Month: April 2022

Kate Louise Roberts

1861-1941 Editor of Hoyt’s New Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations. She got the job through JK Hoyt editor of the Newark … More

Ramona Santiago

c. 1952- Photo from Newark Library. Ramona Santiago was appointed deputy mayor in 1994. Her grandfather came from Spain to … More

Connie Francis

1937 (some sources say 1938)- Pop singer and chart topping vocalist. Connie was born Concetta Franconero in the Ironbound section … More

Esther Edwards Burr

1732-1758 Mother of 3rd Vice President Aaron Burr Jr. Esther married Aaron Burr Sr., pastor of First Presbyterian Church in … More

Frances and Eliza Coult

1836-1935, 1866-1935 Mother and sister of Margaret Coult.  Wife and daughter of Joseph Coult, Newark counsel. Frances lived to be … More

Miss Rhapsody Viola Wells

1902-1984 Photo from Barbara J Kukla Papers Born in Newark, Viola Wells, known as Miss Rhapsody was an internationally acclaimed … More

Miriam Ogden Ball

1890-1968 From an old Newark family, born in Newark daughter of Mary Depue Ogden. Attended Wellesley College and worked briefly … More

Mary Depue Ogden

1867-1960 Member of a prominent New Jersey family. Wrote the Memorial Cyclopedia of New Jersey and collaborated with her husband … More

Florence Randolph

1866-1951 Suffragist, ordained minister and clubwomen. Organizer of the NJ Federation of Colored Womens Clubs. Randolph’s life has been covered … More

Martha Belle Williams

1924-1969 With M. Bernadine Johnson Marshall, first African American woman admitted to the New Jersey Bar. From Montclair but attended Essex … More

Esther Newman

c. 1883 – 1901 First woman graduate of the NJ College of Pharmacy along with Emma Egge. Graduated in April … More

Emma Egge Oschwald

c. 1883-1960 Born in Newark, first woman to graduate the NJ College of Pharmacy in Newark, along with Esther Newman … More

Theresa Kraker Guthrie

c. 1889-1959 Lived in Newark from at least 1910. Founder of the Chronically Ill Service of Essex County. Board member … More

Bertell Collins Wright

1908-1993 President of the Essex County Tuberculosis League, based in Newark at 42 Park Place, sometimes called “Director of Negro … More

Lydia Young Hayes

1871-1943 First director of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind which had offices in Newark at 14 James St … More

Margaret Douglas Haines

1884-1966 Lifelong resident of Newark. Member of the General Assembly 1949-1953. Taught at Garfield and Avon Ave Schools. Canteen worker … More

Mariana Higbie Barker

1880- April 24, 1967 Born in Newark, graduate of Smith College 1901. President of the Board of Babies Hospital. She … More

Myrtle C. Williams

1900- 15 Jun 1965 (?) Grew up in Newark on Chestnut St. First “colored girl” to finish a 4 year … More

Stella Windsor Wright

1887-1932 From North Carolina. Social worker who helped establish the Friendly Neighborhood House with Gladys Churchman and Louise Shugard. Stella … More

Dr. Eva Topkins Brodkin

1899-1994 First female dermatologist in New Jersey. Practiced in Newark from 1927 to 1977. Also chief of dermatology at St. … More

Clara Dasher

1930-1995 President of the Essex County College Board of Trustees, longtime active member of the Newark Teacher’s Union. Teacher from … More

Clara Zahn

1870-1953 Born in Newark, attended Newark Public Schools and Newark Normal School. First woman principal of a grammar school. Appointed … More

Jennie Reich Danzis

1875 – Sept 24, 1945 Wife of Max Danzis and was one of the founders of Beth Israel Hospital, with … More