Adelbert P. McDavit

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

Adelbert P. McDAVIT, the popular and efficient incumbent of the office or chief of the Dover fire department and a prominent factor in real estate and business circles in this city, was born in Dover, New Jersey, February 24, 1870. He is a son of William Henry and Adelia (PALMER) McDAVIT, the former of whom died in 1888 and the latter of whom passed away several years later.

William Henry McDAVIT was for many years a resident of Dover and a man of affairs in the political world of Morris county. He accumulated a great deal of valuable real estate in this section of New Jersey and was a representative in the first city council of Dover. His political faith coincided with the teachings and platform of the Republican party, in the local councils of which he figured prominently. He served for one term as sheriff of Morris county, filled the office of surrogate and for many years was county assessor. He was one of the organizers of the Dover fire department and its first chief, and his intrinsic loyalty to all matters affecting the good of the general welfare was of the most insistent order. In this day, when disinterested citizenship is all too rare a jewel, it is helpful to reflect upon a course of high-minded patriotism such as that of Mr. McDAVIT. He gave to public affairs the same careful, efficient attention that his own business received. He possessed a warm heart. He was a friend to a friend, and a friend to the helpless. No one ever turned to him in time of need but that he was met with a cordial response. Mr. McDAVIT died in 1888, aged fifty-two years, and his memory is still verdant in the hearts of his many friends.

Adelbert P. McDAVIT, an only child, attended the public schools of Dover and was graduated in the Morris Academy. After the demise of his father he assumed charge of the McDAVIT real estate interests in Dover and in recent years he has become known as a big property owner, his holdings being both residential and business plots. He was one of the promoters of the Bon Ton Moving Picture Theatre in Dover and is a heavy stockholder in the same. For the past twenty-five years he has been a member of its board; and since January, 1913, its chief. In connection with his duties as fire chief he is acquitting himself with distinction and honor. He is affiliated with Dover Lodge, B. P. O. E., of which he is a charter member and first treasurer. Politically, he is a stalwart Republican.

Mr. McDAVIT married Bertha MAYBERRY, daughter of Charles MAYBERRY. They have one son, William Henry, who is now a student in the Dover High School.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)