Frederick Orvin Hopkins

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

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

Frederick Orvin HOPKINS, proprietor and working head of the Dover Business College, of Dover, Morris county, New Jersey, ranks among the most reliable, energetic, and progressive business men of his section of the county, and his well-directed efforts in the cause of education have not alone aided many young men and young women to achieve success in the battle of life, but they have brought him a handsome financial return for his labors.

His father, Alfred HOPKINS, was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, and later became a resident of Butler, Morris county, New Jersey, where he is still living, retired from business cares, at the age of sixty-six. He was formerly engaged in the provision trade for a period of about twenty years, in and near Dover. He married Sarah E. SWARTS, born in Sussex county, now deceased.

Frederick Orvin HOPKINS was born in Hopkins Corners, Sussex county, New Jersey, March 7, 1871. For his preparatory education he became a student at the public schools of Lafayette, New Jersey, later matriculating at the Maryland (Military) College of Virginia. He then entered Woods’ Business College, Washington, District of Columbia, and was graduated from this institution in 1893. The profession of teaching, especially connected with a business course, had always had an especial fascination for him and soon after his graduation, he took charge of the business college at Newton, New Jersey, and conducted this from 1897 to 1910. From Newton he came to Dover, where he opened a night school for the study of shorthand and typewriting in the Baker Building, on Blackwell and Warren streets. In September, 1911, he opened the Dover Business College, which met with a warm reception and has been an unqualified success from its inception. It is located in the new Livingston Building, No. 24, East Blackwell street, and is equipped with every appliance that will facilitate the study of the numerous pupils or in any manner increase their comfort. Since the opening day the school has been liberally patronized, and its roll of students is growing larger and larger as the years go by. It now ranks among the foremost business colleges of the northern part of the State of New Jersey. We cannot do better in this short sketch than quote a few remarks that have been made concerning this institution: "The school stands upon its own merits. Efficient, experienced teachers are employed in all departments. It is the people’s school; the young man or woman from the mill, the shop and the farm, finds a hearty welcome. The management of the school has never resorted to exaggerated statements in order to attract students. In every particular it is what it claims to be – a progressive, well-equipped, thoroughly efficient training school. The instruction meets the demands of the time, as has been proven by the students who have gone from it into the business world. It spends no time in instructing its students in any subject that is not in touch with the requirements of an up to date office. It makes a point of showing no favors to students because of rank, position, or wealth." The best proof of the fine and thorough tuition imparted in this institution is the fact that its students are in constant demand by business and professional men. The school is open during eleven months of the year for daily and evening sessions, and the advantages offered speak for themselves. During President HARRISON’s administration Mr. HOPKINS was employed in Washington, D. C., as stenographer by such men as Colonel S. A. WHITFIELD, formerly first assistant postmaster general; Governor BLANCHARD of Louisiana; L. Q. C. LAMAR Jr., of the interior department; and others of prominence.

Mr. Hopkins married, 1900, Lillian G., daughter of Captain D. S. ALLEN, a prominent business man of Dover, and formerly postmaster of that city. They have had children:

Earl M. and
Marjorie E.,

and the family resides at No. 37 Gold Street, Dover, New Jersey. In political matters Mr. HOPKINS will not allow himself to be bound by the ties of partisanship, but takes his stand as an independent voter. His reputation as an expert teacher in his particular branches has extended far beyond the community in which he lives, and his pupils do not come alone from the neighboring counties, but also from adjoining States. He has achieved that success which is the logical result of enterprise, systematic effort, resolute purpose and straight-forward dealing.

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