Richard John Chaplin

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

The life of Richard John CHAPLIN reads not unlike the familiar romance of our childhood, of the youth who goes to sea to seek his fortune, and really finds it at the end of the story. The only difference being that the finding of Mr. CHAPLIN’s fortune is not at the end, but pretty well toward the beginning of his story. He is of the sturdy English stock which was so large a factor in the formation of our first national character, a character which has acted in the past, and now in the present is still acting as a peoples that find a haven on these shores.

Mr. CHAPLIN was born December 25, 1851, in county of Norfolk, village of Geldeston, England, son of Charles Nelson and Elizabeth (BALLS) CHAPLIN, natives of that place. His father was a respected man in the home community, a carpenter and builder by trade, and the clerk of the parish in which he dwelt for forty-five years. To him and Mrs. CHAPLIN were born seven children as follows: Charles, a resident of London until his death some years ago; Richard John, of whom further; William Henry, his twin brother; Elizabeth, deceased; Sarah, deceased; Mary, deceased; Rosa, deceased.

In common with the other lads of the neighborhood, Richard J. CHAPLIN attended the local schools for his education, but leaving them, and his home also, when sixteen years old, he went to London, where his elder brother then resided. It was here that his love of the sea induced him to embark as cabin boy on the Cornelius Grinnell, s sailing vessel bound for the United States by way of the West Indies. After touching at the islands, the youthful sailor came to the United States, his port of destination being New York. Upon his arrival here, evidently feeling that he had tasted enough salt water, he went, in company with Charles SMITH, a sailor whose friendship he had made, into the rural districts of New Jersey, and settled at White House, Hunterdon county, in that State. The first work he found in the new land was a hostler for Albert HOAGLAND, a resident in that region, but becoming dissatisfied with this place, he found employment as a section hand on the railroad under the direction of John P. HAGAN. He was later engaged as a farmhand by the Rev. Mr. PICKEL. From this period his fortunes were continually rising. He procured the position of foreman with BRADY Brothers, and shortly afterwards superintended the construction of the Central Railroad of New Jersey’s line to Lake Hopatcong. His skill in this work caused more employment of the same kind to be given him, and he was soon engaged in superintending the construction of telephone lines through the region for the New Jersey Telephone Company. He was thus very active in the work of opening up the country about Lake Hopatcong, which was soon to experience such a large development, and where Mr. CHAPLIN was to make his home. Perceiving the opportunities which awaited the pioneers in the business, in the location in which he had been working, and feeling confident in his own skill and ability, he decided to venture into business for himself as a contractor for construction work of all kinds. The event proved the wisdom of his decision. He was quickly given the position of superintendent of construction for the Forcite Powder Company’s plant in the neighborhood, and afterwards contracted on his own account for completion of the work.

It was with the development of Mount Arlington, however, that Mr. CHAPLIN’s fortunes were most definitely bound up. This thriving borough enjoyed one of those rapid growths so often depend on fortuitous circumstances, but in the present case based on the substantial popularity of Lake Hopatcong as a pleasure resort, a popularity which cane hardly wane as long as charm of scenery and accessibility are valued by the busy American seeking relaxation on his infrequent holidays. When the "boom" came to Mount Arlington, Mr. CHAPLIN contracted with the community for the construction of the new roads which its growth rendered necessary. About the same time he opened a livery stable on a small scale, with no more than two horses. The seeds which Mr. CHAPLIN plants, however small, seem to bear worthy fruit, and this livery establishment grew until it employed sixty horses. Besides these ventures, Mr. CHAPLIN has been greatly interested in Mount Arlington real estate and is now a large owner of land in the vicinity, and is also interested in hotel properties, which have been so eminently profitable there. He is the senior partner of the firm of R. J. CHAPLIN & Sons, which conducts a flourishing garage in the town, and vice-president of the Bertram Island Corporation and the Bertram Island Transportation Company.

But Mr. CHAPLIN’s activities have not been confined to the conduct of his personal business, however binding this may have been, but have been directed into public affairs in which he takes a lively and effective interest. He is a member of the Republican party and has always been prominent in the politics of Morris county, serving at present as the chairman of the Republican local committee. He has been president of the board of education for twelve years and chairman of the local board of health for ten years. He is now serving his forth term as mayor of Mount Arlington, Morris county, New Jersey, and was elected to the New Jersey State assembly for the years 1906 and 1907. Besides his political interests, Mr. CHAPLIN is prominent in the fraternal circles of his community. He is a charter member of Dover Lodge, No. 782, B. P. O. E.

Mr. CHAPLIN married (first) Annie F. Johnson in 1872; to them were born seven children as follows: 1. Charles N., born April 10, 1875, educated in local public schools; a member of the firm of R. J. CHAPLIN & Sons; married Mary WERNER, daughter of John WERNER, of Mount Arlington, by whom he has had two children, Richard J. and Charles N. 2. William H., born 1878, educated in local public schools; engaged in livery and garage business; Republican in politics; member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics; married Elizabeth REED, of New York City, by whom he had no children. 3. Edward, educated in local public schools; now in the livery business in Mount Arlington. 4. Albert, educated in local public schools; now in the livery business in Mount Arlington. 5. Elmer G., educated in local public schools; in the garage and livery business; a Republican in politics; married to Mina DOUGHERTY, by whom he has had one child, Mildred. 6. Robert E., educated in local public schools; now in Newark with the Service Automobile Company; married Mabel DOWNEY, of Mount Arlington, by whom he has had two children: Robert and Virginia. 7. Elizabeth, died at the age of two years. Mr. CHAPLIN married (second) Emilie WERNER, in the spring of 1909. The second Mrs. CHAPLIN is a daughter of John WERNER, of Mount Arlington.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)