Clarkson Runyon was born 1805 in Piscataway, Middlesex County, NJ the youngest of 3 known children (all sons) born to John Runyon and his (2nd) wife Christiana Stelle, both from families closely associated with the early history if Piscataway. He was the paternal grandson of Ephraim Runyon and Ruth Molleson; and gr-grandson Reune Runyon & Rachel Drake of Pisctaway. He was a direct descendant of this family's patricarch, French Hugeunot, Vincent (Rongnion) Runyon, Sr. (1645-1713). Among the multitude of Christian "exiles for conscience sake " the founder of this large and influential line of pioneers, settled in East Jersey on the Elizabeth Town Grant. His name first appears as "Vincent Rongnion, mariner of Poitou." John Runyon, Clarkson's father, had married (1st) to a woman named Sarah, by whom a daughter was born in 1788, Mercy Runyon. He married second to Christiana Stelle on April 24, 1794. Young Clarkson was about 13 years old when his father died in 1818, and he was raised by his widowed mother.
Early on, Clarkson was an enterprising and ambitious young man, leaving the farmlands of Piscataway and choosing to establish himself as a merchant in the thriving business world flourishing in the city of New Brunswick. He was just 23 years old he wed 17-year old Matilda Carman Mundy on June 7, 1818, the daughter of Judge Simeon Mundy and Isabel/Isabella Carman, both from two well connected families in New Jersey. Clarkson and Matilda would become parents to 5 known children (3 boys/2 girls): Carolina Amanda Runyon (1829-1855), Simeon Mundy Runyon (1831-1893), Charles Cook Runyon (1837-1903), Helen Briggs Runyon (1839-1929), and Clarkson Runyon, Jr. (1845-1914).
Clarkson became involved early on in the burgeoning india rubber business, becoming a stockholder in the Newark India Rubber company, thereby establishing himself, and his fortune. Sadly, Clarkson died young, never realizing his full ambitions. He died on March 31, 1845 at the age of 40. He was, however, able leave his sons a financial legacy upon which they built empires. His wife of 17 years, never remarried. She survived him another 52 years, passing in 1897 at age 86. As for his children, they all married and all, except Caroline, had children:
CAROLINA AMANDA RUNYON (1829-1855)
---------------------------------
Caroline married Moses Coddington in 1849 when she was just 19 years old. The marriage was childless and ended in 6 years upon her untilmely dead in 1855 at age 25. She is buried here in Willow Grove. Her husband later remarried in 1858 to Emilie Mercien DuPuy and had a son, Herbert DuPuy Coddington (1861-1890). All 3 are buried here in Willow Grove.
SIMEON MUNDY RUNYON (1831-1893)
--------------------------------
Simeon inherited shares of his father india rubber stock, and later was an executive with Goodyear Rubber. Simeon was born 23 May 1831 in New Brunsiwck, NJ He married December 5, 1854 to Eliza Esther West, of Wallingford, New Haven, CT. He was 23 years old, and she just 18 years old. The couple would have 9 children; only 8 of whom are known: Charles F. Runyon (ca. 1859, b NY), Isabelle "Belle" Runyon (ca. 1861, b. NY), Florence D. Runyon (1863-1955, b. NJ), Frank W. Runyon (ca. 1865, b. NJ), Edgar R. Runyon (1869, b. NJ), Frederic R. Runyon (1876-1944, b. NJ), Caroline Matilda Runyon (1857-1925, b. NY), and Eliza Runyon (no info known). This branch of the Runyon's relocated to San Francisco by 1900, where Simeon served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Goodyear Rubber Company in that city. He died there in August, 1893 at age 62. His wife of over 38 years survived him 26 years and died in 1919 at age 82, passing in East Orange, NJ at the home of her daughter Caroline Matilda Runyon Colie, who had married prominent attorney Edward Martin Colie. With the exception of daughter Carolina who moved back east after her marriage, all of Simeon's children remained in California. His eldest son, Charles F. Runyon followed in his father's footsteps becoming Secretary of Goodyear Rubber by 1900, and later President of the Mt. Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railroad, known as "the crookedest railroad in the world,", constructed in 1896. This famous rail line brought passengers from Mill Valley to the summit via 281 curves. Atop Mt. Tam, the Tavern of Tamalpais welcomed diners and dancers. Son, Frederic Francis Runyon was a journalist in Pasadena and co-founded the Pasadena Independent; and his son, Frederic G, (b. ca. 1902) was editor of the Pasadena Evening Post.
CHARLES COOK RUNYON (1837-1903)
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Charles C. Runyon who also inherited stock in his father's india rubber concern, would become a wealthy industrialist and head of 3 generations of prominent men who left their mark in the world and topped the Social Register in New York. His middle name has been found as both Cook, and by the initial "R". Charles was born May 4, 1837 in New Brunswick, NJ, He was 27 years old when he married on October 5, 1864 to 23-year old Isabel M. Fitz Randolph, daughter of Phineas "Carman" Fitz Randolph of NJ and Ann Emilie Mercein, daughter of NY Assemblyman Thomas Mercein of NY, who later relocated to Yonkers, Westchester Co, NJ; and niece of NJ Gov. Theodore (Fitz) Randolph. Her father, Phineas "Carman" Fitz Randolph, was the maternal grandson of Maj. Phineas Carman, of Revolutionary war fame. (This branch of the Fitz-Randolphs are descendants of the Fitz-Randolphs of Piscataway, NJ, but dropped the Fitz in the late 1870's and became known primarily as Randolph'). Charles & Isabel would be parents to 5 known children: Emile Mercein Runyon (1865-1865), Carman Randolph Runyon (ca. 1867), Helen B. Runyon (ca. 1871), Arthur S. Runyon (ca. 1872), and Charles R. Cook, II (ca. 1883), Early in his career, Charles became Secretary/Treasurer of the Union Rubber Company. Later, he entered the coal business, becoming one of the "Coal Barons" who profited from fuel that powered the industrial revolution. He first entered this business with his wife's family as part of the firm of Randolph Brothers, later leaving to become Secretary and Treasurer to the Superior Mountain Coal Company. He was intrumental in organizing the Hoboken Coal Company, of which he became the head. His next venture was The Communipaw Coal Company of Jersey City, and since its organization until his death, he was President of that firm. Charles was a member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and of the Lawyer's Club. In 1871, Charles purchased 63 acres of land in Yonkers, Westchester County and constructed an expansive "Summer Home" to retreat from Manhattan. He later sold parcels, one of which became the land for Runyon Heights, one of the first middle class surburan housing developments built for African-Americans, which still exists today. Charles died on October 13, 1903 at age 66. He was buried in Easton, PA (believe to be buried in the Easton Cemetery there). His wife of 39 years survived him and was last known to be living in Yonkers in 1913. It is believed she died there. His son, Carman Randolph Runyon carried on in the coal business, amassing a fortune. He married (1st) Helen Osgood Wiley in 1892 and had Carman Randolph Runyon II (1893) and Rosamund Runyon (18950; and married (2nd) Ellen Hunt, an actress. In 1920, Carman R. Randolph, Sr. purchased 133 acres of land, west of Hollywood, CA, which came to be known as Runyon Canyon; that land later passing through several hands until becoming the property of wealthy Huntington Hartford. Carman R. Runyon, II had a son, Carman Randolph "Randy" Runyon III (b. ca. 1917), who was raised in Yonkers and was close childhood friend of Edwin H. Armonstrong, who invented FM radio. During the summer of 1935, in preparation of unveiling FM radio to the engineering community, Armstrong worked with "Randy" Runyon to rebuilt Runyon's amateur transmitter to operate with FM technology on 110 megahertz (MHz). A makeshift studio was built in Runyon's living room. On January 4, 1940, Yonkers resident Edwin Howard Armstrong transmitted the first FM radio broadcast (on station W2XCR) from the Yonkers home of C.R. Runyon, a co-experimenter. "Randy" founded the Radio Engineers Laboratory (REL) at age 21 and began to manufacture professional FM monitors with high quality speakers for station use. Charles C. Runyon's son and namesake, Charles R. Cook, II became a State Department lawyer in Washington, DC, and married Cornelia P. Montgomery, an artist and sculptor, in 1913. The family moved to California, where he died young at about age 44 in 1927. Charles & Cornielia were parents of Charles Runyon III (1914-1998), assistant-dean at Yale University; and Tom Mercein Runyon (1920-2009), fiction writer and actor.
HELEN BRIGGS RUNYON (1839-1929)
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Helen was born May 11, 1839 in New Brunswick, NJ and was 26 years old when she married 23-year old Rev. Cornelius Brett, son of Rev. Phillip Milledaler Brett and Cornelia Bogart of New York. He was the maternal grandson of Cornelius Bogert, a former well-known lawyer of New York City; and was descended from Lieutenant Roger Brett, of the English Navy, who, in 1703, married Katrina Rombout, a daughter of Francis Rombout. Cornelius became pastor of the Old Bergen Reformed Church in Jersey City. They were parents to 2 known children: Maud Runyon Brett (1867-1922), who married the Rev. William H. Boocock in 1897 and had 3 children; and Phillip Milledoler Brett (1871-1960) who married Margaret A. Strong and was father to 2 children. He was a noted NY Attorney and was the 13th President of Rutgers University serving in an acting capacity from 1930 to 1931. Helen was widowed in 1922 when her husband of 57 years passed at age 80 in Buffalo, NY. She died there 7 years later on January 13, 1929 at age 90.
CLARKSON RUNYON, JR. (1845-1914)
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Was born October 6, 1845 in New Brunswick, less than 7 months after the death of his father. The young man would grow up with his widowed mother, never knowing his father. Clarkson would become a stockbroker with a seat on the NY Stock Exchange. At age 28, on April 17, 1873 he married 20-year old Laura Nichols (Nicholas) Phillips, daughter of John & Laura Phillips of New York. The couple resided at their home on Union Street in New Brunswick where they would become parents to 3 known children: Clarkson Runyon III (1874), Dr. Laurence Phillips Runyon (1877) and Elizabeth "Bessie" Runyon (1880). He died in 1914 at age 69. His wife of 41 years survived him 23 years and passed in 1937 at age 85. She is reportedly buried in Elmwood Cemetery in New Brunswick. Son, Clarkson Runyon III followed in his father's footsteps becoming a stockbroker. He married in 1903 to Jane Peterson Allen of Germantown, PA. Son, Laurence, graduated Rutgers in 1899, and from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, in 1903. After three years in hospital work in New York he begain a successful medical practice in New Brunswick. He married Katherine McClelland Neilson, of the prominent Neilsen family of New Brunswick, and was father to 2 known children.
Early on, Clarkson was an enterprising and ambitious young man, leaving the farmlands of Piscataway and choosing to establish himself as a merchant in the thriving business world flourishing in the city of New Brunswick. He was just 23 years old he wed 17-year old Matilda Carman Mundy on June 7, 1818, the daughter of Judge Simeon Mundy and Isabel/Isabella Carman, both from two well connected families in New Jersey. Clarkson and Matilda would become parents to 5 known children (3 boys/2 girls): Carolina Amanda Runyon (1829-1855), Simeon Mundy Runyon (1831-1893), Charles Cook Runyon (1837-1903), Helen Briggs Runyon (1839-1929), and Clarkson Runyon, Jr. (1845-1914).
Clarkson became involved early on in the burgeoning india rubber business, becoming a stockholder in the Newark India Rubber company, thereby establishing himself, and his fortune. Sadly, Clarkson died young, never realizing his full ambitions. He died on March 31, 1845 at the age of 40. He was, however, able leave his sons a financial legacy upon which they built empires. His wife of 17 years, never remarried. She survived him another 52 years, passing in 1897 at age 86. As for his children, they all married and all, except Caroline, had children:
CAROLINA AMANDA RUNYON (1829-1855)
---------------------------------
Caroline married Moses Coddington in 1849 when she was just 19 years old. The marriage was childless and ended in 6 years upon her untilmely dead in 1855 at age 25. She is buried here in Willow Grove. Her husband later remarried in 1858 to Emilie Mercien DuPuy and had a son, Herbert DuPuy Coddington (1861-1890). All 3 are buried here in Willow Grove.
SIMEON MUNDY RUNYON (1831-1893)
--------------------------------
Simeon inherited shares of his father india rubber stock, and later was an executive with Goodyear Rubber. Simeon was born 23 May 1831 in New Brunsiwck, NJ He married December 5, 1854 to Eliza Esther West, of Wallingford, New Haven, CT. He was 23 years old, and she just 18 years old. The couple would have 9 children; only 8 of whom are known: Charles F. Runyon (ca. 1859, b NY), Isabelle "Belle" Runyon (ca. 1861, b. NY), Florence D. Runyon (1863-1955, b. NJ), Frank W. Runyon (ca. 1865, b. NJ), Edgar R. Runyon (1869, b. NJ), Frederic R. Runyon (1876-1944, b. NJ), Caroline Matilda Runyon (1857-1925, b. NY), and Eliza Runyon (no info known). This branch of the Runyon's relocated to San Francisco by 1900, where Simeon served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Goodyear Rubber Company in that city. He died there in August, 1893 at age 62. His wife of over 38 years survived him 26 years and died in 1919 at age 82, passing in East Orange, NJ at the home of her daughter Caroline Matilda Runyon Colie, who had married prominent attorney Edward Martin Colie. With the exception of daughter Carolina who moved back east after her marriage, all of Simeon's children remained in California. His eldest son, Charles F. Runyon followed in his father's footsteps becoming Secretary of Goodyear Rubber by 1900, and later President of the Mt. Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railroad, known as "the crookedest railroad in the world,", constructed in 1896. This famous rail line brought passengers from Mill Valley to the summit via 281 curves. Atop Mt. Tam, the Tavern of Tamalpais welcomed diners and dancers. Son, Frederic Francis Runyon was a journalist in Pasadena and co-founded the Pasadena Independent; and his son, Frederic G, (b. ca. 1902) was editor of the Pasadena Evening Post.
CHARLES COOK RUNYON (1837-1903)
-------------------------------
Charles C. Runyon who also inherited stock in his father's india rubber concern, would become a wealthy industrialist and head of 3 generations of prominent men who left their mark in the world and topped the Social Register in New York. His middle name has been found as both Cook, and by the initial "R". Charles was born May 4, 1837 in New Brunswick, NJ, He was 27 years old when he married on October 5, 1864 to 23-year old Isabel M. Fitz Randolph, daughter of Phineas "Carman" Fitz Randolph of NJ and Ann Emilie Mercein, daughter of NY Assemblyman Thomas Mercein of NY, who later relocated to Yonkers, Westchester Co, NJ; and niece of NJ Gov. Theodore (Fitz) Randolph. Her father, Phineas "Carman" Fitz Randolph, was the maternal grandson of Maj. Phineas Carman, of Revolutionary war fame. (This branch of the Fitz-Randolphs are descendants of the Fitz-Randolphs of Piscataway, NJ, but dropped the Fitz in the late 1870's and became known primarily as Randolph'). Charles & Isabel would be parents to 5 known children: Emile Mercein Runyon (1865-1865), Carman Randolph Runyon (ca. 1867), Helen B. Runyon (ca. 1871), Arthur S. Runyon (ca. 1872), and Charles R. Cook, II (ca. 1883), Early in his career, Charles became Secretary/Treasurer of the Union Rubber Company. Later, he entered the coal business, becoming one of the "Coal Barons" who profited from fuel that powered the industrial revolution. He first entered this business with his wife's family as part of the firm of Randolph Brothers, later leaving to become Secretary and Treasurer to the Superior Mountain Coal Company. He was intrumental in organizing the Hoboken Coal Company, of which he became the head. His next venture was The Communipaw Coal Company of Jersey City, and since its organization until his death, he was President of that firm. Charles was a member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and of the Lawyer's Club. In 1871, Charles purchased 63 acres of land in Yonkers, Westchester County and constructed an expansive "Summer Home" to retreat from Manhattan. He later sold parcels, one of which became the land for Runyon Heights, one of the first middle class surburan housing developments built for African-Americans, which still exists today. Charles died on October 13, 1903 at age 66. He was buried in Easton, PA (believe to be buried in the Easton Cemetery there). His wife of 39 years survived him and was last known to be living in Yonkers in 1913. It is believed she died there. His son, Carman Randolph Runyon carried on in the coal business, amassing a fortune. He married (1st) Helen Osgood Wiley in 1892 and had Carman Randolph Runyon II (1893) and Rosamund Runyon (18950; and married (2nd) Ellen Hunt, an actress. In 1920, Carman R. Randolph, Sr. purchased 133 acres of land, west of Hollywood, CA, which came to be known as Runyon Canyon; that land later passing through several hands until becoming the property of wealthy Huntington Hartford. Carman R. Runyon, II had a son, Carman Randolph "Randy" Runyon III (b. ca. 1917), who was raised in Yonkers and was close childhood friend of Edwin H. Armonstrong, who invented FM radio. During the summer of 1935, in preparation of unveiling FM radio to the engineering community, Armstrong worked with "Randy" Runyon to rebuilt Runyon's amateur transmitter to operate with FM technology on 110 megahertz (MHz). A makeshift studio was built in Runyon's living room. On January 4, 1940, Yonkers resident Edwin Howard Armstrong transmitted the first FM radio broadcast (on station W2XCR) from the Yonkers home of C.R. Runyon, a co-experimenter. "Randy" founded the Radio Engineers Laboratory (REL) at age 21 and began to manufacture professional FM monitors with high quality speakers for station use. Charles C. Runyon's son and namesake, Charles R. Cook, II became a State Department lawyer in Washington, DC, and married Cornelia P. Montgomery, an artist and sculptor, in 1913. The family moved to California, where he died young at about age 44 in 1927. Charles & Cornielia were parents of Charles Runyon III (1914-1998), assistant-dean at Yale University; and Tom Mercein Runyon (1920-2009), fiction writer and actor.
HELEN BRIGGS RUNYON (1839-1929)
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Helen was born May 11, 1839 in New Brunswick, NJ and was 26 years old when she married 23-year old Rev. Cornelius Brett, son of Rev. Phillip Milledaler Brett and Cornelia Bogart of New York. He was the maternal grandson of Cornelius Bogert, a former well-known lawyer of New York City; and was descended from Lieutenant Roger Brett, of the English Navy, who, in 1703, married Katrina Rombout, a daughter of Francis Rombout. Cornelius became pastor of the Old Bergen Reformed Church in Jersey City. They were parents to 2 known children: Maud Runyon Brett (1867-1922), who married the Rev. William H. Boocock in 1897 and had 3 children; and Phillip Milledoler Brett (1871-1960) who married Margaret A. Strong and was father to 2 children. He was a noted NY Attorney and was the 13th President of Rutgers University serving in an acting capacity from 1930 to 1931. Helen was widowed in 1922 when her husband of 57 years passed at age 80 in Buffalo, NY. She died there 7 years later on January 13, 1929 at age 90.
CLARKSON RUNYON, JR. (1845-1914)
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Was born October 6, 1845 in New Brunswick, less than 7 months after the death of his father. The young man would grow up with his widowed mother, never knowing his father. Clarkson would become a stockbroker with a seat on the NY Stock Exchange. At age 28, on April 17, 1873 he married 20-year old Laura Nichols (Nicholas) Phillips, daughter of John & Laura Phillips of New York. The couple resided at their home on Union Street in New Brunswick where they would become parents to 3 known children: Clarkson Runyon III (1874), Dr. Laurence Phillips Runyon (1877) and Elizabeth "Bessie" Runyon (1880). He died in 1914 at age 69. His wife of 41 years survived him 23 years and passed in 1937 at age 85. She is reportedly buried in Elmwood Cemetery in New Brunswick. Son, Clarkson Runyon III followed in his father's footsteps becoming a stockbroker. He married in 1903 to Jane Peterson Allen of Germantown, PA. Son, Laurence, graduated Rutgers in 1899, and from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, in 1903. After three years in hospital work in New York he begain a successful medical practice in New Brunswick. He married Katherine McClelland Neilson, of the prominent Neilsen family of New Brunswick, and was father to 2 known children.
Clarkson Runyon was born 1805 in Piscataway, Middlesex County, NJ the youngest of 3 known children (all sons) born to John Runyon and his (2nd) wife Christiana Stelle, both from families closely associated with the early history if Piscataway. He was the paternal grandson of Ephraim Runyon and Ruth Molleson; and gr-grandson Reune Runyon & Rachel Drake of Pisctaway. He was a direct descendant of this family's patricarch, French Hugeunot, Vincent (Rongnion) Runyon, Sr. (1645-1713). Among the multitude of Christian "exiles for conscience sake " the founder of this large and influential line of pioneers, settled in East Jersey on the Elizabeth Town Grant. His name first appears as "Vincent Rongnion, mariner of Poitou." John Runyon, Clarkson's father, had married (1st) to a woman named Sarah, by whom a daughter was born in 1788, Mercy Runyon. He married second to Christiana Stelle on April 24, 1794. Young Clarkson was about 13 years old when his father died in 1818, and he was raised by his widowed mother.
Early on, Clarkson was an enterprising and ambitious young man, leaving the farmlands of Piscataway and choosing to establish himself as a merchant in the thriving business world flourishing in the city of New Brunswick. He was just 23 years old he wed 17-year old Matilda Carman Mundy on June 7, 1818, the daughter of Judge Simeon Mundy and Isabel/Isabella Carman, both from two well connected families in New Jersey. Clarkson and Matilda would become parents to 5 known children (3 boys/2 girls): Carolina Amanda Runyon (1829-1855), Simeon Mundy Runyon (1831-1893), Charles Cook Runyon (1837-1903), Helen Briggs Runyon (1839-1929), and Clarkson Runyon, Jr. (1845-1914).
Clarkson became involved early on in the burgeoning india rubber business, becoming a stockholder in the Newark India Rubber company, thereby establishing himself, and his fortune. Sadly, Clarkson died young, never realizing his full ambitions. He died on March 31, 1845 at the age of 40. He was, however, able leave his sons a financial legacy upon which they built empires. His wife of 17 years, never remarried. She survived him another 52 years, passing in 1897 at age 86. As for his children, they all married and all, except Caroline, had children:
CAROLINA AMANDA RUNYON (1829-1855)
---------------------------------
Caroline married Moses Coddington in 1849 when she was just 19 years old. The marriage was childless and ended in 6 years upon her untilmely dead in 1855 at age 25. She is buried here in Willow Grove. Her husband later remarried in 1858 to Emilie Mercien DuPuy and had a son, Herbert DuPuy Coddington (1861-1890). All 3 are buried here in Willow Grove.
SIMEON MUNDY RUNYON (1831-1893)
--------------------------------
Simeon inherited shares of his father india rubber stock, and later was an executive with Goodyear Rubber. Simeon was born 23 May 1831 in New Brunsiwck, NJ He married December 5, 1854 to Eliza Esther West, of Wallingford, New Haven, CT. He was 23 years old, and she just 18 years old. The couple would have 9 children; only 8 of whom are known: Charles F. Runyon (ca. 1859, b NY), Isabelle "Belle" Runyon (ca. 1861, b. NY), Florence D. Runyon (1863-1955, b. NJ), Frank W. Runyon (ca. 1865, b. NJ), Edgar R. Runyon (1869, b. NJ), Frederic R. Runyon (1876-1944, b. NJ), Caroline Matilda Runyon (1857-1925, b. NY), and Eliza Runyon (no info known). This branch of the Runyon's relocated to San Francisco by 1900, where Simeon served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Goodyear Rubber Company in that city. He died there in August, 1893 at age 62. His wife of over 38 years survived him 26 years and died in 1919 at age 82, passing in East Orange, NJ at the home of her daughter Caroline Matilda Runyon Colie, who had married prominent attorney Edward Martin Colie. With the exception of daughter Carolina who moved back east after her marriage, all of Simeon's children remained in California. His eldest son, Charles F. Runyon followed in his father's footsteps becoming Secretary of Goodyear Rubber by 1900, and later President of the Mt. Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railroad, known as "the crookedest railroad in the world,", constructed in 1896. This famous rail line brought passengers from Mill Valley to the summit via 281 curves. Atop Mt. Tam, the Tavern of Tamalpais welcomed diners and dancers. Son, Frederic Francis Runyon was a journalist in Pasadena and co-founded the Pasadena Independent; and his son, Frederic G, (b. ca. 1902) was editor of the Pasadena Evening Post.
CHARLES COOK RUNYON (1837-1903)
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Charles C. Runyon who also inherited stock in his father's india rubber concern, would become a wealthy industrialist and head of 3 generations of prominent men who left their mark in the world and topped the Social Register in New York. His middle name has been found as both Cook, and by the initial "R". Charles was born May 4, 1837 in New Brunswick, NJ, He was 27 years old when he married on October 5, 1864 to 23-year old Isabel M. Fitz Randolph, daughter of Phineas "Carman" Fitz Randolph of NJ and Ann Emilie Mercein, daughter of NY Assemblyman Thomas Mercein of NY, who later relocated to Yonkers, Westchester Co, NJ; and niece of NJ Gov. Theodore (Fitz) Randolph. Her father, Phineas "Carman" Fitz Randolph, was the maternal grandson of Maj. Phineas Carman, of Revolutionary war fame. (This branch of the Fitz-Randolphs are descendants of the Fitz-Randolphs of Piscataway, NJ, but dropped the Fitz in the late 1870's and became known primarily as Randolph'). Charles & Isabel would be parents to 5 known children: Emile Mercein Runyon (1865-1865), Carman Randolph Runyon (ca. 1867), Helen B. Runyon (ca. 1871), Arthur S. Runyon (ca. 1872), and Charles R. Cook, II (ca. 1883), Early in his career, Charles became Secretary/Treasurer of the Union Rubber Company. Later, he entered the coal business, becoming one of the "Coal Barons" who profited from fuel that powered the industrial revolution. He first entered this business with his wife's family as part of the firm of Randolph Brothers, later leaving to become Secretary and Treasurer to the Superior Mountain Coal Company. He was intrumental in organizing the Hoboken Coal Company, of which he became the head. His next venture was The Communipaw Coal Company of Jersey City, and since its organization until his death, he was President of that firm. Charles was a member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and of the Lawyer's Club. In 1871, Charles purchased 63 acres of land in Yonkers, Westchester County and constructed an expansive "Summer Home" to retreat from Manhattan. He later sold parcels, one of which became the land for Runyon Heights, one of the first middle class surburan housing developments built for African-Americans, which still exists today. Charles died on October 13, 1903 at age 66. He was buried in Easton, PA (believe to be buried in the Easton Cemetery there). His wife of 39 years survived him and was last known to be living in Yonkers in 1913. It is believed she died there. His son, Carman Randolph Runyon carried on in the coal business, amassing a fortune. He married (1st) Helen Osgood Wiley in 1892 and had Carman Randolph Runyon II (1893) and Rosamund Runyon (18950; and married (2nd) Ellen Hunt, an actress. In 1920, Carman R. Randolph, Sr. purchased 133 acres of land, west of Hollywood, CA, which came to be known as Runyon Canyon; that land later passing through several hands until becoming the property of wealthy Huntington Hartford. Carman R. Runyon, II had a son, Carman Randolph "Randy" Runyon III (b. ca. 1917), who was raised in Yonkers and was close childhood friend of Edwin H. Armonstrong, who invented FM radio. During the summer of 1935, in preparation of unveiling FM radio to the engineering community, Armstrong worked with "Randy" Runyon to rebuilt Runyon's amateur transmitter to operate with FM technology on 110 megahertz (MHz). A makeshift studio was built in Runyon's living room. On January 4, 1940, Yonkers resident Edwin Howard Armstrong transmitted the first FM radio broadcast (on station W2XCR) from the Yonkers home of C.R. Runyon, a co-experimenter. "Randy" founded the Radio Engineers Laboratory (REL) at age 21 and began to manufacture professional FM monitors with high quality speakers for station use. Charles C. Runyon's son and namesake, Charles R. Cook, II became a State Department lawyer in Washington, DC, and married Cornelia P. Montgomery, an artist and sculptor, in 1913. The family moved to California, where he died young at about age 44 in 1927. Charles & Cornielia were parents of Charles Runyon III (1914-1998), assistant-dean at Yale University; and Tom Mercein Runyon (1920-2009), fiction writer and actor.
HELEN BRIGGS RUNYON (1839-1929)
--------------------------------
Helen was born May 11, 1839 in New Brunswick, NJ and was 26 years old when she married 23-year old Rev. Cornelius Brett, son of Rev. Phillip Milledaler Brett and Cornelia Bogart of New York. He was the maternal grandson of Cornelius Bogert, a former well-known lawyer of New York City; and was descended from Lieutenant Roger Brett, of the English Navy, who, in 1703, married Katrina Rombout, a daughter of Francis Rombout. Cornelius became pastor of the Old Bergen Reformed Church in Jersey City. They were parents to 2 known children: Maud Runyon Brett (1867-1922), who married the Rev. William H. Boocock in 1897 and had 3 children; and Phillip Milledoler Brett (1871-1960) who married Margaret A. Strong and was father to 2 children. He was a noted NY Attorney and was the 13th President of Rutgers University serving in an acting capacity from 1930 to 1931. Helen was widowed in 1922 when her husband of 57 years passed at age 80 in Buffalo, NY. She died there 7 years later on January 13, 1929 at age 90.
CLARKSON RUNYON, JR. (1845-1914)
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Was born October 6, 1845 in New Brunswick, less than 7 months after the death of his father. The young man would grow up with his widowed mother, never knowing his father. Clarkson would become a stockbroker with a seat on the NY Stock Exchange. At age 28, on April 17, 1873 he married 20-year old Laura Nichols (Nicholas) Phillips, daughter of John & Laura Phillips of New York. The couple resided at their home on Union Street in New Brunswick where they would become parents to 3 known children: Clarkson Runyon III (1874), Dr. Laurence Phillips Runyon (1877) and Elizabeth "Bessie" Runyon (1880). He died in 1914 at age 69. His wife of 41 years survived him 23 years and passed in 1937 at age 85. She is reportedly buried in Elmwood Cemetery in New Brunswick. Son, Clarkson Runyon III followed in his father's footsteps becoming a stockbroker. He married in 1903 to Jane Peterson Allen of Germantown, PA. Son, Laurence, graduated Rutgers in 1899, and from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, in 1903. After three years in hospital work in New York he begain a successful medical practice in New Brunswick. He married Katherine McClelland Neilson, of the prominent Neilsen family of New Brunswick, and was father to 2 known children.
Early on, Clarkson was an enterprising and ambitious young man, leaving the farmlands of Piscataway and choosing to establish himself as a merchant in the thriving business world flourishing in the city of New Brunswick. He was just 23 years old he wed 17-year old Matilda Carman Mundy on June 7, 1818, the daughter of Judge Simeon Mundy and Isabel/Isabella Carman, both from two well connected families in New Jersey. Clarkson and Matilda would become parents to 5 known children (3 boys/2 girls): Carolina Amanda Runyon (1829-1855), Simeon Mundy Runyon (1831-1893), Charles Cook Runyon (1837-1903), Helen Briggs Runyon (1839-1929), and Clarkson Runyon, Jr. (1845-1914).
Clarkson became involved early on in the burgeoning india rubber business, becoming a stockholder in the Newark India Rubber company, thereby establishing himself, and his fortune. Sadly, Clarkson died young, never realizing his full ambitions. He died on March 31, 1845 at the age of 40. He was, however, able leave his sons a financial legacy upon which they built empires. His wife of 17 years, never remarried. She survived him another 52 years, passing in 1897 at age 86. As for his children, they all married and all, except Caroline, had children:
CAROLINA AMANDA RUNYON (1829-1855)
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Caroline married Moses Coddington in 1849 when she was just 19 years old. The marriage was childless and ended in 6 years upon her untilmely dead in 1855 at age 25. She is buried here in Willow Grove. Her husband later remarried in 1858 to Emilie Mercien DuPuy and had a son, Herbert DuPuy Coddington (1861-1890). All 3 are buried here in Willow Grove.
SIMEON MUNDY RUNYON (1831-1893)
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Simeon inherited shares of his father india rubber stock, and later was an executive with Goodyear Rubber. Simeon was born 23 May 1831 in New Brunsiwck, NJ He married December 5, 1854 to Eliza Esther West, of Wallingford, New Haven, CT. He was 23 years old, and she just 18 years old. The couple would have 9 children; only 8 of whom are known: Charles F. Runyon (ca. 1859, b NY), Isabelle "Belle" Runyon (ca. 1861, b. NY), Florence D. Runyon (1863-1955, b. NJ), Frank W. Runyon (ca. 1865, b. NJ), Edgar R. Runyon (1869, b. NJ), Frederic R. Runyon (1876-1944, b. NJ), Caroline Matilda Runyon (1857-1925, b. NY), and Eliza Runyon (no info known). This branch of the Runyon's relocated to San Francisco by 1900, where Simeon served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Goodyear Rubber Company in that city. He died there in August, 1893 at age 62. His wife of over 38 years survived him 26 years and died in 1919 at age 82, passing in East Orange, NJ at the home of her daughter Caroline Matilda Runyon Colie, who had married prominent attorney Edward Martin Colie. With the exception of daughter Carolina who moved back east after her marriage, all of Simeon's children remained in California. His eldest son, Charles F. Runyon followed in his father's footsteps becoming Secretary of Goodyear Rubber by 1900, and later President of the Mt. Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railroad, known as "the crookedest railroad in the world,", constructed in 1896. This famous rail line brought passengers from Mill Valley to the summit via 281 curves. Atop Mt. Tam, the Tavern of Tamalpais welcomed diners and dancers. Son, Frederic Francis Runyon was a journalist in Pasadena and co-founded the Pasadena Independent; and his son, Frederic G, (b. ca. 1902) was editor of the Pasadena Evening Post.
CHARLES COOK RUNYON (1837-1903)
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Charles C. Runyon who also inherited stock in his father's india rubber concern, would become a wealthy industrialist and head of 3 generations of prominent men who left their mark in the world and topped the Social Register in New York. His middle name has been found as both Cook, and by the initial "R". Charles was born May 4, 1837 in New Brunswick, NJ, He was 27 years old when he married on October 5, 1864 to 23-year old Isabel M. Fitz Randolph, daughter of Phineas "Carman" Fitz Randolph of NJ and Ann Emilie Mercein, daughter of NY Assemblyman Thomas Mercein of NY, who later relocated to Yonkers, Westchester Co, NJ; and niece of NJ Gov. Theodore (Fitz) Randolph. Her father, Phineas "Carman" Fitz Randolph, was the maternal grandson of Maj. Phineas Carman, of Revolutionary war fame. (This branch of the Fitz-Randolphs are descendants of the Fitz-Randolphs of Piscataway, NJ, but dropped the Fitz in the late 1870's and became known primarily as Randolph'). Charles & Isabel would be parents to 5 known children: Emile Mercein Runyon (1865-1865), Carman Randolph Runyon (ca. 1867), Helen B. Runyon (ca. 1871), Arthur S. Runyon (ca. 1872), and Charles R. Cook, II (ca. 1883), Early in his career, Charles became Secretary/Treasurer of the Union Rubber Company. Later, he entered the coal business, becoming one of the "Coal Barons" who profited from fuel that powered the industrial revolution. He first entered this business with his wife's family as part of the firm of Randolph Brothers, later leaving to become Secretary and Treasurer to the Superior Mountain Coal Company. He was intrumental in organizing the Hoboken Coal Company, of which he became the head. His next venture was The Communipaw Coal Company of Jersey City, and since its organization until his death, he was President of that firm. Charles was a member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and of the Lawyer's Club. In 1871, Charles purchased 63 acres of land in Yonkers, Westchester County and constructed an expansive "Summer Home" to retreat from Manhattan. He later sold parcels, one of which became the land for Runyon Heights, one of the first middle class surburan housing developments built for African-Americans, which still exists today. Charles died on October 13, 1903 at age 66. He was buried in Easton, PA (believe to be buried in the Easton Cemetery there). His wife of 39 years survived him and was last known to be living in Yonkers in 1913. It is believed she died there. His son, Carman Randolph Runyon carried on in the coal business, amassing a fortune. He married (1st) Helen Osgood Wiley in 1892 and had Carman Randolph Runyon II (1893) and Rosamund Runyon (18950; and married (2nd) Ellen Hunt, an actress. In 1920, Carman R. Randolph, Sr. purchased 133 acres of land, west of Hollywood, CA, which came to be known as Runyon Canyon; that land later passing through several hands until becoming the property of wealthy Huntington Hartford. Carman R. Runyon, II had a son, Carman Randolph "Randy" Runyon III (b. ca. 1917), who was raised in Yonkers and was close childhood friend of Edwin H. Armonstrong, who invented FM radio. During the summer of 1935, in preparation of unveiling FM radio to the engineering community, Armstrong worked with "Randy" Runyon to rebuilt Runyon's amateur transmitter to operate with FM technology on 110 megahertz (MHz). A makeshift studio was built in Runyon's living room. On January 4, 1940, Yonkers resident Edwin Howard Armstrong transmitted the first FM radio broadcast (on station W2XCR) from the Yonkers home of C.R. Runyon, a co-experimenter. "Randy" founded the Radio Engineers Laboratory (REL) at age 21 and began to manufacture professional FM monitors with high quality speakers for station use. Charles C. Runyon's son and namesake, Charles R. Cook, II became a State Department lawyer in Washington, DC, and married Cornelia P. Montgomery, an artist and sculptor, in 1913. The family moved to California, where he died young at about age 44 in 1927. Charles & Cornielia were parents of Charles Runyon III (1914-1998), assistant-dean at Yale University; and Tom Mercein Runyon (1920-2009), fiction writer and actor.
HELEN BRIGGS RUNYON (1839-1929)
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Helen was born May 11, 1839 in New Brunswick, NJ and was 26 years old when she married 23-year old Rev. Cornelius Brett, son of Rev. Phillip Milledaler Brett and Cornelia Bogart of New York. He was the maternal grandson of Cornelius Bogert, a former well-known lawyer of New York City; and was descended from Lieutenant Roger Brett, of the English Navy, who, in 1703, married Katrina Rombout, a daughter of Francis Rombout. Cornelius became pastor of the Old Bergen Reformed Church in Jersey City. They were parents to 2 known children: Maud Runyon Brett (1867-1922), who married the Rev. William H. Boocock in 1897 and had 3 children; and Phillip Milledoler Brett (1871-1960) who married Margaret A. Strong and was father to 2 children. He was a noted NY Attorney and was the 13th President of Rutgers University serving in an acting capacity from 1930 to 1931. Helen was widowed in 1922 when her husband of 57 years passed at age 80 in Buffalo, NY. She died there 7 years later on January 13, 1929 at age 90.
CLARKSON RUNYON, JR. (1845-1914)
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Was born October 6, 1845 in New Brunswick, less than 7 months after the death of his father. The young man would grow up with his widowed mother, never knowing his father. Clarkson would become a stockbroker with a seat on the NY Stock Exchange. At age 28, on April 17, 1873 he married 20-year old Laura Nichols (Nicholas) Phillips, daughter of John & Laura Phillips of New York. The couple resided at their home on Union Street in New Brunswick where they would become parents to 3 known children: Clarkson Runyon III (1874), Dr. Laurence Phillips Runyon (1877) and Elizabeth "Bessie" Runyon (1880). He died in 1914 at age 69. His wife of 41 years survived him 23 years and passed in 1937 at age 85. She is reportedly buried in Elmwood Cemetery in New Brunswick. Son, Clarkson Runyon III followed in his father's footsteps becoming a stockbroker. He married in 1903 to Jane Peterson Allen of Germantown, PA. Son, Laurence, graduated Rutgers in 1899, and from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, in 1903. After three years in hospital work in New York he begain a successful medical practice in New Brunswick. He married Katherine McClelland Neilson, of the prominent Neilsen family of New Brunswick, and was father to 2 known children.
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