USA > New Jersey > Memorial cyclopedia of New Jersey, Volume III > Part 42
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43
In the world of Newark finance he oc- cupied a similar leading position. He was a director of the Newark Banking Company, and from February 17, 1902, until his death he was president of the Howard Savings Institution, succeeding Frederick Frelinghuysen when the latter became president of the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, of which Mr. Vanderpoel was adjustor. He was a member of the Board of Trade, and for the four years preceding his death was treasurer of the Essex County Board of Park Commissioners. This was the only public official position he would accept, although his friend, Governor Murphy, offered him an important appointment on the Court of Errors and Appeals. He was a member of the Democratic party until alienated by the Free Silver doc- trines that prevailed for a time in that party, thereafter acting with the Repub- lican party, but steadfastly declining all offers of a political nature. He was a member of the Essex Club, Essex Coun- ty Country Club, the University of New York, the Engineers' Club of New York and the Princeton Club. He had many friends in these organizations, as he had elsewhere, his sterling qualities winning and holding the regard of his fellowmen.
Death came in the dread form of ap- pendicitis, his daughters both being ab- sent, one in Europe and the other on a sick bed at Short Hills. The various bodies with which he was affiliated and the institutions with which he was con- nected all passed resolutions of respect, and his funeral was attended by a large number of friends and acquaintances, the list of honorary pall bearers containing the names of men distinguished in city, State and Nation. The Board of Trade
of the city of Newark passed resolutions that admirably expressed the regard in which Mr. Vanderpoel was held. The resolutions were as follows : "Prominent- ly identified with the business interests of the city during all the years of his life, he attained a prominence in manufactur- ing which placed him at the head of his chosen profession, earning by his talent the reputation of an expert without a superior. Prominently identified with the leading financial institutions of Newark, his advice, judgment and mental balance were considered by his associates of a high order. His opinions were prized because of his ripened judgment and acute intelligence. While refusing to take any active part in political affairs his advice upon questions of public policy was often sought." Mr. Vanderpoel was all his life a member of Trinity Protest- ant Episcopal Church.
Mr. Vanderpoel married, in 1868, Elea- nor E. Tiffany, whom he survived four years. A daughter married (first) How- ard W. Hayes, (second) Mr. Pennington. Another daughter married Sheppard Homans.
ROBERTS, Christopher.
Manufacturer, Man of Fine Qualities.
The life and career of Christopher Rob- erts, late a distinguished citizen of New- ark, New Jersey, were but another proof of the close kinship in blood and spirit, thought and manner, existing between the two great members of the Anglo- Saxon race, the American and English peoples. For Mr. Roberts was not a native of New Jersey, nor indeed of the United States, his parentage being Eng- lish, and his birth occurring in the city of Manchester, England, yet his assimila- tion into the social fabric of his adopted State-New Jersey-was so complete that
287
-
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
he became entirely identified with its life and traditions, feeling full sympathy for its ideals and sharing in its characteristic achievements with its native sons.
Born January 5, 1827, at Manchester, England, Christopher Roberts passed his youth and early manhood in his native land. His education was received at his father's home in Manchester, where he enjoyed the advantages of private tutors and proved himself an apt and ready scholar. He also attended for a time a private school at the town of Chorley, a small place in the immediate vicinity of Manchester. After completing his studies, he turned his attention to business activ- ities, and as a preliminary learned all the details in connection with the manufac -. ture of rubber, and became associated with his cousins, the Hopes, of Manches- ter, who were engaged in that city in the rubber industry on a large scale. Mr. Roberts continued this association until the year 1849, at which time he was twenty-two years of age. For some time past his attention had been drawn to the great opportunities which awaited men of enterprise and intelligence in the great western Republic across the sea, and he determined to try his fortune there. Ac- cordingly, in the above mentioned year, he came to America in charge of a cargo of machinery to be used by the Hopes in their manufacturing business which they had established at Providence, Rhode Island, where they erected a large factory for the manufacture of rubber thread, such as is used in the production of elastic cloth, etc. Mr. Roberts became a party to this enterprise, and once more found himself in association with his cousins, this time, however, in the New World. Eventually, however, he with- drew, and went to Middletown, Connec- ticut, where he engaged in the rubber making business on his own account, his
specialties being stationer's rubber and druggist's supplies. He did not remain a great while in Middletown, however, but from there came to Newark, New Jersey, where he permanently settled, and built up a very large industrial business, manu- facturing principally stationer's rubber, and continued there until his death on the 20th day of September, 1903. He built a large factory in the New Jersey city which was, however, no more than suffi- cient to house his rapidly developing operations. He continued actively em- ployed in this line until his death, the con- cern being known in later years as the C. Roberts Rubber Company.
Mr. Roberts did not, however, confine his interests entirely to his industrial ac- tivities, but was associated with other important concerns in Newark, especially the Essex County National Bank of that city, of which he was a director. While most keenly interested in political issues and a staunch supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, he confined his activities in this direction to the exercise of the franchise and to such personal influence as he could exert in his capacity as private citizen. He was politically unambitious, avoiding rather than seeking office and indeed consistent- ly reiused to consider emerging from pri- vate life. Mr. Roberts was naturally of a retiring disposition, and found his chief pleasure by his own fireside. One of his strongest tastes was that for books, and he was a great and wide reader. He was an Episcopalian in his religious belief, and a prominent member of the Trinity Epis- copal Parish in Newark, of which he was a vestryman for a number of years. An- other of his activities was that in connec- tion with charitable movements and en- terprises. He was a great lover of dumb animals, and for a time was president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
288
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
to Animals of Newark. He did not spend a great deal of his time in social activities, as he found his chief pleasure and recre- ation in his own household. His clubs were the Essex Club of Newark, and the Essex County Country Club. He was also a member of the Washington Asso- ciation of New Jersey.
In the spring of 1851 Mr. Roberts was united in marriage with Mary Campbell, in the City of New York, on her arrival from England, where she was born in 1825. They were the parents of three children as follows; Frederick Duncan, born at Middletown, Connecticut; Ed- ward Redfern, born at Newark, New Jer- sey; and Emily Elizabeth, born at New- ark, New Jersey, married George S. Coxe, and to this union there were born two children: George R. and Campbell R.
UEBELACKER, Armin, M. D., Physician.
Among those whose professional repu- tation was exceptional in Morristown, New Jersey, was the late Dr. Armin Uebelacker, a distinguished physician of German birth, whose justly merited posi- tion in professional and social circles was due to his remarkable talents and the suc- cess with which he met in his chosen career. A close student of human nature, as well as of the technicalities of his pro- fession, he applied the knowledge which he thus acquired with singular felicity, and with the result that there was no more popular or progressive practitioner in the town. Courteous and kindly in manner, quiet and self-contained, he in- spired confidence in those whom he would heal; and he was welcomed wherever he went, not only as the mitigator of bodily ills, but as a true friend and counsellor.
Dr. Armin Uebelacker, son of John George and Catherine (Wehner) Uebe- N J-3-19
lacker, was born in Voelkershausen, Ba- varia, Germany, April 8, 1831, and died at his home in Morristown, New Jersey, February 6, 1914. After the necessary preparation in elementary schools he be- came a student at the gymnasium (corre- sponding to our high school), in Schwein- furth, Bavaria, and from there went to the university at Erlangen, from which he was graduated with honor. His musical education as a pianist was a most thor- ough one, and for a short time he studied medicine. He then decided that America offered better opportunities for advance- ment, for a progressive and energetic phy- sician, and determined to finish his medical studies in this country. He accordingly came to the United States in 1851, and for a time made use of his musical proficiency, and gave instruction in this art. Again turning to the medical profession, he took up his studies in this field at the Homco- pathic College of the City of New York, from which he was graduated in the class of 1871, after a three years' course. He at once established himself in the prac- tice of his profession at Schooleys moun- tain, New Jersey, but after a short time, removed to Morristown, with which he was identified from that time. He be- came one of the best known and most highly respected physicians of that sec- tion, and his friends were legion. Not only was he honored and respected by his patients, but by the business men of his chosen city. He never made a specialty of any particular branch of the healing art, but his love for children was such an integral part of his being that he seemed especially fitted to take care of them and their ailments. He was a member of the State Homeopathic Society, of which he served, at various times, as president ; he was a charter member of the State Board of New Jersey Medical Examiners, had served as president, secretary and treas-
289
-
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
urer, and at the time of his death was the incumbent of the last-named office. He took an active interest in the public affairs of the community, and was ever ready to lend his hearty cooperation to furthering any plan which tended toward the betterment or development of the community. He was devoted to his pro- fession, and when engaged on any case, his mind was filled with that to the ex- clusion of all thought on trivial subjects. He was a devout member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morristown, and a liberal contributor to its support.
Dr. Uebelacker married, June 14, 1859. Mary C. Miller, still residing in Morris- town, and a daughter of the Rev. George B. Miller, D. D., and Delia (Snyder) Mil- ler, and a descendant of a family of dis- tinction among the Huguenots. There were four children of this marriage, of whom there is now living one son : Charles F., an electrical, civil and me- chanical engineer, who was graduated from Princeton University in the class of 1889. He is a member of the firm of Ford, Bacon & Davis, of New York City, while his home is in Hackensack, New Jersey. . He married Adele Adams, of Cleveland, Ohio, and they have sons: Armin Adams and David Adams. Rev. George B. Mil- ler, father of Mrs. Uebelacker, was a life- long minister of the Lutheran church. He was professor of theology at Hartwick Seminary for forty years, at the same time continuing to preach in the Lutheran church. When Dr. Uebelacker died, the State Board of Medical Examiners passed resolutions as follows :
Humbly bowing to the will of Divine Provi- dence to give expression to our deep sorrow over the death of our friend and companion, Armin Uebelacker, M. D., who died on the Sixth day of February, 1914, we mourn him as a genial friend, and companion, a man of high and honor- able instincts, of the most estimable character, of a sunny nature that made his presence always
a pleasure, as a leading spirit in all our associa- tions and gatherings, and as one whose conduct and example were for all that was honorable and good. His long and busy life was one of charity and unselfishness. Mere words cannot express our sorrow over che loss of such a friend and companion, but in this inadequate manner we desire to place our feelings on record. In deep- est sorrow over the loss of one whose memory will ever remain with us.
(Signed) THE COMMITTEE.
ZUSI, Edward, Enterprising Business Man.
Edward Zusi, one of Newark's promi- nent manufacturers and business men, was born in that city in the year 1850, and for the whole of his life of sixty-three years was intimately associated with its life in many of its aspects, having made it at once his home and place of business. For many years Mr. Zusi lived at No. 263 South Seventh street, in the district known as the West End, where he had always been an active and important factor in every phase of its advancement and uplift. He obtained an elementary education in the local public schools up to the age of twelve years and then found employment with an elder brother, who at the time was operating a brass foundry in Mechanic street. In this line of work Mr. Zusi spent his youth, and upon reach- ing his majority purchased from his brother the business and continued it until the time of his death. In the course of time Mr. Zusi built up a large and lucra- tive business.
Besides his interest in his own manu- facturing concern, he was associated with many business and financial enterprises in Newark, and for more than forty years had been a prominent figure in the indus- trial and civic life of the community. He was an expert in building and loan mat- ters, and for more than thirteen years had been president of the West End Associa-
290
Millian marshall.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tion, one of the largest concerns of its on South Seventh street, and caused wide- kind in New Jersey and gave freely to it spread sorrow, especially throughout the West End section His funeral services were held in the Church of St. Antoninus, on South Orange avenue and South Ninth street, where a solemn high mass of requiem was sung, of his time and energy. It was one of his greatest causes for pride that its opera- tion was so successful and the benefits accruing to its members so substantial. He was one of the organizers of the West End Club, and its treasurer from its in- In Edward Zusi. Newark has lost a type of the old-fashioned yet progressive business men ; old fashioned in the sub- stantial imegrity of his ideals, yet pro- gressive enough to adopt modern im- provements in the conduct of affairs. In all the offices of trust which he held at various times, his conduct was above re- proach, alike on the score of rectitude and intelligence. He is survived by his wife, Mis. Celestine B. Zusi, and his two sons -- Leonard B., treasurer of the Paddock- Zusi Motor Car Company, and Norman E., treasurer and secretary of the Meis- selbach-Catucci Manufacturing Company. ception to his own death. He was a di- rector of the Ironbound Trust Company. But Mr. Zusi's activities were not con- fined to the commercial side of the city's life. He was a lifelong member of the Democratic party, and deeply interested in the politics of the community, and a few years ago found time to participate actively in them. In 1897 he was elected to the old board of education, and upon the expiration of his term was appointed to the same board to complete the unex- pired term of a deceased member. Mr. Zusi and his family were members of the Catholic church.
Something over two years ago Mr. Zusi was attacked by a complication of internal ailments of a very serious nature, and shortly after underwent a grave sur- gical operation in the German Hospital · of Newark. The operation, which was an extremely delicate and difficult one, was nevertheless successful and brought such relief to him that in a few weeks he was able once more to attend to his various duties. Even at the time, however, it was realized that this relief could be but a temporary one, and accordingly, but a few months before his death, the expected re- currence of his trouble made its appear- ance. Mr. Zusi did not give up his active life, however, until within a few weeks of his death, when the symptoms became much graver, and these, indeed, increased in gravity so that, by his family at least. the end was expected for some time be- fore its actual arrival. His death finally occurred May 24, 1913, at his residence
MARSHALL, William,
Manufacturer, Enterprising Citizen.
The interest that attaches to the career of William Marshall, long known as a varnish manufacturer of Newark, is that which is always felt in the rise of a man to high and commanding position, when such estate is gained through the exercise of qualities of industry, foresight, judg- ment, and honor. That for thirty years Mr. Marshall held leading position in his line, combatting and overcoming worthy competition and almost ruinous trade con- ditions, was a triumph of business sagac- ity and executive ability, and his col- leagues and associates rendered him the tribute of implicit faith and confidence. Distinguished as was his record in the world of business, his accomplishments wear greater lustre when placed by the side of his devoted service in nobler walks of life, his consecrated support of re-
291
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ligious work, and the fine fraternal spirit he brought into his relations with his fel- lows. His life was one in which were blended virtues of strength and beauty, and his influence was ever a potent force on the side of right.
He was born in Leith, Scotland, Janu- ary 9, 1848, and that place was his home until 1848, when his parents moved to London. In London his education was' obtained, and on April 13, 1859, a lad of eleven years, he began his activity in varnish manufacture, becoming employed in the establishment of John Edward Ives, member of the family which holds such an important place in the early history of varnish manufacture. He applied him- self to the mastery of the art of varnish making with energetic industry, with re- sults the full value of which did not show until later years. Not long after attain- ing his majority he left home, in 1870 journeying to Canada, obtaining a po- sition in the Montreal house of R. C. Jamieson & Company, also varnish manu- facturers, and in March, 1871, resigning his position with the Canadian concern to enter the employ of William Tilden Blodgett, who at that time was the largest manufacturer of varnish in the United States. Having thus supplemented his thorough English training with a study of the best American methods, Mr. Mar- shall established in independent opera- tions in Newark, adopting the best of both systems, and from 1872 until his death continued as a manufacturer. The financial panic of 1873 was upon the coun- try before he had little more than started his activities, but, with stout heart and hopeful vision, he met the distressing con- ditions everywhere prevalent at that time, and when confidence was once more re- stored in the world of trade the expansion of his business began. The purity and high quality of his products everywhere attracted favorable comment, and as the
demand for his varnishes grew his promi- nence among manufacturers increased in the same measure.
In 1890 Mr. Marshall relinquished the proud and independent position to which he had ascended in his line, and led in the organization of the Anglo-American Varnish Company, capitalized at $100,000, George M. Ballard and William F. Jack- son becoming the principal officers of the new company as president and treasurer respectively. With the large means then at his command, Mr. Marshall directed a campaign of still greater expansion and development, new factories being erected to supply the wider markets reached, and exceptional prosperity attended all of the company's operations. During his entire active life Mr. Marshall remained in close touch with all departments of the busi- ness, and was able at any time to suggest more efficient methods in factory as well as in office, to converse with masterly knowledge with the chemists regarding the proportions and strength of the ingre- dients of their products, or to point out exact defects in a grade of varnish brought to him for inspection. His repu- tation as an authority on varnish manu- facture was widespread, and he was the much sought adviser of vehicle and fur- niture manufacturers who desired the best finish for their goods. One of his few outside business interests was as a director of the Asbury Park Trust Com- pany, while through business channels he gained membership in the New York Railway Club, the Railway Business Men's Association, the New England Railroad Club, the Western Railroad Club, and associate membership in the Master Car and Locomotive Painters' Association of the United States and Canada. Mr. Marshall was also an in- terested and active member of the New- ark, New Jersey, Board of Trade.
During Mr. Marshall's long residence
292
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in Newark, where his important business interests were located, he became identi- fied with many branches of the city life, discharging the duties of good citizenship with eager promptness but never entering public life. He was a loyal churchman, belonging to the Methodist Episcopal church, for a time a member of the con- gregation of St. Paul's, then uniting with Centenary, of which he was a member for eighteen years. His connection witlı this church was broken by his moving from the city in 1909 to his new residence at Asbury Park, New Jersey. In his new home Mr. Marshall at once was entrusted with weighty responsibilities, and at his death was a member of the official board of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and a trustee of the local branch of the Young Men's Christian Association. His death occurred December 1. 1912. and was mourned with loving sincerity by his friends of long standing in Newark and by those of Asbury Park newly bound to him by the graces of his personality and the rugged worth of his character. His remains were buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Newark, New Jersey.
He married, in 1882, Ida Pendleton, of Newark, who survives him.
APPLEGATE, John Stilwell, Lawyer, Legislator.
John Stilwell Applegate, a prominent lawyer of New Jersey, and who served as State Senator in 1882, 1883, 1884, was born August 6, 1837, in the township of Middletown, Monmouth county, New Jer- sey. He died November 10, 1916. He was a descendant of Thomas Applegate, who lived at Weymouth, Massachusetts, 1635, and at Gravesend, Long Island, 1647. Thomas Applegate was one of the paten- tees of Flushing, Long Island, in the patent dated October 19, 1647, issued by
Governor Kieft. and be is the progenitor of the Applegate family in America. His son, Thomas Applegate, Jr., moved from Gravesend, Long Island, to Monmouth county in 1674, where be settled, taking up land from the Indians and afterward receiving a warrant therefor from the proprietors. He married a daughter of Sergeant Richard Gibbons. one of the patentees of the noted Nicolls or Mon- mouth patent. Other ancestors are Rich- and Hartshornc, James Bowne, William Lawrence, John Threckinorton, Nicholas Stilwell and John Bray, all of whom were pioneer settlers of Monmouth county and bore a leading part in colonial history.
The father of John Stilwell Applegate was Joseph Stilwell Applegate, five gen- erations removed from the original Thom- as, of Weymouth, Massachusetts. a promi- nent and successful farmer of Middletown township and a grandson of John Stilwell, quartermaster of the First Regiment of the Monmouth militia in the Revolution- ary War. He (the father) was born in 1789, and in 1857 built a residence at Red Bank, which he occupied until his death in 1881, at the age of ninety-two years. The mother of John Stilwell Applegate was Ann Bray, a descendant of the Rev. John Bray, a Baptist minister from Eng- land, who founded the Baptist church and donated building and lot therefor at the village now called Holmdel, but long known as Bray's Meeting House, and subsequently as Baptisttown. She died in 1878, at the age of eighty-two years.
The subject of this sketch was gradu- ated at Colgate University (then Madison University), Hamilton, New York, in 1858, and admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1861. He began and continued the ex- ercise of his profession at Red Bank, New Jersey, until his death, practicing in the State and Federal courts. He was con- nected with many reported cases of public
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.