EDMUND W. KINGSLAND, President of the Provident Institution for Savings of Jersey City and one of the ablest and best known financiers in Easter New Jersey, was born in Jersey City on the 15th of December, 1839, his parents being Edmund W. and Sarah A. Kingsland. He is a direct descendant in the sixth generation from Isaac Kingsland, an Englishman from the Parish of Christ Church, on the Island of Barbadoes, W. I., and a nephew of Major Nathaniel Kingsland, of the same place. On July 4, 1668, one Captain William Sandford, also of Barbadoes, W. I., purchased of the Hackensack Indians a tract of land between the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers, extending "northward about seven miles." This purchase was made in the interest of Major Kingsland. On June 1, 1671, the Major conveyed the south half of this to Sandford and kept the north half after extinguishing the Indian title. By the Major's will, dated March 14, 1683, he gave one-third of his New Jersey lands-about 3,402 acres-to his nephew Isaac. Isaac's residence was at Kingsland Manor near Rutherford in Bergen County. His descendants are still numerous in both Bergen and Hudson Counties. The name of his wife does not appear.

Edmund W. Kingsland received his early educational training under the tutorship of the late William Leverett Dickenson, and subsequently attended the New York Polytechnical School, from which he was graduated with honor in the class of 1856. After completing his studies, which were designed to fit him for the practical affairs of life, he accepted a clerkship in the wholesale notion house of Lyman Cook & Co., of New York City, and remained with them until 1863, gaining a broad and accurate knowledge of business matters as well as the entire confidence and respect of his employers.

In 1863 Mr. Kingsland resigned his position as clerk for Lyman Cook & Co. and was made general clerk of the Provident Institution for Savings in Jersey City. There he soon gained recognition for those abilities which have ever since characterized his business life and which have long made him a powerful factor in local financial circles. He gradually rose by promotion and in 1888 was elected Secretary and Treasurer, which positions he filled with great energy and satisfaction until July 20, 1896, when he was elected President. In this capacity he has maintained and in a large measure increased the prestige and substantial character of the Provident Institution for Savings, making it one of the soundest and best known fiduciary concerns in Eastern New Jersey.

Mr. Kingsland is one of the leading citizens of Jersey City, where he has spent his entire life. He is public spirited, progressive, and enterprising, thoroughly identified with every project which promises advancement to the community, and generously encourages those movements that have the welfare of the place at heart. He is a member of the Union League Club of Jersey City, a man of broad and accurate learning, and universally respected and esteemed. In 1877 he married Miss Justine Bayard Blackwell, of New York City, and of their five children two are living. 

Source: Genealogical History of Hudson and Bergen Counties, New Jersey, Editor, Cornelius Burnham Harvey, The New Jersey Genealogical Publishing Company, 1900, page 68.

JAMES KIPP is of the tenth generation in lineal descent from Rocloff (Ralph) de Kype, who, as the prefix "de" unmistakably indicates, was of French origin, but who resided at Amsterdam, Holland, whither he had fled from France. His life-long calling was that of a soldier, wherein he exhibited bravery, energy, and capacity of the highest order. He attained prominence as a military leader in 1555, during the long and bloody struggle between the Catholics and Protestants, in which the latter finally triumphed. It has been said that in 1559 he returned to France and fought against the Protestants under the banner of the Duke of Anjou. Whether he did or not is at this late date a matter of little importance. It is known that his sons espoused the Protestant cause. One of them is said to have been a stockholder in the Dutch East India Company and an active promoter of the voyage of Hendrick Hudson to New York in 1609. His son, Hendrick de Dype (3d gen.), born at Amsterdam in 1578, came to America accompanied by his son Hendrick (4th gen.). They were the first of the name in the New World. Hendrick (3d gen.), owing to ill-health, soon returned to Holland, but his son Hendrick (4th gen.), who seems to have been the first to drop the "de" from the name and who was usually known as "Hendrick Hendricksen Kype," married and became one of the first permanent settlers on Manhattan Island. Being a tailor by occupation, he was sometimes dubbed "Schneider Kype." On April 28, 1643, he purchased a lot 30 x 110 east of "The Fort" (now Bridge Street, near Whitehall), on which he built his family residence and shop. There, for years, he was the principal tailor of the town. He married Ann de Sille, a daughter of Nicholas de Sille, of Wyck, Holland. About this time Kieft was Governor of New Amsterdam. Kype despised the governor and publicly denounced him as "a butcher" for permitting the massacre of the Hackensack Indians at Pavonia. Kieft summoned him to appear and answer for his insolence, but Kype replied by messenger that he would not appear before "a man of blood." Mrs. Kype likewise denounced Kieft as a false judge. Upon the succession of Stuyvesant to the governorship Kype was made a Councilor. Later he was chosen to be one of the nine Selectmen, because, as is said, he was one of "the most notable, reasonable, honest, and respectable citizens of the city." Two years later he was made a Burgher, but becoming dissatisfied with the management of town affairs he soon after sold out and removed to Amstel, in Delaware, where he embarked extensively in the brewing business on the west bank of the Delaware River. The governor of Delaware soon made him a member of the Council, and later, in 1660, appointed him Commissioner of Amstel. About 1694 he seems to have returned to New Amsterdam and about the same time purchased from Captain John Berry a tract of two hundred acres of land south of Hackensack, from the Hackensack River to the Saddle River, and including in it the present village of Lodi. He died in New Amsterdam about 1703, leaving children of the fifth generation Cornelia, Catharine, Peter, and Nicasie (Nicholas).

Nicholas (5th gen.), born at Amstel, Del., in 1668, went to Hackensack in 1694, and married Ann Breyant, of old Bergen. The same year the couple joined the Dutch Church at Hackensack. In 1698 Nicholas, with Thomas Fraunce and Rutgert Van Horn, of Bergen, purchased from Captain Berry a large tract at Moonachie. Nicholas made other purchases in due time-one of two hundred acres from Garret Lydecker extending from the Hackensack to the Saddle River, and another large area of "meadow land" for which, as his deed recites, he gave a "fatted calf." Upon his death he inherited a large portion of his father's lands, and passed as one of the most extensive landholders in that section. He resided on the Polifly road, was active in town and church affairs, and held several responsible official positions. His eleven children of the sixth generation were Henry, Peter, Isaac, Cornelius, Jacob, Ann, Catherine, Elizabeth, Garret, Nicholas, and John.

Nicholas (6th gen.), born at Moonachie in 1726, married in 1749 Lea Vreeland, of Bergen. He was a farmer by occupation and resided for thirty-five years in Lodi Township. In 1755 he removed with his family to Schraalenburgh, where he bought a large farm lying on both sides of the Schraalenburg road near the present North Church. The same year he and his wife joined the Schraalenburgh South Church, of which Nicholas was made a Deacon in 1766. He was a man of means and greatly respected by his neighbors. His children of the seventh generation were Sophia, Isaac, Catharine, Peter, John, Maria, Ann, and Jemima.

Isaac Kipp (7th gen.) was born at Schraalenburgh, May 14, 1756, and died there March 10, 1813. He joined the South Church in 1785, and became one of the principal and, in fact, the most influential man in Schraalenburgh. He owned and managed a large farm on both sides of the road near the North Church. Though wealthy, both he and his father Nicholas fervently espoused the cause of the colonists. For this the British and Tories raided the Kipp farms and buildings, drove off the live stock, and committed other acts of spoliation. Isaac joined the local militia, known as the "train bands," and served against the British during the last years of the Revolutionary struggle. At its close he became active in the organization and drilling of the State militia, in which he was at first a Major and later a Colonel. He was one of the principals in the organization of the North Church Congregation, and one of the seven men chosen by resolution of the Consistory in 1800 to build the present church edifice, receiving for that service six shillings per day. He died in March, 1813, and was buried near the church in which he was so long prominent. His children of the eighth generation were Nicholas, David, Henry (who became a prominent physician), Ann, Leah, Maria, Christina, Isaac, and James.

David Kipp (8th gen.) was born at Schraalenburgh, January 24, 1783, and died May 18, 1864. He was reared on his father's farm, and in 1806 married Elizabeth, daughter of William de Graw, of Old Tappan. David resided and for many years kept a general store at which is now Bergenfield, on the corner of the road leading from Schraalenburgh road to the South Church. His children of the ninth generation were Maria (married Matthew S. Bogert), William, and Fanny (married Cornelius L. Blawvelt).

William Kipp (9th gen.) was born at Schraalenburgh, August 19, 1812, and died in 1871. He married, November 24, 1831, Elizabeth Banta, born in 1813. William resided for many years at Old Tappan, now Harrington Park. Although reared a farmer, he was a born politician, and for many years was the Democratic leader in Harrington Township. Late in life he removed to Closter. At his death he left living Isaac David, John B., Isaac, Levina, James, and William de Graw, the last two named being the subjects of this and the following sketch.

James Kipp (10th gen.) was born at Old Tappan, N. J., October 15, 1844, and received his schooling in the public schools at Tappan. At the age of fifteen he left home to become a clerk in the grocery store of his brother David, at Sparkill, N. Y. He was called home in the fall of 1862 to take the place of his brothers John B. and Isaac, who had joined the Union Army in Virginia. Upon the return of his brothers James sought and obtained a clerkship in the grocery house of Elbert Bailey, then at 518 Sixth Avenue, New York. After four years' service with Mr. Bailey he entered the office of the Lorillard Insurance Company, but remained there only three months. A more lucrative position was offered him with the New York Rubber Clothing Company at 347 Broadway, which he accepted. In July, 1867, this company combined with the Goodyear Rubber Company. Mr. Kipp acquired an interest in the business and was given the responsible position of manager, a position which he still holds at Nos. 787-789 Broadway, New York. To manage a concern doing the great volume of business which the Goodyear Rubber Company is doing demands business tact and judgment of the highest order. These qualities Mr. Kipp possesses in a marked degree, and his untiring energy, activity, thorough knowledge of the business, and close attention to its details have marked him for the early future as one of the great army of successful mercantile men in the great city. He is thoroughly domestic in his habits and tastes, and spends hi spare time with his family. He belongs to no city clubs, does not dabble in politics, has never held political office. He "leans toward" the Dutch Reformed Church and the Republican party.

He married, February 21, 1872, Rachel, a daughter of John J. and Hannah M. Naugie. Mrs. Kipp was born at Closter, N. J., March 25, 1850. They have three daughters: Ada (married in 1895 to Edward Livingston Gilbert, a New York stock broker), Eva, and Florence, the last two both unmarried. Florence is a recent graduate of the Comstock School of New York City, and her sisters are graduates of the New York City public schools. Ada has a daughter, Margery (11th gen.), born in 1897.

Source: Genealogical History of Hudson and Bergen Counties, New Jersey, Editor, Cornelius Burnham Harvey, The New Jersey Genealogical Publishing Company, 1900, page 96-98.

WILLIAM De GRAW KIPP (10th gen.), brother of the above, was born at Old Tappan, N. J., February 25, 1848, and like his brother obtained his education in the public schools of his native township. He left home in 1866 to take a position as clerk in the grocery store of Ward Carpenter, No. 529 Sixth Avenue, New York. Here he remained for a year and then entered the employ of E. C. Hazard & Co., where he filled the position of salesman for nine years, after which he embarked in the grocery business on his own account at Closter, N. J. This venture being unprofitable, he became a salesman in the house of Wright Gillies & Brother, New York. He left them in 1889 to take charge of the city sales department of the well known house of E. R. Durkee & Co., of New York, and still fills that position. Their factory and office are at 534 Washington Street. As a salesman his knowledge of general merchandise and his long experience on the road and behind the counter have made him one of the most expert and valuable men in his line of business. At home he is public spirited and enterprising, favoring public education, local improvements, and athletics, and opposing the liquor traffic and dishonesty in public office. He is an independent Democrat in politics, but has never held political office. He served a term in the Board of Trustees of the public school at Closter. He was a Trustee and Treasurer of the Congregational Church for a number of years, and was also the prime factor in placing the railroad station at Closter in its present location.

He married in 1874 Sarah Elizabeth, a daughter of John J. and Hannah M. Naugle. Sarah E. Naugle was born at Closter, N. J., March 25, 1853. They have four daughters living: Edna, born October 31, 1875 (married in 1899 William C. Bouton, an employee of the Union Trust Company, of New York); Lizzie, born in 1878; Ethel, born in 1882; and Grace, born in 1884. Three others-two daughters and a son-died in infancy.

Source: Genealogical History of Hudson and Bergen Counties, New Jersey, Editor, Cornelius Burnham Harvey, The New Jersey Genealogical Publishing Company, 1900, page 98-99.

Joseph M. Knapp was born at Hackensack October 20, 1856. He went to Colorado immediately after his graduation from Columbia College in June 1878, hoping to overcome pulmonary disease, which was apparently making inroads upon his health. He was admitted to the bar and practiced law, residing in Colorado thirteen years. Believing himself restored to permanent health he returned to New Jersey, but not long after he declined and died on May 2, 1895. He was a man of bright intellect, high attainments and fine character.

James Van Valen, History of Bergen County, New Jersey, 1900

Manning M. Knapp is a native of Newton, Sussex County, N. J., and was born June 7th, 1825. He studied law in the office and under the direction of the late Colonel Robert Hamilton, being admitted to practice as attorney in 1846, when he began practice in Hackensack, and was made a counsellor in 1850. The late Chancellor Zabriskie. at that time Prosecutor of the Pleas for Bergen county, resigned his office in 1850, because of his removal to Jersey City. Chief Justice Green, then presiding at the Bergen Circuit, appointed Mr. Knapp to prosecute for the State until the office should be filled under the constitution. Governor Fort appointed him in February, 1851, for a full term and by following appointments he held the office until 1861. During these years, he was building up a profitable practice in the county and state, taking high rank in his profession. In 1875, when Judge Bedle was elected Governor, he appointed Mr. Knapp his successor on the bench of the Supreme Court, his Judicial District covering the counties of Hudson, Bergen and Passaic. Hudson being made a district alone, Judge Knapp was assigned to this new field where he continued until his death which occurred on January 26, 1892. The Bar of the State in suitable resolutions expressed to the Supreme Court, "the universal sorrow felt at the pathetic death of Mr. Justice Knapp while in the discharge of his public official duties," and they further desired "to bear witness to his virtues, his learning, and the beauty of his character."

Judge Knapp was married in 1850 to Anna Mattison, a daughter of the late Captain Joseph Mattison of the United States Navy. Mrs. Knapp continued to make her home in Hackensack after the death of her husband, surviving both her children—the daughter, Anna M., wife of Walter V. Clark, of Hackensack, and their son, Joseph M. Knapp, both having died since the death of their father, and she herself, the last of the family, died in 1898.

James Van Valen, History of Bergen County, New Jersey, 1900

Ernest Henry Koester, one of the leading lawyers of Bergen county, is a native of Norristown, Pennsylvania, and was born April 28th, 1855. After receiving a preparatory education in the High School of Philadelphia, he went to Heidelberg, Germany, remaining in that institution three years, and subsequently took a three years' course of instruction in Allegheny College, at Meadville, Pennsylvania, taking his degree of A. B. in 1879. He now began the study of law in the office of H. L. Richmond & Son, of Meadville, and was admitted to the bar in 1882. He immediately began the practice of his profession in McKean county, Pennsylvania, and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of his state in 1886, in the meantime filling the office of District Attorney of his county for three years. In 1894 he located in Hackensack. and in June of the same year was admitted to practice in all the courts of New Jersey.

Mr. Koester has a large clientage in Bergen county, and is known in the state as an able criminal lawyer. He defended Ryan in the famous green-goods affair of New York, winning the case after it had been carried against him in both the upper and lower courts.

Mr. Koester is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, having taken the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Hackensack Lodge of Odd Fellows, and of other societies.

James Van Valen, History of Bergen County, New Jersey, 1900