George Gunther

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

George Gunther

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

One half century marks the period of George GUNTHER’s residence in Mendham, where he and his brother Jacob S. are engaged in the automobile and garage business. His sterling integrity of character and fair-mindedness command to him the unalloyed confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens and he is loyal and public-spirited in his civic attitude. He was born at Peapack, Somerset county, New Jersey, September 7, 1860.

His father, John Henry GUNTHER, was born in Germany and there received a good common school education, which he effectively supplemented with an apprenticeship at the trades of cabinetmaker and carpenter. At the age of seventeen years he bade farewell to parents and the scenes of his childhood and immigrated to America, landing in New York harbor. A few years later he located in Somerset county, this State, and removed thence to Mendham in 1865. Here he eventually opened a shop for the repair of wagons and vehicles of all kinds and conducted the same until 1893 when he disposed of it to his son, Jacob S. He is now living in retirement; his devoted wife died at about sixty-six years of age. He is living in happy enjoyment of the competency gained in former years of hard work and persistent endeavor. They had seven children, whose names are here entered in respective order of birth: George, Jacob Smith, Charles, Harry, Elizabeth, wife of George THOMPSON; Margaret, wife of John ROY; Edward.

Up to the age of sixteen years George GUNTHER attended the common and private schools of Mendham, which place became his home when he was an infant of but three years. He then entered his father’s shop and under the latter’s able instruction learned the trades of cabinetmaker and wheelwright. He remained with his father, assisting him in the shop, until he was thirty years old and then was engaged in the livery business which he conducted until 1900, when he purchased an automobile which he operated as passenger car until 1907, then he was connected with the Mendham Garage Company until 1912, when, in company with his brother, Jacob S., he opened the automobile supply store and garage, known under the firm name of GUNTHER Brothers. In this enterprise the GUNTHER Brothers are reaping a fine success, their patronage coming from residents of Mendham and the surrounding country as well as from automobile tourists. Mr. GUNTHER is a Democrat in his political faith and he takes an active part in the local councils of that organization. He was pike commissioner for one term and is now serving on the local election board.

In 1891 Mr. GUNTHER married Amy A. MATTOX, whose birth occurred in Morris county, daughter of Jacob L. and Ellen F. (MESSLER) MATTOX. Mrs. MATTOX is deceased and Mr. MATTOX lives with the GUNTHER family; he is a carpenter by trade. The MATTOX family consists of four children: Fannie, wife of William SMITH; Amy A.; Florence, wife of William GORDON; Jacob. Mr. and Mrs. GUNTHER have two sons: John Jacob and George Edward. The family is Methodist in religious faith.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)