New Jersey

Biography of John Harrison

John Harrison, born on November 21, 1845, in Hoboken, New Jersey, was a prominent figure in the grocery business as senior partner of Harrison Pace. After marrying Emma M. Bangerter in 1880, they settled in San Bernardino, California, where he established a grocery partnership in 1887. Renowned for his entrepreneurial spirit, Harrison also opened the first furniture store in the city and created Southern California’s first hearse. His commitment to community and business left a lasting legacy in the region.

Biography of John P. Clum

John P. Clum, born in 1851 in New York, graduated from the Hudson River Institute and briefly attended Rutgers College before entering the meteorological service in 1871. He served effectively as the Indian Agent for the Apaches at San Carlos, notably capturing Geronimo in 1877. After moving into journalism, he edited the Tucson Citizen and the Tombstone Epitaph, and was also mayor of Tombstone. Clum’s later career included roles in Washington and a return to Tombstone as an auditor. He settled in San Bernardino, engaging in real estate, horticulture, and mineral exhibits.

Biographical Sketch of Samuel W. Garretson

Samuel W. Garretson, born in 1844 in Jersey City, New Jersey, was a mechanical engineer and superintendent for the Pacific Lighting Company in California. After apprenticing as a machinist and serving in the Civil War with the Twenty-first Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, he spent a decade at sea as an engineer on steamships, including routes to Japan. Returning to the U.S. in 1873, he became a constructing engineer for various gas works, including notable projects in San Francisco and other cities on the Pacific Coast.

Biography of Nelson L. Jarvis

Nelson L. Jarvis, born September 23, 1883, in Malone, New York, is a notable figure in Palmer, Massachusetts, through his role as senior partner at Jarvis Jarvis, a prominent manufacturer of rubber tired casters and wheels. After a humble start in cotton mills and grocery stores, he partnered with Frank J. Jarvis to grow their business, which also produces service wagons for various industries. An active member of civic and fraternal organizations, he is married to Viola Ellen Dauplaise, with whom he has a daughter, Constance.

Biographical Sketch of Rev. Livingston L. Taylor

Rev. Livingston L. Taylor, born on September 16, 1860, in Philadelphia, is a distinguished preacher and educator. He graduated from Rutgers College and the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church. His pastoral career includes roles in New York City, Port Jervis, Colorado Springs, Cleveland, and Brooklyn, culminating in his position at the First Congregational Church of Canandaigua since 1907. He is married to Mary Titsworth and has four children. Taylor is affiliated with the Republican Party and exemplifies the doctrines he preaches.

Biography of Walter L. Fay

Walter L. Fay, born on February 5, 1859, in Auburn, New York, is a notable figure in manufacturing. After attending the Pingry School, he began his career as an office boy at D. M. Osborne Company, eventually rising through the ranks. In partnership with Ernest S. Bowen, he founded Fay & Bowen, initially producing bicycle components before transitioning to gasoline engines and launches. The company flourished in Geneva, exporting worldwide. An active community member, Fay served in various leadership roles and was politically independent. He married Minnie G. in 1888 and had two children.

Biographical Sketch of Caleb Horton

Caleb Horton, born on December 22, 1687, in Cutchogue, was the son of Barnabas Hotrod. He married Phebe Terry on December 10, 1714, and together they were active members of the Southold church. In 1748, they relocated to what is now Chester, New Jersey. Caleb passed away on August 6, 1772, followed by Phebe on December 24, 1776. They had ten children, including Nathaniel, born on October 13, 1719.

Biographical Sketch of Nathaniel Horton

Nathaniel Horton, born on October 13, 1719, in Southold, was the son of Caleb Horton. He married Mehitabel Wells around 1740, and they relocated to Chester, New Jersey, in 1748. Mehitabel passed away on December 10, 1801, followed by Nathaniel on January 24, 1804. They had several children, including Deacon Nathaniel, Benjamin, David, Daniel, Polly, and Mehitabel, each contributing to the family’s lineage in various ways.

Biographical Sketch of Elisha Horton

Elisha Horton, born around 1777 in Chester as the son of Deacon Nathaniel Horton, married his second cousin Polly Horton around 1800. The couple relocated to Scipio, New York, where they lived for the rest of their lives. They had several children, including Isaiah, Aaron, Phebe (who married Stephen Robinson), and Esther (who married Warren R. Atwood), all born in Chester.

Biographical Sketch of Isaiah Horton

Isaiah Horton, born in Chester, New Jersey, on May 22, 1873, was the son of Elisha Horton and a carpenter by trade. He served in the War of 1812 and married Charlotte Chatfield in Aurelius, New York, on January 31, 1817. Charlotte passed away in 1854. They had ten children, including Amarilla, Elisha, Miranda, and Hiram, with several marrying prominent local figures. Isaiah’s life spanned various roles and familial contributions in 19th-century America.

Biography of John Edward Stewart

John Edward Stewart, a distinguished figure in Springfield, Massachusetts, was a successful businessman and a Civil War veteran. As president of the John E. Stewart Company, he exemplified integrity and community spirit, significantly impacting the local manufacturing and printing trade. With Scottish ancestry, his family’s legacy contributed to various societal foundations. Stewart served with valor in the Union Army, earning a commission from President Lincoln. His personal and civic virtues fostered respect and admiration throughout his community, marking him as a vital and constructive element of Springfield’s progress.

Biography of Frederic H. Rhodes

Frederic H. Rhodes, born on July 14, 1878, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, rose from a junior clerk to the president of Berkshire Life Insurance Company through his remarkable capabilities and relentless determination. He began his career in 1892, advancing steadily to key positions, including general agent for New York and New Jersey, before becoming president in 1925. A Republican and a member of the Congregational Church, Rhodes is involved in several fraternal and civic organizations and is married to Georgie O. Wilson, with whom he has five children.

Biography of Frank Lyman Gold

Frank Lyman Gold, born on June 4, 1884, in Belchertown, Massachusetts, hailed from a prominent New England family with deep historical roots. He pursued education and taught various subjects before joining the U.S. Government’s Ordnance Department during World War I. His diverse career included roles in accounting, contracting, and eventually establishing the Belchertown Motor Sales Company. A respected businessman and community member, Gold was active in local organizations and the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married twice, having four children along with his second wife’s two children.

Biography of Zerah S. Westbrook

Zerah S. Westbrook, born on April 7, 1845, in New Jersey, overcame significant early challenges, including the loss of his father, to establish a successful career in law and public service. He served in the Civil War, studied at Albany Law School, and built a thriving law practice in Amsterdam, New York. Elected county judge and later appointed deputy comptroller, Westbrook gained respect across political lines, advocating for working-class interests. His life exemplifies determination, integrity, and the potential for success through hard work.

Biography of James W. Eaton

James W. Eaton, born on August 22, 1817, in Somerville, New Jersey, significantly influenced Albany’s architecture, especially as the superintendent of the new state capitol from 1874 until its superintendency ended in 1883. Raised in a family of high moral standards, he learned masonry from his father and built a prosperous contracting business. A dedicated public servant and a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, Eaton’s legacy includes over five hundred structures in Albany and a life devoted to community enhancement and family.

Biography of Howard N. Fuller

Howard N. Fuller, born on October 28, 1853, in New Baltimore, New York, is a notable figure in Albany, recognized for his literary and business accomplishments. His lineage traces back to esteemed ancestors, including a Mayflower clergyman. A Rutgers College alumnus, Fuller gained acclaim for his writings, including the beloved college song “On the Banks of the Old Raritan.” Active in politics, he served as an alderman and was involved in various Republican organizations. A man of high character, he is respected for his literary contributions and community involvement.

Biography of David Murray

Dr. David Murray, born on October 15, 1830, in Bovina, New York, was a prominent educator and scholar of Scottish descent. He demonstrated early academic promise, graduating from Union College in 1852. His teaching career began at Albany Academy, where he later became principal. In 1863, he joined Rutgers College, where he focused on mathematics and astronomy and became involved in Japanese education. Appointed educational adviser to Japan, he organized their national education system. Honored for his contributions, he served as secretary of the New York State Board of Regents until 1889.

New Jersey Frontier Forts Prior to 1902

The post lists various military forts, camps, and depots located in New Jersey, many established during the colonial and Revolutionary War periods. Key sites include Amboy Flying Camp, Constitution Fort (now Fort Lee), and Hancock Fort at Sandy Hook. Additional locations such as Bergen Heights Fort, Finns Point Fort, and various cantonments highlight the state’s strategic military importance. The document serves as a comprehensive inventory reflecting New Jersey’s historical role in national defense before 1902.

Biography of Thomas Markley Trego

Dr. Thomas Markley Trego, born in New York City on August 31, 1847, exhibited early academic promise and pursued a medical career. He studied under renowned physicians and graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1874. Trego became a leading physician in Albany, excelling in pediatric care and serving at various hospitals and institutions. He was politically active, appointed as district physician and coroner’s physician, and was a member of the Albany County Medical Society. Trego’s dedication to medicine has earned him significant recognition.

Miscellaneous African American Genealogy

Old Slave

African American genealogy poses unique challenges due to limited record-keeping prior to the Civil War. A dedicated section addressing these resources is vital, paralleling Native American research. While improvements have been made through new publications and guides, effective research requires a methodical approach, particularly when differentiating between records for enslaved individuals and free Black individuals. Key resources include census, military, court, and church records, alongside cemetery databases. Understanding these differences is crucial for tracing African American ancestry in pre- and post-emancipation contexts.