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Thomas Nast PictureImage: Antonio de la Cova/findagrave.com
Thomas Nast 
1840-1902


Perhaps most influential American political cartoonist. Born in Germany, family moved to New York City when he was about six. After dropping out of school, in 1855 hired for first illustration job at Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, later a war correspondent in Italy, in 1862 joined staff of Harper's Weekly. As its cartoonist, topics included civil war, slavery and corruption, created images of donkey for Democrats and elephant for Republicans, as well as Uncle Sam and depiction of Santa Claus as jolly, rotund man living at North Pole. Crusaded against corruption, particularly Tammany Hall Democratic machine led by William Marcy "Boss" Tweed, reportedly refused Tweed's bribe of $500,000 (100 times Nast's annual salary) to end attacks. Moved family from New York to Morristown in 1870, made weekly trips to New York for overnight stays, but maintained home for thirty years, supported local schools and charities and hosted visitors including Ulysses S. Grant and Mark Twain. Left Harper's Weekly 1886 after new editor directed less focus on politics, suffered financial losses in failed attempt to establish new magazine. In 1902, appointed by President and friend Theodore Roosevelt as US counsel general for Ecuador, but contracted yellow fever and died. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum in Morristown holds single largest collection of his drawings.

*  HarpWeek
*  Illustrations and political cartoons by Thomas Nast, Library of Congress




Annie Oakley PictureInage: Wikimedia Commons
Annie Oakley
1860-1926

Born in Ohio log cabin as Phoebe Ann (Annie) Mosey. To support widowed mother and siblings, at age eight began trapping, shooting and hunting, selling game to locals. At age 15 in 1875, won shooting contest against a visiting marksman and vaudeville star, Frank Butler, whom she married following year. Began appearing with husband in local vaudeville acts, adopted Oakley as stage name. In 1885, joined Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show, became featured act and highest paid performer except for Buffalo Bill himself. From 1892 through 1900, she and husband wintered in Nutley at home they built, rest of troupe also had winter encampment in Long Branch. In 1894, Thomas Edison recorded a kinescope of Wild West Show performance at his laboratories in West Orange (below).
Toured widely through US and abroad, performed for Queen Victoria of England and 
Kaiser William I of Germany. After being injured in a train accident, left Wild West Show in 1902, commenced acting career in stage play written especially for her, "The Western Girl." Continued performing into her 60s, also taught and advocated use of guns for women.
* 
Annie Oakley, PBS
*  Missie: The Life and Times of Annie Oakley by Annie Fern Swartwood (2013)



Thomas Nast cartoon Picture
The "Brains" depicting Boss Tweed by Thomas Nast in a wood engraving published in Harper's Weekly, October 21, 1871. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Harper's WeeklyPicture
Santa Claus drawn by Nast on the cover of the January 3, 1863, issue of Harper's Weekly. Image: Wikimedia Commons


William Paterson PicturePaterson shown in judicial robe as Supreme Court justice. Image: Wikimedia Commons

William Paterson
1745-1806

Governor, US senator, first New Jersey attorney general and justice of US Supreme Court. Born in Ireland, at two years old family emigrated to America, first to Delaware, eventually settled in Princeton in 1750, where father became successful merchant and maker of tin goods. Graduated from College of New Jersey (later Princeton) with B.A. in 1763 and M.A. in 1769. Studied law in Princeton as apprentice under Richard Stockton, later began practice in Hunterdon County and in 1779 relocated to Raritan estate near New Brunswick. When Revolutionary War broke out, served in New Jersey provincial congress (1775-76), constitutional convention (1776), legislative council (1776-77), and council of safety (1777). During 1777, also held a militia commission. First attorney general of new state of New Jersey 1776 to 1783, declined election to Continental Congress in 1780. Returned to private law practice 1783-1787 in New Brunswick, then  chosen to represent New Jersey at 1787 Constitutional Convention. At Convention co-authored and spoke in behalf of New Jersey (or Paterson) Plan, which asserted rights of small states in composition of federal legislature, compromise provided for equal representation of states in Senate. Signed final document and supported its  ratification in New Jersey. Elected 1789 as member of new Senate, played key role in drafting Judiciary Act of 1789. Resigned seat when elected 1790 as governor, served until 1793, also began drafting volume published in 1800 as Laws of the State of New Jersey. In 1793, nominated by President Washington as associate justice of US Supreme Court, while still serving as justice died at age 60 at Albany home of daughter, whose husband was member of wealthy Van Rensselaer family. City of Paterson and William Paterson University named in his honor. 
*  William Paterson Papers, William Paterson University




William Pennington PictureImage: US House of Representatives
William Pennington
1796-1862


Son of William Sandford Pennington, who served as governor 1813-15 as member of Jeffersonian Republican Party. Family first settled in America by Ephraim Pennington, originally in Connecticut around 1643, son one of first settlers of Newark in 1667. William born in Newark, where father was federal judge of district and circuit courts after leaving office as governor. Graduated from College of New Jersey (now Princeton) in 1813. Studied law with Theodore Frelinghuysen, admitted to bar in 1817 and served as a clerk of federal court where father was a judge from 1817 to 1826. Elected as member of Whig Party to General Assembly in 1828, and then  elected governor annually from 1837 to 1843. Tenure as governor marked by creation of schools for deaf and blind; state insane asylum; and statewide school legislation. First governor to oppose influence of Camden & Amboy railroad and canal monopoly, but stance led to its support of Democrats who defeated Pennington and other Whigs in 1843 election. Also played key role in controversy over 1838 disputed Congressional election results in which he certified victories by five Whig candidates over Democratic opponents, decision later reversed in party-line vote by House of Representatives. After declining appointment by President Millard Fillmore as governor of Minnesota Territory, elected in 1858 as member of new Republican Party to US House of Representatives. In highly unusual action, then elected soon after taking seat as Speaker by fellow House members to resolve two-month deadlock over other candidates, considered as more moderate on slavery issue than more radical Republicans. As Speaker, unsuccessfully attempted to develop compromises between pro- and anti-slavery factions to avoid secession. Defeated for re-election to a second term in 1860 after moderate Democrats ended support for  Republicans, becoming first sitting Speaker to lose re-election to House seat. Died in Newark, interred at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

*  Speaker of the House William Pennington of New Jersey, US House of Representatives
*  "William Pennington," in The Governors of New Jersey: Biographical Essays by Michael Birkner, Donald Linky and Peter Mickulas, eds. (2014)

Mary PhilbrookPictureImage: New Jersey Women's History
Mary Philbrook                                                 
1872-1958 

First woman admitted to bar as lawyer in New Jersey and first woman admitted to practice before US Supreme Court. Lacked college or law school degrees, but insisted that state law providing that any citizen, after reading law in office of an attorney, could apply and be admitted. Overcame opposition by New Jersey Supreme Court which rejected her petition in 1894 on ground that no other woman had ever sought admission, but later admitted in next year with support from New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association and state legislature enacting law to allow women to practice. Began  practice at  firm in Jersey City, eventually opened own office. Spoke frequently to groups about women’s legal rights, campaigned with Mabel Smith Douglass for establishment of New Jersey College for Women in New Brunswick, later to become women's college of Rutgers University. Relocated her practice 1902 to Newark, organized  first statewide Legal Aid Association. In 1906, became first woman admitted to practice before US Supreme Court. As member of National Woman's Party, advocate for women's suffrage approved in 1920, other causes included campaign against forced prostitution, enactment of child labor reforms, creation of separate juvenile courts and extension of probation, also took abandoned children into home until adequate placements could be obtained. A leader of  movement to establish separate state reformatory for women which later opened 1910 in Clinton. At 1947 state Constitutional Convention when 75 years old, formed coalition of women’s groups to lobby for equal rights provision in new constitution, change from word “he” to “person” cited in 1979 by state Supreme Court in holding that sex discrimination constitutionally prohibited in state.  Mary Philbrook Public Interest Awards presented annually by Rutgers Law School, Women's Law Caucus and other groups recognizing those who work for public interest causes. 

*  Mary Philbrook History, Rutgers Law School
*  Mary Philbrook: The Radical Feminist in New Jersey by Barbara Petrick (1981)


Molly Pitcher PicturePrint by Currier & Ives published in 1876 shows Molly Pitcher using rammer on cannon during the Battle of Monmouth. Her husband lies at her feet and a soldier prepares to light the fuse. In the background, the American flag. Image: Library of Congress
Molly Pitcher (Mary Ludwig Hays)
1744-1832

Dubbed "Molly Pitcher" for actions in bringing water to troops at Battle of Monmouth in Freehold on June 28, 1778, also reportedly took over cannon after husband collapsed or wounded by British gunfire. Battle took place during intense heat, accounts that some 50 soldiers died of thirst, she carried water from nearby spring to soldiers and cared for wounded. Born as Mary Ludwig, daughter of German settler, a butcher in Philadelphia. As girl, worked as domestic servant, married   William Hays in 1769, who enlisted in Continental Army in 1777. Followed husband's regiment, as was custom at time, nursing wounded and sick and helping in cooking and washing. Acts of heroism at Battle of Monmouth earned her sergeant’s commission, given by General Nathaniel Greene or, by some accounts, George Washington himself. After end of war and following death of husband, lived for many years at army barracks in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, cooking and washing for soldiers. Remarried a war veteran named John McCauley and later worked as a domestic in Pennsylvania State House in Carlisle. In 1822, Pennsylvania legislature awarded her lifetime pension of $40 annually. Upon death, buried in Carlisle cemetery with military honors including company of soldiers firing salute. On July 4, 1876--100th anniversary of Declaration of Independence--citizens of Carlisle erected white marble monument over her grave with poem and inscription to “Molly Pitcher, the heroine of Monmouth.” In 1928, honored on US postage stamp; in World War II Liberty ship SS Molly Pitcher launched in 1943; US Route 11 between Shippensburg and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania known as Molly Pitcher Highway; and Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank bears her name.
*  They Called Her Molly Pitcher by Anne Rockwell (2006)
*  Monmouth Court House: The Battle that Made the American Army by Joseph G. Bilby (2010)
*  Monmouth Courthouse 1778: The Last Great Battle In The North by Brendan Morrissey (2004)

John Roebling PictureImage: Brooklyn Museum/Wikimedia Commons
John A. Roebling
1806-1869


Native of Prussia where trained as engineer, emigrated in 1831, first to Saxonburg in Pennsylvania,  set up shop making wire rope, which soon proved superior to hemp in hauling barges and railroad cars along canals. Subsequently designed suspension bridges with cables made from many parallel wires wrapped tightly together, won bid to in 1845 to build suspension bridge over Monongahela River at Pittsburgh. In 1848 relocated business and residence to Trenton and built large industrial complex for manufacturing wire. Civil War suspended most of work, but in 1867 completed bridge over Ohio River at Cincinnati, world's longest suspension bridge at time and later named John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge.

Brooklyn Bridge PictureImage: Library of Congress
In 1867 started design work on what is now Brooklyn Bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn over East River, named chief engineer and company awarded contract for supplying cable. While standing on dock assessing location of bridge, foot crushed by an arriving ferry, toes later amputated, but after contracting tetanus and lockjaw succumbed 24 days after being injured. Son Washington Roebling and daughter-in-law Emily Warren Roebling continued his work on  Brooklyn Bridge, with Emily assuming on-site supervision after husband disabled by accident at bridge in which he contracted nitrogen narcosis ("the bends"); upon completion in 1883, Emily honored by being first to cross bridge by carriage. Son Ferdinand expanded wire rope business; son Charles Roebling invented huge 80 ton wire rope machine and founded company town of Roebling south of Trenton where steel mill and worker housing were built; son Washington A. Roebling II perished on Titanic. Buried in Riverview Cemetery in Trenton.
*  The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge by David McCullough (2001)
* John A. Roebling, Roebling Museum
* Roebling and the Brooklyn Bridge, Library of Congress

Mary Roebling PictureImage: State of New Jersey
Mary G. Roebling
1905-1994


First woman to head a major US commercial bank when she became a board member and then president of Trenton Trust in 1937 after death in previous year at age 45 of third husband, Siegfried Roebling, grandson of Washington Roebling, builder of Brooklyn Bridge. Husband left her Trenton Trust stock, with majority of shares controlled by Roebling family. Served as either president or chair of board until 1972 when bank merged with National State Bank, then chaired combined banks until 1984.First woman governor of American Stock Exchange, served 1958-62. When first appointed president of Trenton Trust (the Roebling family bank), worked at bank during day and commuted by train to attend evening banking courses at New York University.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed her to committee drafting China Relief Bill; President Harry Truman named her as only female member of Citizen’s Advisory Committee on Armed Forces Installations, traveled widely inspecting conditions at military installations. Also a delegate to Atlantic Congress for NATO,  White House Conference on Refugee Problems, and member of Citizens Advisory Council to Committee on the Status of Women. In 1950, appointed by Governor Alfred E. Driscoll to New Jersey State Investment Council, served under five governors. In 1978, one of founders of Women’s Bank of Denver, nation’s first chartered bank established by women. Active supporter of military, honors included President’s Medal from US Army and Distinguished Service Award from US Marine Corps.
*  "Mary Roebling, 89, First Woman To Head Major U.S. Bank, Dies," New York Times, October 27, 1994
*  "1937: She banked on Trenton," The Trentonian



Thomas Rogers PictureImage: Friends of Cedar Lawn Cemetery
Thomas Rogers
1792-1856

Born in Connecticut, descendant of Thomas Rogers, one of pilgrims on "Mayflower." At age 16 apprenticed as carpenter, also learned metal fabrication as blacksmith. Relocated to Paterson in 1812, joined army during War of 1812, subsequently formed business as a builder and in 1821, with partner Abram Godwin, established Godwin, Rogers & Co. cotton mill, as well as building looms and machinery for spinning and other uses. In 1832, with partners Morris Ketchum and Jasper Grosvenor, founded Rogers, Ketchum and Grosvenor, manufactured textile looms, agricultural machinery and parts used by railroads such as axles and springs. Also supplied iron-work for Passaic and Hackensack railroad bridges and  sets of wheels and axles for South Carolina Railroad. Manufactured first locomotive, the "Sandusky," which made its first trial round trip from Jersey City to New Brunswick on October 6, 1837.

Rogers locomotive PictureImage: Scientific American, CatskillArchive.com
Rogers remained president until death in 1856 when son Jacob succeeded him and reorganized and renamed company as Rogers Locomotive and Machine Works Company. Built over 6,000 steam locomotives for railroads around world through end of century. Best-known the "General" hijacked during Civil War in April 1862 on its regular run from Atlanta to Chattanooga and subject of chase after seizure in raid led by civilian spy James Andrews and Union soldiers in attempt to destroy  railroad line and bridges, with Andrews and seven soldiers later hung by Confederates, with both executed and surviving soldiers among first to receive Medal of Honor. Remained independent company until purchase by larger firm in 1905, which ended locomotive production in Paterson in 1913. Buried in Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Paterson.
*  Thomas Rogers, Friends of Cedar Lawn Cemetery
*  Rogers Locomotive Works, Paterson Friends of the Great Falls
*  "The Evolution of the American Locomotive," Herbert T. Walker, Scientific American, May 8, 1897


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