Henry Comly

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Henry Comly

Harry COMLY, of Lincoln Park, Morris county, New Jersey, who with his brother is at the head of one of the important industries of the county, is noted for his energy, enterprise and general progressiveness. By close application he has worked his way upward to a position of affluence and importance in the community.

John COMLY, his father, was born in Philadelphia, and was connected with the engraving business throughout the active years of his life. He removed to Lincoln Park in the spring of 1873, and in that town established the plant which has since become so widely and favorably known, and which is now operated by his sons. Engraving of all kinds, and on all materials – silks, cotton goods, paper, etc. – is undertaken in this establishment, and executed with accuracy and an almost incredible amount of celerity. The death of Mr. COMLY occurred at the age of eighty years. He married Christina HORN, a native of Germany, and they had children: James; Charles, deceased; Harry, whose name is at the head of this sketch; William; Elizabeth, deceased.

Harry COMLY was born in the city of Brooklyn, New York, now a part of Greater New York, in 1862. He was there educated in the public schools. At a suitable age he became associated with his father in the engraving business, mastering the difficulties of this calling thoroughly in all its details. After the death of his father the business was operated under the firm name of COMLY Brothers Engraving Works, but after the death of one brother, and the prolonged illness of another, the plant shut down for a time, although it had been giving employment to a large number of people. Now, however, Mr. COMLY has reopened the establishment, which is again in complete working order and in a flourishing condition. He is a strong supporter of the Republican party, was a valuable member of the school board, and is now a member of the town committee. He is serving as an elder in the Reformed church at Pompton Plains, and is now superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. COMLY married Adelaide STARKEY, and has one child, Agnes, who married Sidney BENJAMIN.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)