Edward Cleary

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Edward Cleary

Among the citizens of Butler who have been active and influential in the welfare and advancement of that town must be mentioned Edward CLEARY, who substantially supports its leading institutions, and liberally encourages its worthy enterprises. He is a native of England, and thus is among that class of foreign-born citizens, who are ever foremost in upholding the principles and policies of their adopted land.

His father, William CLEARY, also a native of England, came to this country in early manhood, led a useful and active life, and died in Butler, New Jersey, aged about sixty-eight years. His wife, who was a Miss SCHUSE before marriage, bore him ten children, five of whom are living at the present time (1914).

Edward CLEARY, after his emigration to this country, was a resident of Boonton, Morris county, New Jersey, attended the schools of that place, and upon completion of his studies entered upon employment in Boonton, remaining until the works shut down. In 1877 he removed to Butler, where he has since resided, a period of thirty-seven years. He at once entered the employ of the Rubber Company of Butler, continuing in their service for sixteen years, and then established a business on his own account, opening a general store, carrying a full line of groceries, also other commodities, and in addition to this has a meat market, separate, well stocked with the best meats obtainable, and his business has steadily increased in volume and importance, he being one of the oldest and most successful merchants of the town. In 1910 he erected a building for the conduct of his business, and he is assisted in the management of the same by his five sons, all of whom render valuable service. Mr. CLEARY was a member of the common council for three years, and to him is due the credit for the fine roads in that section of the county, he being the first man to use his influence in having the roads macadamized. He is a member of the Catholic church, the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Foresters, and is a Democrat in politics.

Mr. CLEARY married Bridget LOUGHMAN, born in Ireland. They are the parents of five sons. Mr. CLEARY is a man of marked ability and genuine worth, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)