James M. Doremus

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

James M. Doremus

The DOREMUS family, represented in the present generation by James M. DOREMUS, of Pompton Plains, retired from active business pursuits, have resided in Morris county, New Jersey, for more than two centuries, the homestead remaining in the possession of the family until recent years.

Jacob G. DOREMUS, father of James M. DOREMUS, was born in Morris county, New Jersey, on the old home farm, and his death occurred there in the eighty-fourth year of his age. He was a successful business man, enterprising and progressive in his methods, and also devoted considerable time to the tilling of the soil, from which he derived a goodly income, sufficient for the needs of himself and family. He led a life of usefulness and activity, an example well worthy of emulation, and his influence for good was felt in the entire community. His wife, Rachel (BERRY) DOREMUS, a native of Pompton, New Jersey, bore him nine children, eight of whom attained years of maturity.

James M. DOREMUS was born in Jacksonville, Morris county, New Jersey. After completing his studies in the schools of the neighborhood, he went to New York City and engaged in business with his brother, and later took up residence in Newark, New Jersey, where he resided for thirty-seven years, devoting his attention to business, and then retired, having by his industry and keen business judgment accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to spend his remaining years in ease and comfort, a fitting sequel to a life of activity. His brother is still conducting the grocery business, in Cranford, being the proprietor of two stores which are largely patronized and therefore yield him handsome returns for labor expended. In March, 1913, Mr. DOREMUS removed to Pompton Plains, purchasing a farm consisting of thirty-one and a half acres from Mr. BEANS, the land being highly cultivated and therefore productive, and here, amid peaceful and picturesque scenes, is enjoying his life to the utmost. He gives his political allegiance to the Democratic party, and during his residence in Newark served in the capacity of alderman, performing his duties faithfully and conscientiously. He attends the services of the Reformed church, and has attained a high position in the Masonic order, affiliating with the various bodies up to the Mystic Shrine.

Mr. DOREMUS married Miss SAWYER. Children: 1. James F., engaged in the grocery business in Cranford, New Jersey. 2. Golina, a civil engineer, employed in the city engineering department of Newark, New Jersey. 3. Annie Adelle, married Mr. LILLBACH, an attorney of Newark, New Jersey. 4. Florence, married Mr. SAWYER, of Chicago, Illinois. 5. Albert, secretary and treasurer of Electric Garage, of Newark. 6. Rachel, resides at home. 7-8. Edna and J. Berry, died of diphtheria in early life. The family during the short residence in Pompton Plains, have gained the respect and confidence of the people in their neighborhood, who estimate them at their true worth. They have taken an active part in community affairs, and are valued accordingly.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)