Abraham Kaufman

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Abraham Kaufman

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

High up on the honor roll of Morris county, New Jersey, must always stand the name of Abraham KAUFMAN, of Rockaway, who for a period of thirty years was identified with the business interests of the town, and who represented the highest ideals of citizenship. Commercial integrity meant much to him, but intellectual enlightenment, civic righteousness and the things of the spirit meant equally as much. His influence for good was felt either directly or indirectly by all of his fellow citizens, and his life has left a lasting impression on the community.

Abraham KAUFMAN was born at Loebau, West Prussia, Germany, February 15, 1836, and died at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, September 19, 1892. He acquired his education in his native land, coming to America at the age of seventeen years, and remained in the city of New York for one year. From there he went to Boston, where he was engaged in the manufacture of clothing for several years, after which he removed to Newark, New Jersey, opened and conducted a retail clothing store on Market street, and sold this business at the end of three years. In September, 1862, he located in Rockaway, Morris county, and there became associated in partnership with Jacob BLOOM. Mr. KAUFMAN withdrew from this partnership after a short time and established himself independently in the clothing and gents furnishing business. For thirty years the business was located in the same building on Wall street, and it is now being carried on by the widow of Mr. KAUFMAN and other members of the family. It is the oldest mercantile establishment in Rockaway, and has now been in existence for a period of fifty-two years. In politics Mr. KAUFMAN was always a staunch Democrat, and a leader of his party in Rockaway township. He was elected collector of the township eight times, his last term commencing in 1891, and at the time of his death he had served one year of it. He was a member of Citizen’s Lodge, No. 144, I. O. O. F.

Mr. KAUFMAN married, in November, 1865, Sarah LEVY, of Boston, a woman of exceptional business ability and social charm, a combination of qualities rarely met with in one personality. They became the parents of children as follows: 1. Annie, who lives with her mother. 2. Ray, widow of the late Harry M. JOEL, of New York City; he was a commercial salesman, and they had one daughter, Sarah Gladys. 3. Abraham, born in Rockaway, January 13, 1869; was educated there, in Boston, and at Coleman’s Business College in Newark. Until 1892 he was a traveling salesman, and then became a member of the business founded by his father, and is still engaged in the conduct of it. In political matters he is a Democrat, and he is a member of Acacia Lodge, No. 20, F. and A. M., of Dover; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Rockaway; and the Improved Order of Red Men. 4. Dr. Ernest, of Newark; was educated in the public schools and then entered Columbia University, New York City, from which he was graduated in the class of 1896 with a degree of Doctor of Medicine, and is now in the enjoyment of a large practice. He is a member of the Essex County Medical Society, the Masonic fraternity, and the Democratic party. 5. Ida, married Joseph Q. SMITH, proprietor of the East Dover Hotel, at Dover, and has one son, Harry Kaufman. 6. Dr, Harry, deceased; was educated in the public schools of Rockaway, then entered the University of New York, from which he was graduated in the class of 1909, after which he entered the New York College of Dental Surgery. He died after practicing one year. The esteem and respect in which Mr. KAUFMAN was held can be best indicated by the following extract from an article which appeared in the Dover Index at the time of his death:

" In tones betokening the sincerest regret the sad news was passed on Monday evening that Collector Abraham KAUFMAN, one of Rockaway’s best esteemed citizens had departed forever from the scenes and people who had learned to love him so well during many years. His death occurred at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, after an illness of about two years, during which his wife was a most devoted and faithful nurse. For many months it was fully realized that his death could be but a matter of time. His family have lost in him a good husband, and a kind and loving father. Mr. KAUFMAN was a genial, whole-souled man, of the strictest integrity. A friend of the poor, he was always kind and charitably inclined toward them, and his memory will be honored by many of this class. He was liberal and progressive and gave his aid to promote the various enterprises for the benefit of the town. His funeral services were attended by many from far and near, and a striking testimony to the esteem in which he was held is shown by the fact that all places of business were closed in honor of his memory as the funeral procession passed through the various streets on its way to the depot. At Newark the funeral party was met by delegations of two lodges and then proceeded to the cemetery, where the services were simple and impressive.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)