Miller P. Castner

Of the old and well remembered merchants of Morris county, one of the most prominent was the late Miller P. CASTNER, who many years ago started in business as a clerk, gradually acquired interests of his own and ended as one of the leading merchants of the county. A successful business man, he displayed much public spirit in the civic affairs of his locality, was a kindly and well esteemed associate and friend. His death, which occurred January 7, 1912, closed a career of substantial achievement and good citizenship.

Miller P. CASTNER was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, March 19, 1863, a son of Adam and Jane (PLOTTS) CASTNER, both natives of New Jersey. His father was a substantial farmer. Their children were: Charles; Miller P.; Anna, wife of Welch COUGLE; Mattie, wife of George RILEY; Jennie, wife of Robert RILEY.

Miller P. CASTNER spent his youth on his father’s farm, attended the common schools, which were the sole source of his educational advantages. His career in practical business began as clerk in a general store, he later became bookkeeper in the HULSE store at Kenvil, and was then employed by the old firm of JENKINS, BUCK & Company. His next noteworthy promotion was when he took charge of the store at Richards Mine for Reese JENKIN. After nine months of that in 1895, he started the establishment known as the CASTNER, ROGERS & Company General Store. For seven years the business was continued under the original title, and then Mr. CASTNER began buying out the other stockholders. From 1905, the business has been the CASTNER Company General Store, with stocks of dry goods, groceries, shoes, meat, etc. All the stock is now owned by the family, Mrs. CASTNER and sons.

In December, 1880, the late Mr. CASTNER married Abbie JORDAN, a native of Warren county, New Jersey, daughter of Jonathan and Ella (STIRES) JORDAN, both natives of New Jersey, and the father was a farmer by occupation. The JORDAN children were: Abbie, aforementioned; Ida, wife of Benjamin MARLATT; Eden, who died in January, 1913; Jacob; William; Herman; George; Mary, wife of Charles PILLING; Johnson. To Mr. and Mrs. CASTNER were born the following children: Floyd; Olive, wife of Alvin DORMAN; Ida, wife of John TEED; Austin, Mildred, Kenneth.

The late Mr. CASTNER was active in affairs, was a Republican voter, served on the Republican committee, and was a man of influence in his locality. His affiliations fraternally were with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Encampment, and he and his family attended the Baptist church, he being a deacon in that society at the time of his death. His son Floyd has been chief manager of the business since his father’s death, and is a progressive and enterprising young business man. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Masonic Order and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. For one year he served on the Republican committee.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)