Noble VanNess

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Noble VanNess

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

A worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of Morris county, New Jersey, Noble VAN NESS, of Towaco, possesses in marked degree the characteristics of his progenitors, thrift, energy, enterprise and perseverance, traits which are essential to a successful career.

Abraham VAN NESS, father of Noble VAN NESS, was a native of Morris county, New Jersey, a successful farmer, devoting the active years of his life to that occupation, and a man of integrity and honor, whose death, which occurred in 1881, at the age of sixty-four years, was sincerely mourned by all who knew him. His wife, Caroline (DIXON) VAN NESS, also deceased, a descendant of one of the old and honored families of Montville township, Morris county, New Jersey, bore him five children, but one of whom is living at the present time (1914), Noble, of whom further.

Noble VAN NESS was born in his present place of residence, March 3, 1855. The common schools of the neighborhood afforded him the means of obtaining a practical education, and since attaining a suitable age he has given his undivided attention to the cultivation and tilling of the soil, his farm consisting of 125 acres of good, arable land, which yields a plentiful harvest in return for labor expended. He has been very successful in his work, sending to market large quantities of general produce, from which he derives a fair income, sufficient for the needs of his family and which has enabled him to accumulate some capital to provide for his declining years. He has led a quiet and peaceful life, his chief aim being to attain an honorable name and to merit the confidence and respect of his neighbors and friends. He is a member of the local Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and his political ideas are in accord with those advanced by the Democratic party, but he has never sought or held public office, his time being entirely taken up with the management of his property.

Mr. VAN NESS married (first) Mary Augusta VREELAND, who died in 1881, daughter of James P. VREELAND. Two children: Watson, deceased, and Ethel, married George E. FISHER, of Boonton, New Jersey. Mr. VAN NESS married (second) Linnie VREELAND, daughter of John P. VREELAND. Children: Crawford, married Helen BLOWERS and has one child, Ellen Crawford; Grover.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)