David B. Jardine

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

David B. Jardine

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

Among the industrious men of Morris county who have spent long years in toilful activity, have worthily won a moderate degree of prosperity, and are now enjoying the fruits of a well spent life, is David B. JARDINE, living retired at Kenvil. Mr. JARDINE has been a resident of Morris county for more than half a century and has now reached the venerable age of eighty-five years.

David B. JARDINE is a native of Canada, born in the Provence of Ontario, March 23, 1828, a son of John and Hannah (EASTMAN) JARDINE. John JARDINE came from Annandale, Scotland, when a young man, while his wife was a native of Canada. Her parents came from New York State. John JARDINE was a farmer by occupation, and his children were as follows: John, Davis B., Mary, wife of George JOGNSTON; Sarah, wife of David BROWN; William, Marion Alva, Osborn, James.

David B. JARDINE had such opportunities as were afforded by the common schools, but had to leave off his educational work when thirteen years of age, and take up something of practical nature. He learned the blacksmith trade, beginning his apprenticeship at the age of sixteen. For three and a half years during which time he worked for his master, his entire salary was $120, including of course board and washing. At the end of this apprenticeship, he was confined by illness for about eight months and then started out to earn his living by blacksmithing. That has been his regular occupation throughout his active life, and he has worked in various places and in many capacities, always efficient and reliable. At the age of twenty-one he crossed the St. Lawrence river, and has been a resident of the United States ever since. He was in New York State for six years before moving to Dover and was blacksmith of Sweed’s Mine. For about one month he was on a prospecting tour through the west in the interest of the Bethlehem Iron Company. The comfortable prosperity which has resulted from his long years of industry is represented chiefly by his own home in Kenvil, and five acres of land on the borders of the town.

In 1858 Mr. JARDINE married Anna Eliza BAKER, a daughter of Andrew K. and Nancy BAKER. The BAKERs are one of the old families of Morris county, and their children besides Mrs. JARDINE were: Byram, Adeline Post; Henry A., Adolphus. Louise Beemer. Mr. JARDINE has two children: John Andrew, who is in the coal business at Philadelphia; Mary Eletta, wife of Charles G. WARNER, and the mother of one son, John David WARNER. In politics Mr. JARDINE is an independent voter, and was committeeman of Roxbury township for seven years. He and his wife attend the Presbyterian church.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)