Duryee Family

Sep 27, 2022

in 1820-1849 (Born), 1850-1869 (Born), 1870-1889 (Born), Born or raised in Newark (high school or before), Religious, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

(Photo from FindAGrave, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery)

The Duryee family was all heavily involved in missionary work – specifically the Women’s Board of Foreign Missions Reformed Church in America (WBFM of the RCA). Mary, Anna, Charlotte and Amy were sisters and Charlotte was their sister in law. They were very involved in North Reformed Church.

From at least 1900-1920 the three sisters Mary Anna and Amy lived at 30 Washington Place. In 1880 they lived at 40 Park Place. They grew up at the Rankin homestead at High and Springfield.

Duryee House, 1873 Atlas

30 Washington Place, 1901 Atlas

Mary Ogden Duryee

1843-1923

Mary lived most of her life in Newark. She was corresponding secretary for China for the WBM of the RCA. In 1893, she wrote 5-7 letters a day as they raised funds for a school building. Fifty Years in Foreign Fields calls her “for years the corresponding secretary of the Women’s Board for China and the unfailing friend to all its work from the beginning.” She was also a member of the Board of Managers for the Foster Home.

Anna B. Duryee

1841-1922

Anna lived most of her life in Newark. She was the first chosen manager (charter manager) for the WBFM of RCA, Newark, as well as first Recording Secretary.

Amy (Amanda) C. Duryee and Charlotte R Duryee

1859-1937 and 1848-1923

Amy and Charlotte, the sisters of Anna and Mary, were also involved in Church and other causes. Both died in Summit but lived in Newark.

Charlotte Ward Nuttman Duryee

1841-1885

Charlotte Duryee was born in Newark, but lived in Jersey City after marriage. For nearly 8 years, she was corresponding secretary of the WBFM of RCA. “Greatly beloved by her associates on the Board and by missionaries in the field, valued for her sound judgement, her unfailing sympathy, her rare power of achieving results her name was given to the new Bible School…in memory of her efforts on its behalf”.

Susan Duryee (married name Famy or Fahmy), Lillian (Lily N) Duryee and Alice Duryee

(1865-1961), (1866-1950), (1878-1911)

All three daughters of Charlotte lived in China. All three daughters were missionaries. However, they have little Newark connection as they grew up in Jersey City. Alice did live briefly with her three aunts in Newark. Alice tragically committed suicide on the boat back from China. Alice was a 1902 graduate of Smith College and listed at 30 Washington Place in the 1906 catalog and 1902 Yearbook.