NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

Widely known in industrial circles as a leading contractor and builder of Morris county, his home being in Madison, Mr. Bruen was born in Chatham, on the 28th of December, 1838, and is a son of Ashbel Bruen, whose birth occurred on the old family homestead in 1802. The grandfather, Benjamin Bruen, was also born there, a son of Joseph Bruen, who was probably a native of England and took up his residence in America in the days when this country belonged to the nations of the old world. Benjamin Bruen was reared in Madison and was a farmer and cooper, following the dual occupation in order to provide for his family. He married Arercha Harris, and their children were:

• Isaac H., born in 1797;

• Ashbel;

• Elias R.;

• Jane J., wife of Jedediah Frost; and

• Caroline, wife of Charles Matthews.

The parents of this family were members of the Presbyterian church.

Ashbel Bruen was reared on the old family homestead and served an appretniceship [sic] at the carpenter's trade, preparatory to making that occupation his life work. After he had attained his majority he formed a partnership with Lewis Carter, and one of their first contracts was for the erection of the summer residence of W. C. Wallace (December, 1898), of Essex county. He also took the contract for building Belmont Hall, at Schooleys Mountain, the Morris County Hotel, of Morristown, and General Joseph Revere's residence on the Mendon road. He has also erected many other buildings of note and was thus prominently identified with the work of improvement in the county. In 1823 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Chandler, of North Elizabeth, a daughter of Jonathan Chandler, who enlisted in the American army in the war for independence and was captured in his first engagement, being held as a prisoner of war in the old Sugar' House, in New York city. He was a native of Elizabeth. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Jewell and by her marriage she became the mother of six children: Stephen, who was a surveyor and removed to Delaware county, Ohio; Jonathan J., who also went to Ohio; Elizabeth, who became the wife of John Orr; Permelia, Mary and Sarah.

Ashbel Bruen, father of our subject, was a captain in the state militia, and, a man of much influence, he took an active part in shaping public affairs in his neighborhood. He served as judge of elections, was chairman of the house meetings and was a trustee and leading worker in the Presbyterian church of Madison. His wife, a most estimable lady, also held membership in that church. In his early life he gave his political support to the Whig party and became an ardent supporter of anti-slavery principles. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His death occurred in 1854, and his wife, long surviving him, passed away in 1889, at the age of eighty-five years. The family of this worthy couple numbered eight children, four sons and four daughters:

• Phoebe J., now the wife of Harvey Lum, of Chatham;

• Benjamin, who died at the age of twenty-two years;

• Elizabeth D., who became the wife of Stephen Bunnell and died in Michigan;

• Theodore W. , who died at the age of fifty-two years;

• Merritt, who served as quartermaster in Company K, Seventh New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and died in the army, at the age of twenty-seven years;

• Caroline, wife of John Baldwin, a resident of Chatham;

• Francis M., of this review; and

• Adaline, wife of Joseph E. Ebling.

Francis Marion Bruen was reared on his father's farm and in the common schools acquired his education. At the age of sixteen years he began learning the carpenter's trade, serving a four-years apprenticeship. He was afterward engaged for four or five years as a journeyman and then began business on his own account in Madison. He has erected many of the substantial buildings in this part of the county and drawn plans for many of these. He is an experienced builder, has made a close study of his business, and by his thorough knowledge and skill is enabled to please his patrons and secure a a good business. For fourteen years he was a member of the Temple of Honor and filled nearly all of the offices of the order.

In December, 1868, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bruen and Miss Harriet N. Lum, a daughter of John C. Lum, of Connecticut Farms. They have a wide acquaintance in this community and the warm regard of many friends, while their home is noted for its generous hospitality. In his political views Mr. Bruen is a stanch Republican. While he has never been a public man in social or political life, he has always been quite prominent in church circles, and there is no good work, either in the name of charity or the advancement of religion, which does not find in him an earnest and material helper. He has been for fifteen years a member of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian church of Madison, and has also advanced the interests of education by his effective service as school trustee.

Transcribed by Brianne Kelly-Bly

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