Allen Looker

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Allen Looker

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

Numbered among the successful business men of Butler is Allen LOOKER, proprietor of a drug store, the oldest druggist, in point of years of service, in that city, who by strict integrity, straightforward dealing and thorough knowledge of his business has gained the entire confidence of the public, these being the salient features of his success.

Allen LOOKER Sr. was a native of New Jersey, his death occurring in Boonton at the age of seventy-three years. He was a teamster during the early part of his active career, and later boated coal on the Morris canal. He took an interest in community affairs, and was esteemed by his neighbors and friends. He married Levina SOLOMON, a native of Mt. Olive, New Jersey, who bore him five children, four sons and one daughter, among whom was Allen, of whom further.

Allen LOOKER Jr. was born in Boonton, New Jersey, September 22, 1868. He attended the schools adjacent to his home, and his first occupation was that of driving mules on the Morris canal, assisting his father, remaining thus employed for five years. For the short period of six weeks he was an employee in Booth’s Knife Factory in Boonton, after which he accepted a position as clerk in a silk mill, in which capacity he served for two years, and then entered the employ of Mr. NORRIS, who was engaged in the drug business in Boonton, with whom he remained for five years, during which time he familiarized himself with the business, gaining a thorough knowledge of every detail, and about the year 1884, he engaged in business on his account, associating himself with Mr. NORRIS, of Boonton, and in 1890 he came to Butler, selecting a store on Main street, his present location, where he carries a full line of reliable drugs, toilet articles, perfumery, etc., his patronage increasing year by year as a result of his progressiveness and earnest desire to please his customers in every way possible. He is a member of the Presbyterian church of Boonton; member of Silentia Lodge, No. 168, F. and A. M. of Butler, of which he is a past master; Boonton Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.; and staunchly upholds the principles of the Democratic party. For three years he served as a member of the board of freeholders, was a member of the board of health, and acted as first assistant fire deputy. He is active and alert in advancing the interests of the town in which he resides, and ranks among the substantial and influential citizens, being highly regarded for his many estimable qualities.

Mr. LOOKER married, February 23, 1893, Edna B. MEACHEM, daughter of Rev. E. MEACHEM, who served as minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. LOOKER were the parents of one child, which died in infancy.

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