USA > New Jersey > Memorial cyclopedia of New Jersey, Volume III > Part 40
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ing trips, and was a member of the Youn- takah and Aquackanock Country clubs of Passaic, and the Automobile Club of America. He was also a member of the Cosmos Club of Washington, the Lawyers' Club of New York City, and the Passaic Club of Passaic. He was governor of the Michigan Society of New York, and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. His college fra- ternity was the Theta Delta Chi. In all these clubs and societies he took an active interest and was most highly regarded by liis fellow members.
Mr. Mason married, in 1891, Daisy Comstock, daughter of Frank Asbury and Emma Helena Simons, of Water- town, New York. His wife and three children -- Annette, Helena, and Victor Louis (2d)-survive him.
In the latter part of November, 1911, Mr. Mason went to England in the inter- 'est of the North Carolina Transcontinen- tal Construction Company, and for sev- eral months was engaged in the flotation of a twenty-five million-dollar bond issue of that company. After completing the bond sale to English capitalists, Mr. Ma- son gave a luncheon to some personal friends in London, including Commander Marsh, an officer of the English army and at noted aviator. Aviation was a subject of interest to Mr. Mason; he had once made an ascent in a biplane in the United States. Naturally the conversa- tion turned to aviation, and after luncheon the party, on invitation of Commander Marsh, motored to Aviation Field at Brooklands. As Mr. Mason had ex- pressed a wish to go up, Commander Marsh secured him a seat in a monoplane piloted by the daring aviator, E. V. R. Fisher. After being in flight but a few minutes the machine became unmanage- able and fell to the ground, injuring Mr. Mason fatally.
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The following tributes to Mr. Mason's memory speak volumes in his praise :
At a special meeting of the members of the Passaic Board of Trade, held May twenty-third, nineteen hundred and twelve, the following min- ute was unanimously adopted:
The Passaic Board of Trade is met in special session upon the saddest occasion in its history. Words cannot express the sorrow and loss we and the entire city of Passaic have sustained in the death of Victor Louis Mason. We feel im- potent to adequately honor the memory of such a life. As our president for five years we knew Mr. Mason as an inspiring leader in every move- ment for civic betterment; a leader who com- manded respect, confidence, and finally success. The good that he has done will live after him. The Board of Trade never before achieved such success as it has under the presidency of Victor Louis Mason. It has been during the period of his residence and activity among us that the city of Passaic has had its largest growth, and become most widely known. Mr. Mason's marked executive ability, his high personal char- acter, and pleasing personality were freely ac- knowledged on every hand. In city, State and national councils, his advice and assistance were freely given and highly esteemed.
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We shall miss his wise leadership, his faculty for accomplishment, and his personal friendship. We shall miss him more than we can tell. His capacity and willingness to labor for the up- building of his city were conspicuous and nota- ble. Therefore be it
Resolved, That we record our high regard and affection for our late president, Victor Louis Mason, and our deep appreciation of the volun- tary public services rendered by him to the Board and to the city of Passaic, also our keen sense of loss in his death, and that we extend to his family our heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement. CIAS. F. H. JOHNSON.
Secretary.
Directors-Christian Balmsen, Alfred R. Bar- ton, R. H. Bremner, E. J. Coughlin, Isaac W. England, Julius Forstmann, W. F. Gaston, Thomas A. M. Goodlate, Chas. F. H. Johnson, Robt. D. Kent, Richard Morrell, Edward A. Poor, George C. Hohlig, George P. Rust, Rich- ard Scoles, George N. Seger, Alex. Stuart, B. G. Volger, F. Wilckes.
The Interstate Bridge Commission and
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the New Jersey Interstate Bridge and Tunnel Commission in joint session :
In the passing of Victor Louis Mason, chair- man of the New Jersey Bridge Commission and vice-chairman of the joint commissions since their organizations in nineteen hundred and six, the public service with respect to improved interstate transportation between New York and New Jersey has sustained a great loss and his colleagues on these commissions realize the deprivation of his wise counsel and excellent business judgment; association with him in con- ference lightened our labors. Let us therefore pause to note upon the minutes of our proceed- ings our respectful voice in memory of his de- votion to his duties in connection with our work and the pleasant companionship he afforded us:
Resolved, That the secretary cause a copy of this minute duly certified and suitably engrossed to be transmitted to the family of Victor Louis Mason with the condolence of the members of the New York Interstate Bridge Commission and the New Jersey Interstate Bridge and Tun- nel Commission.
MCDOUGALL HAWKES, Chairman.
At a special meeting of the board of directors of the North Carolina Trans- continental Construction Company, held at its offices in the City of New York, May 21, 1912, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God in His wise Providence to remove from our midst our esteemed associate and loyal friend, Victor L. Mason, a man whom to meet was to love; a true friend, a capable officer; a man of unusual energy and zeal, and of high integrity, a Chris- tian gentleman, and a patriotic citizen, and.
Whereas, The long and intimate relation held with him in the faithful discharge of his duties as president of this company makes it eminently fitting that we record our appreciation of him, therefore
Resolved, That the sudden removal of such a life leaves a vacancy and a shadow that will be deeply realized by all members and friends of this organization, and will prove a serious loss to the community and public.
Resolved, That we convey to the bereaved wife and family of our departed associate and
friend our deep sympathy in this their hour of trial.
Resolved, That an engrossed copy of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved family, duly signed by the authorized officers.
T. C. DUPONT, President.
Attest: A. H. FAUST, Secretary.
GODLEY, John Forman, Enterprising Business Man.
The late- John Forman Godley, of Tren- ton, New Jersey, was a fine example of a man born to command. Wise to plan, quick in action, capable of prolonged labor, all these qualities were combined with a power of close concentration. He had a habit of investigating thoroughly every detail of a proposed enterprise, and of calculating closely the probable con- sequences of any given policy. Every subject was given intense thought, and when satisfied with the conclusions at which he had arrived, he had the courage of his convictions in the face of deter- mined opposition. His mistakes in judg- ment were few and far between.
William Godley, great-grandfather of John Forman Godley, married Mary Rockhill, daughter of Edward Rockhill, a prominent man of Hunterdon county, New Jersey.
William (2) Godley, son of William (1) and Mary (Rockhill) Godley, bought a tract of land of two hundred acres in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, in 1791, and the following year built the large stone homestead on it. The Godleys were Methodists, and as there was no church in the neighborhood, the presiding elder held meetings at regular intervals at this homestead. He married (first) Abigail Grandin, and when she died he married (second) her sister, Eleanor (Grandin) Covenhoven, a widow, daughters of Philip and Eleanor (Forman) Grandin. Philip
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J. J. Godley.
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Grandin was commissioned major of the Second Military Battalion by Governor Franklin, April 10, 1771.
Augustus Godley, son of William (2) and Eleanor (Grandin-Covenhoven) God- ley, was born on the Godley homestead in Hunterdon county, New Jersey. He was the owner of a mill, and Godley Mills, Hunterdon county, was named in his honor. He was also the possessor of other extensive lands in Hunterdon county. New Jersey. He finally sold his mill and retired to the homestead which, after his death, was purchased by his son, John Forman Godley. Augustus Godley married (first) Mary Disbrough, (second) Elizabeth Paul Forman, a descendant of the Rev. William Forman, of England, whose son, Robert Forman, had returned to England from Holland, having mar- ried Johanna -, and from thence emigrating to America, locating in Flush- ing, Long Island, in 1645. Their son, , Aaron Forman, married Dorothy
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Their son, Samuel Forman, high sheriff of Monmouth, 1605, married Mary Wil- fore, of Rhode Island. Their fourth son, Ezekiel Forman, married Elizabeth Sea- brook, sister of Daniel Seabrook. Their son, Dr. Aaron Forman, married Ann Emley, daughter of John and Sarah (Lawrence) Emley. Their son, John Emley Forman, married Sidney Paul Rakestraw. Their daughter, Elizabeth Paul Forman, became the second wife of Augustus Godley and mother of John Forman Godley.
John Forman Godley, son of Augustus and Elizabeth Paul (Forman) Godley, was born on the Godley homestead, at Godley Mills, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, August 21, 1845, and died at Tren- ton, New Jersey, April 22, 1913. His ele- mentary education was acquired in the town of his birth, and he then became a student at the Excelsior Normal Insti-
tute at Carversville, and later at the At- tleboro Institution, Pennsylvania. About the year 1875 he removed to Trenton, and there established himself in the whole- sale bedding and spring business, in asso- ciation with Jacob C. Bloom, the firm name being Bloom & Godley. They com- menced business in a modest way in a small building on South Warren street, near Fall street. Three years later they had outgrown their quarters, and rented a structure on South Broad street, oppo- site Lafayette. The progressive methods put into practice here caused a steady and consistent increase in the demands made upon their business resources, and they soon outgrew these quarters also. In 1889 they erected a large and modern plant at Nos. 203-207 North Willow street, which is the present home of this important concern. It has been found necessary to improve and make additions to the original building from time to time as the growing needs demanded. This firm is the only one in the city which manufactures bedding and bed springs, and one of the very few in the State en- gaged in this industry. About eight years prior to the death of Mr. Godley, the busi- ness was incorporated, at which time Mr. Godley was chosen president of the cor- poration, Mr. Bloom was made treasurer, and William Cooley, of Trenton, secre- tary.
The reliable methods which have char- acterized this business from the outset have resulted in gaining the confidence of all who have had dealings with it, and the majority of its patrons are of very long standing. Mr. Godley never held public office, holding the opinion that he was best serving the interests of the community by devoting his time and at- tention to increasing her material pros- perity by means of his business. He has. however, always been a generous and
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hearty supporter of any project which tended for the public welfare in any par- ticular. Of a deeply religious nature, Mr. Godley was a member of the Third Pres- byterian Church for a period of thirty- five years, during thirty of which he taught a class of young men in the Sun- day school. He was a member of the church session for almost a quarter of a century, serving as sessional treasurer about eighteen years. In early years he became a member of the Young Men's Christian Association, and at the time of his death had been a director of this or- ganization for many years. His fine and commodious residence was at No. 197 West State street.
Mr. Godley married Sarah E. Hunt, youngest daughter of Edward and Effie Hunt, of Milford, New Jersey. He was buried in Milford Union Cemetery, in the beautiful family plot, marked by a hand- some granite monument of noble propor- tions. The view from here, looking up the river to the west among the hills to the setting sun, is most charming and not to be forgotten by those who have looked upon the beautiful scene. Mr. Godley was of a genial, warm-hearted dis- position and his generosity and philan- thropy were well known. A tale of dis- tress was always a passport to his sympa- thetic heart, and he did not rest until the trouble had been alleviated to the best of his ability. The entire career of Mr. God- ley was marked by uprightness and sin- cerity of purpose.
CROSBY, Henry Barrett,
Founder of an Important Business.
Of the three important periods in the life of Henry Barrett Crosby, Paterson's leading merchant for so many years- childhood, youth and man, the first and second most truly show his mettle and
the strength of his character. Descended from good English forbears, he inherited a strain of ambition, industry, persever- ance and determination which, with a sound mind and body, were his only fortune. Yet as a boy he worked, con- trived and saved, secured enough educa- tion to render his after business life secure, purchased his freedom, and par- tially learned a trade. His youth was a repetition of his childhood experiences, but he persevered, never lost heart, and at the age of twenty-seven years had com- pleted his trade, tested of many of life's changes, accumulated a small capital which he invested in a small business in Paterson that grew and grew until at his retirement he had been for many years at the head of a very large whole- sale and retail grocery business. When prosperity came, the traits that won suc- cess predominated, and that period of his life was noble and useful. But the twen- ty-seven years preceding his entrance into business and the first years there- after were the years that proved his in- ward quality and his right to rank as "a man among men."
Henry Barrett Crosby was a descend- ant in the seventh generation of the Cros- by family in America founded by Simon Crosby, who came from England to New England in 1635, on the ship "Susan and Ellen." Simon Crosby was a descendant of that Ode de Crosseby who was consta- ble of Titchall, Yorkshire, England, in 1204 A. D. and bore arms: Per chevron sable, argent three goats pass, counter- charged. Watson Crosby, of the sixth generation, moved from Massachusetts to Brattleboro, Vermont, but never pros- pered financially, although noted for honesty and shrewdness of wit. He mar- ried Desiah Bangs, and had ten children, his only fortune. .
Henry Barrett, son of Watson and De-
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siah (Bangs) Crosby, was born at Brat- tleboro, Vermont, April 13, 1815, and died in Paterson, New Jersey. He attended the public schools until ten years of age, then began a life of toil and privation that extended over a long period, but which, instead of crushing his spirit and ambition, developed those latent qualities that carried him finally to the topmost rounds of the ladder of success. He work- ed for two years on a neighboring farm, his employer being the grandfather of President Rutherford B. Hayes. At twelve years of age the family returned to Massachusetts, locating in Springfield. the lad beginning work in a cotton fac- tory at Chicopee Falls. At the age of fourteen years he began learning the paper maker's trade, but the introduction of machinery convinced him that the day of the handmade paper worker was over. He worked at farming at fifteen dollars monthly wages until sixteen years of age, then decided upon the machinist's trade as his life work. He went to Woonsocket. Rhode Island, where for six months he worked for his board, then for eight months at one dollar per day wages. He made rapid progress in his trade, and next went to Chicopee Falls, where he worked until June, 1834. His parents had returned to Brattleboro some time before, and, having saved some money, he re- solved to visit them and spend a few months in attending school. He did so and for six months attended Brattleboro Academy. During this period he bought his release from his father, giving him notes for two hundred and twenty dol- lars, which he later paid in full. He was then about twenty years of age, and with nothing but his freedom papers he again started out to face the world. He secured employment in a machine shop at Ware, Massachusetts, where he was employed three years. He then
started west by way of the Erie Canal, but only got as far as Utica, New York, then started on the return journey. He got as far as Troy, there being taken sick. After recovery he went to Poughkeepsie, where he obtained employment at his trade, helping to build two engines for piledriving purposes. He then started to return to Massachusetts, but on the steamer he met Supt. Lawton, under whom he had formerly worked, and by him was induced to go to Paterson, New Jersey, where Samuel Colt was beginning the manufacture of guns and pistols under his own patents. He arrived in Paterson, April 23, 1837, being then twenty-two years of age. He worked for Mr. Colt for some time, contracting portions of the lock and revolving parts of the guns. Mr. Colt did not succeed and Mr. Crosby was again out of work. Fortune now de- serted him, his health failed, and he was obliged to spend a summer at Cape May. A summer by the sea completely restored his health, but times were bad, and hav- ing a very few hundred dollars saved he decided to invest it in a small grocery store, although he had no especial knowl- edge of that line of trade. He secured as assistant Lewis L. Conklin, and under his advice stocked a small store on Main street, near Broadway, opening for busi- ness, May 6, 1868. The little venture was a success, Mr. Crosby proved an apt pupil, and soon demonstrated that at last he had found his true vocation. In two years he was compelled to enlarge, and, moving his business to Main street and Broadway, he obtained commodious and more suitable quarters. There he re- mained ten years, then by purchase ac- quired more property on Main street, and the property in the rear extending to Washington street. He then not only ex- tended his retail lines but also added a wholesale department. His business be-
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came very large in both departments, but Mr. Crosby had grown with it, and at no time was he at a loss to properly man- age and direct it. In 1867 he admitted his son, J. Henry Crosby, to a partnership under the firm name of H. B. Crosby & Son. For twenty-one years longer he continued at the head of the magnificent business he had created, then on April 2. 1888, after forty-five years of successful endeavor in mercantile life, he retired, his son continuing under the reorganized form, Crosby, Ackerman & Van Gieson, until 1893.
During these forty-five years Mr. Cros- by, although starting with no experience and little capital, never allow a note or check to go to protest, never owed a bill that was not paid exactly when due, nor ever paid less than one hundred cents on the dollar. He was both exact and exact- ing, rendered to every man his just due, and demanded from others the same, He never went outside his chosen business, but into that he threw all the energy he possessed. He personally directed and superintended his business, not until 1869 allowing himself an extended vacation. He then toured Europe with his family, and also spent eight months in California. His business record is a wonderful one, but its beginning was on the sure founda- tions of honesty and uprightness, and on these foundations was built the largest business of its kind, perhaps in the entire State.
It is pleasant to record that Mr. Crosby was also a man of public spirit, and aided in the establishment of other enterprises of importance and was foremost in civic improvement. After his return from Europe in 1869 he read a paper before the Paterson Board of Trade on "public parks," the result of his investigation of parks and park systems abroad. From this paper sprang the movement that gave
to Paterson her splendid park system, Mr. Crosby long serving as president of the board of park commissioners. He was associated with others in founding the Cedar Lawn Cemetery Association, and from 1876 was its president. He aided wonderfully in the suburban development of Paterson as president of a building as- sociation, as president of the East Side Land Company, as president of the Pas- saic Land Improvement Company at Lake View, and gave an impetus to the building of modern homes of beauty by erecting his own beautiful home, corner of Broadway and Paterson streets, in 1853, the location then being a cornfield.
He was one of the largest stockholders in the First National Bank, aided in its organization, was a member of its first board of directors, and always held that position while he served. He was for many years vice-president of the Pater- son Savings Institution, was one of the - organizers of the Paterson Board of Trade, and in New York was connected with the Produce Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce. In all these his sound judgment, prudence and practical business experience were of the greatest value. He gave to them the same care- ful attention that he gave to his private business, neglecting no precaution to safeguard corporate interests entrusted to him.
In religious faith, Mr. Crosby was a Baptist, a member of the Paterson First Church for forty years, serving as trustee and member of the building committee that erected their new edifice. In politics he was an ardent Republican, served as a delegate to the convention that nomi- nated Abraham Lincoln for President, and always was a loyal supporter of party principles. He was a strong temperance man and, when starting in business in 1843, excluded all liquors from his stock.
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Thus at all points Mr. Crosby met the requirements of good citizenship. He was indeed the builder of his own fortune, and right well he built, but withal he was modest and unassuming. His life should prove an inspiration to the young man, showing as it does that no place in the business world is beyond the reach of the clean living, clearheaded, ambitious and persevering boy or man, even though handicapped by little capital and the ab- sence of influential friends.
Mr. Crosby married (first) February 27, 1840, Pauline Fairfield Hathorn, born at Smithfield, New Jersey, September 3, 1821, died at Paterson, January 23, 1872, daughter of Thomas W. and Anna (Hinchman) Hathorn, and granddaugh- ter of General John Hathorn, of General Washington's staff during the Revolu- tion, and a member of the Second and Fourth United States Congresses. Mr. Crosby married (second) December 6, 1875, Harriet Eliza Rogers, born January 8, 1839, daughter of Noah and Rebecca (Clark) Rogers, of Cornwall, Connecti- cut, a descendant of Puritan and Hugue- not ancestors. Children of the first mar- riage : Pauline Crosby, married Samuel Coit Allen; John Henry, married Mary Harriet Crowell; Annie Louise, married Isaac Newton, Jr .; Isabella Stewart, de- ceased. Children of second marriage : Henry Barrett (2), married Mabel Mari- on; Florence Lyon. Mrs. Crosby died in September, 1916.
PERRY, Oliver H., Financier, Enterprising Citizen.
The late Oliver H. Perry, of Jersey City, New Jersey, well and favorably known in business and social circles, had inherited in rich measure the sterling qualities which characterized his distin- guished ancestors. He was a descendant
in a direct line of Edward Perry, a Quak- er, who came from Devonshire, England, to Sandwich, Massachusetts, where, Jan- uary 1, 1676, he wrote, "A Railing Against the Court of Plymouth," and was heavily fined for this article. He married Mary, a daughter of Lieutenant-Governor Ed- mund and Elizabeth Freeman, and their son migrated to Rhode Island, where one of his descendants was the famous
Captain Christopher Raymond 'Perry, of the United States Navy, born at Newport, Rhode Island, December 4, 1761, and died there, June 1, 1818. He devoted his life to the service of his coun- try. He first enlisted in the "Kingston Reds;" served in the patriot army, and then on a privateer, and on the "Mifflin" was captured, and lay for three months in the "Jersey," the famous prison ship, but escaped; reenlisted on the "Trumbull," and was in the battle with the "Watt." Later he was again captured, while on a privateer, and kept a prisoner at Newry, Ireland. Captain Perry made voyages in the mercantile marine trade to the East Indies, and his appointment as a post captain in the United States Navy came to him January 9, 1798. He built and commanded the "General Greene," and cruised in the West Indies, cooperating with Toussaint L'Ouverture in the civil war in Santa Domingo. When the navy was nearly disbanded in 1801, he was ap- pointed collector of Newport, but not long afterward retired to private life. While in Newry, Ireland, he first met his wife, Sarah Wallace Alexander, whom he married at Philadelphia, in October, 1784. She was born in Newry, County Down, Ireland, in 1768, and died in New London, Connecticut, December 4, 1830. Her grandfather was James Wallace, an offi- cer in the Scotch army, and a signer of the Solemn League and Covenant, who fled in 1600 with many others from
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