David Falconer

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

David Falconer

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

David FALCONER, of Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey, is not alone an authority on the cultivation of flowers and plants of every description, but he has been a public benefactor for the interest he has aroused as to the importance of shade tree cultivation. He also deserves credit for having given to the world many new ideas in the cultivation of flowers which have found high favor among other florists.

Born in Ferthwickshire, Scotland, May 22, 1870, he is a son of James FALCONER, a farmer of that country. Until the age of fifteen years he was a pupil at the public schools of his native land and obtained a general practical training. He then commence the study of gardening and general greenhouse management, took up also the study of botany and allied studies, and the scientific methods which he employs in connection with his book knowledge of the subjects have made his opinions of the utmost value in the gardening world. Upon his arrival in this country he obtained the position of superintendent of the greenhouses of ex-Vice President Levi P. MORTON, at Ellerslie, Rhinecliff-on-the Hudson, New York, and when he left it was to take full charge of the greenhouses of H. K. TWOMBLY, where he achieved remarkable success in the cultivation of roses, palms, and other potted plants. In 1895 he resigned his position with Mr. TWOMBLY and came to Chatham, where he established himself in business as a florist independently. Rose culture became a specialty with him. He commenced with a greenhouse 1,000 feet in extent, and so successful has he been in all his efforts, that he now (1913) has 32,000 feet under glass, and supplies the finest trade in the New York market. He is a prominent member of the Morris County Florist Association. About fourteen years ago Mr. FALCONER aroused public attention and sentiment to the need of a shade tree commission, and since its creation he has been at the head of this body and its leading spirit. He has tendered his resignation of this office several times, but on each occasion It has been refused. He has always taken a great interest in educational matters and is now serving his second term as a member of the board of education for that borough.

David FALCONER married Anna M. BATEMAN, of Waterford Ireland, and they have one son: Roy Kinney, born January 12, 1890. Since his seventh year this child displayed a more than ordinary talent and love for music and has made it a special study since that time. He was graduated from several music conservatories and his organ instruction was obtained under William C. CARLL, the famous organist of New York City. For the past eight years Mr. FALCONER has been the organist and director of the music at the First Presbyterian Church of Jersey City, New Jersey. He is also a trustee of this church and active in its auxiliary organizations. He is a member of Jersey City Lodge, No. 110, F. and A. M., and always has charge of the music at all Masonic functions in the city. He is also a member of all the leading musical organizations throughout the country. Mr. FALCONER married Loretta WEINKE, of Jersey City.

This biography was transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003).