NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

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

Among the earnest men of Morristown, New Jersey, whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle, arouse the admiration of the citizens of the town, is Harry A. VAN GILDER, a man of distinguished ability, whose character is above a shadow of reproach. Many responsible trusts have been placed in his hands and the utmost fidelity has marked their full and complete discharge.

Abraham VAN GILDER, grandfather of the above mentioned, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Morristown. He married, and had children: Samuel G., of further mention; Martha, now deceased, married Gibson TEED; Anna, married William L. PRUDEN; Kate, married Edward W. PRUDEN; Hanna, deceased, married Morris CULBERSON.

Samuel G., son of Abraham VAN GILDER, was born in Dover, New Jersey, and there received his education in the public schools. For many years he was engaged in the lumber business, and lived in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and in Morristown, his death occurring in the latter city. In politics he was a staunch Republican, and he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married (first) Mary A., born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Allen HARVEY, a farmer in that county; he married (second) Harriet PRUDEN, of Dover, New Jersey. Children, all living in Morristown: Charles G., married Phoebe W. TUCKER, and has one child; Harry P.; Minnie C., unmarried; Harry A.

Harry A. VAN GILDER was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, August 30, 1865, and there attended the public schools, later becoming a student in the Dickinson Seminary in that town. His business occupations were varied. Eight years were spent in the city of New York, engaged in the manufacture of fireworks. Three years were spent as business manager for a private sanitarium in Easton, Pennsylvania. Removing to Morristown, New Jersey, he became identified with financial interests. In 1897 he became a general clerk with the Morristown Trust Company, was made assistant secretary and assistant treasurer in 1900, and elected treasurer in 1906. He has under important business interest under consideration, and is director and vice president of the Common Sense Suspender Company, of Morristown, New Jersey. He is a staunch supporter of Republican principles, but has never held public office. His religious affiliation is with the Morristown Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been a member of the board of trustees for a considerable length of time. His connection with various social organizations, etc., is as follows: Morristown Lodge, No. 188, F. and A. M.; Madison Chapter, No. 27, R. A. M.; Ode de St. Amand Commandery, No. 12, K.T.; Mecca Temple, No. 1, A. A. O. N. M. S.; Morristown Lodge, No. 185, B. P. O. E.; Loantaka Council, No. 938, R. A.; Watnong Council, No. 18, Loyal Association; Grant Conclave, No. 123, Improved Order of Heptasophs; Maxim Park Yacht Club, Lake Hopatcong; Morristown Young Men’s Christian Association; Morris County Forest, No. 2, Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Mr. VAN GILDER married Carrie A., born in Washington, D. C., a daughter of John F. MEGINNESS. Children: Charles P. and Martha J. Mr. MEGINNESS was an editor and publisher.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)

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