1867-1960
Mary Depue Odgden was a member of a prominent New Jersey family, her father was a justice on the NJ Supreme Court. As a youth, the Newark News wrote, “she was one of the leaders of the young social set”.
Mary was the editor of the Memorial Cyclopedia of New Jersey (4 volumes).
Mary was married to Sydney Ogden who write anonymous columns i.e. Bridgerton called “Carteret’s Society Letter” on Newark society for the Sunday Call, even writing a column about his own wedding to throw off readers as to his identity. The Newark News wrote that she “frequently collaborated with her husband” on these articles.
Mary lived in Newark most of her life and was born in Newark. She was a member of the New Jersey Historical Society and President of the Women’s Branch. Upon her death, she was the oldest living member of the NJ Society of the Colonial Dames. She was the mother of Miriam Ball.
Bibliography
Cummings, Charles. Famous women helped write the city’s history. Jun 27, 2002.
Ogden, Sydney, Newark News Morgue, Newark Public Library
“Life Had Elegant Side In the 80s” Newark News Sept 21, 1958
“Social and Personal” Newark News Nov 14, 1909
“Social and Personal” Newark News Oct 11, 1908
“Carteret’s Society Letter” Sunday Call Oct 30, 1887
