NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Fred W. Muchmore
Morris Co. Up

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

The branch of the MUCHMORE family represented in the present generation by Fred W. MUCHMORE, of Morristown, is of Welsh origin, from which country came three brothers at an early day, one of whom located in New Jersey, and from him have descended the line herein recorded.

Samuel MUCHMORE, the first member of the family of whom we have definite information, was a native of Essex county, New Jersey, where he was reared and educated, and where he followed farming for several years. He then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, locating on the Miami river, near Madisonville. Subsequently he removed further west, where he remained for a short period of time, then started to return for his, but died on the homeward journey.

Stephen MUCHMORE, son of Samuel MUCHMORE, was born in Essex county, New Jersey. After completing his studies in the common schools, accompanied by two brothers, he went to Ohio, where they located land in the Miami Valley, which they cleared and cultivated, thus preparing the way for the remainder of the family, who migrated there later. After a residence of about a year in Ohio, Stephen returned to New Jersey, locating in Morris county, where he spent the remainder of his days, devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits. He married Elizabeth DENMAN and among their children was Joel W., of whom further.

Joel W. MUCHMORE, son of Stephen MUCHMORE, was born in Essex county, New Jersey, April 26, 1815. He was reared on the home farm, attended the common school, and at the age of seventeen entered upon an apprenticeship in a carpenter shop, which line of work he followed for thirty years, and in connection therewith took up architecture. In 1840 he took up his residence in Morristown, remaining there until his decease. In 1865 he engaged in the lumber business with Francis A. DAY, under the style of Day & Muchmore, and his connection with that firm continued for nearly two decades, when he retired from active pursuits, having accumulated sufficient capital for his declining years. He was a self-made man, the success which he achieved being a direct result of energy, enterprise, and perseverance, combined with an aptitude for business and integrity of a high order. His political affiliation was given to the Republican party, but aside from casting his vote at the polls he took no active part in politics.

Mr. MUCHMORE married in 1842, Sarah Elizabeth BUNN, born in Springfield, Essex county, New Jersey, January 5, 1821, died February, 1898, her death being deeply mourned by all who had the honor of her acquaintance. She was a consistent member of the South Street Presbyterian Church of Morristown. Children:

  • Caroline Day,
  • Randolph,
  • Fred W.,
  • George,
  • Vail,
  • Hattie,
  • Nellie.

Mr. and Mrs. MUCHMORE lived together for over fifty-five years, celebrated the golden anniversary of their marriage, and to commemorate their various celebrations they had published a little booklet, in which is printed a record of each one of those memorable occasions.

Fred W. MUCHMORE, son of Joel W. MUCHMORE, was born November 26, 1848, in Morristown, New Jersey. He was educated in the common and private schools, and in 1864 he enlisted in Company B, Thirty-seventh New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, serving three months in front of Petersburg, Virginia. After being mustered out at expiration of term of enlistment he returned to Morristown. He then spent some twelve years in New York at railroading. He then returned to Morristown and bought out the shoe business of Mr. DRAKE and conducted that business for twenty years, when he sold it. He became one of the Organizers of the Common Sense Suspender Company of Morristown, with which he has since been associated, and is now, 1914, president of the concern. He is a member of A.T.A. Torbert Post, No. 24, G.A.R.; politically a Republican. He married in 1874, Laura B. BENSON, of Cincinnati, Ohio. An adopted daughter is their only child,

  • Mabel B. BOWER.

The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.

 

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

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