avenue erected by Mr. Johnston in 1911. Mrs. Johnston is a daughter of Elijah N. and Margaret (Hoffman) Dilts, of old Morris and Warren county family. She had no children, but has an adopted son, Joseph D. Johnston, a practicing den- tist of Newark, New Jersey.
(The Dilts Line).
Emma E. Johnston, wife of Henry Johnston, is a descendant of Daniel Dilts, who came from Germany during the early part of the eighteenth century and settled in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, where he resided until his death. He married and left male issue including a son, Daniel (2) Dilts, born in Hunterdon county in 1741, and there resided a great many years. This Daniel Dilts was very active in efforts to raise Hunterdon's quota of troops for the Revolutionary army, serv- ing as recruiting officer and in all possible ways aiding the cause of independence. He was also a civil officer of the town, serving as constable. In 1802 he moved to Washington township, Morris county, New Jersey, and there bought a farm of one hundred and seventeen acres upon
which he lived until his death in 1827. He married Rebecca Marlatt, born in 1750, who survived him, living to the ad- vanced age of eighty-three years. Daniel and Rebecca Dilts were among the earli- est members of the Methodist Episcopal church in their locality. At that early day regular places of worship were few and far between, the few settlers gather- ing for worship at the home of someone centrally located, and there listened to the words of the missionary preacher who found his way on horseback from place to place on his long circuit. The Dilts home was one of the houses where the itinerant preacher was always made welcome and hospitably entertained, that home also thrown open to all who would come to the preaching services which were held there. Daniel and Rebecca Dilts were the parents of: Peter, John, George, Joseph, Daniel, Sarah, Rachel, and Re- becca Dilts.
Daniel (3) Dilts was born in Hunter- don county, New Jersey, January 22, 1789, died July 17, 1867. He purchased the homestead in Morris county of his father in 1812, retaining ownership as long as he lived. He was a man of high character, prudent in the management of his affairs, very benevolent and public- spirited, aiding in all the movements tend- ing to benefit his community. He led a very quiet, modest life, never seeking office or political preferment, but upright and honorable, and pursued the even ten- or of his way. He accumulated a compe- tence by industry and judicious manage- ment, leaving to his children not only the record of a well-spent life, but a fair por- tion of this world's goods. Like his hon- ored parents, he was a devout Christian and a strong pillar of the Methodist church. He married Elizabeth Neighbor, born in 1795, died June 29, 1831, daughter of John Neighbor, of Morris county, New Jersey. Children: Nathan, who resided in Wash-
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ington, New Jersey; Anna, died unmar- ried; Elijah N., of further mention; Re- becca, married Peter S. Bergen, of Somer- set county, New Jersey ; Isaiah, who was a prominent lawyer of the Somerset county bar, residing at Somerville, New Jersey ; Abner, who lived on the old homestead at German Valley, Morris county, where his father also lived and died; George S., a practicing physician at Raritan, New Jer- sey, for several years, served four years in the Union army (1861-65) as surgeon with the rank of major, later located in Baltimore, Maryland, where he died.
Elijah N. Dilts, son of Daniel (3) and Elizabeth (Neighbor) Dilts, was born at the homestead, German Valley, Morris county, New Jersey, February 10, 1818, died June 14, 1901. He was educated in the district school, and until he was twenty-eight years of age remained at the homestead. After his marriage he moved to Washington township, Warren county, New Jersey, and settled on a farm owned by his father. He began his residence there April 3, 1846, and in 1848 purchased the farm of his father, and there resided until his death. This farm of one hun- dred and forty acres lay so near the town of Washington that it later became a part of the borough of Washington when it was so incorporated. Mr. Dilts also be- came the owner of the homestead farm in Morris county settled by his grand- father, which he purchased from the heirs of his father's estate. He was a man of strong convictions with force of character and resolution to carry to completion whatever he undertook and believed to be right. He devoted his life almost exclu- sively to agriculture, never accepting poli- tical office although often importuned. Like his honored father he was a Whig in politics, but after the formation of the Republican party he ever acted with that organization. Both he and his wife were devoted Methodists joining that church in
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