Sunday's Obituary - Irvin W. Rogers

Irvin Wise Rogers

10 Dec 1863 - 12 May 1912

This is the obituary of my husband's great grand-uncle, Irvin Wise Rogers, who was a well known and respected businessman in Trenton, NJ.  He was born 10 Dec 1863 in Edgewood, Bucks County, PA to Levi H. Rogers and Jane Eliza (Slack) Rogers.  He was also the brother of Dr. Elmer H. Rogers of Trenton, NJ and Dr. Benjamin H. Rogers, of Patterson, NJ.

He was married to Ida May Tallman of Bucks County, PA about 1882.  Sometime around 1890 they moved to Trenton, New Jersey where for many years he was the secretary of the Standard Fire Insurance Agency. They had four living children, Dr. Lawrence H. Rogers, Norman Tallman Rogers who later became an attorney and Superior Court Judge of New Jersey, Irvin W. Rogers, Jr. and one daughter Helen M. Rogers.

Madness Monday - Trenton Insane Asylum & the Sad Tale of Two Sisters - Part I

Family history can be fun, rewarding, fascinating, sometimes frustrating or even boring.  However, in the story of sisters Mary and Ella Rogers, my husband’s great-grand aunts, I stumbled upon a story that at first puzzled, then absolutely chilled me to the bone.  When I first began researching my husband’s family I was very excited to discover first his great grandfather, Dr. Elmer H. Rogers of Trenton, NJ and then Elmer’s father Levi H. Rogers originally from Bucks County, PA.  Levi and his wife, Jane Eliza Sharp  raised five children, three sons and two daughters.    From what I have pieced together, Levi was a prosperous farmer and landowner.  The three sons were led first by Elmer who was born in 1858, became a well-known physician in Trenton, NJ and died in 1907.  Next was Benjamin born in 1861, also became a physician of some note and died in 1923 in California.  The third born was Irvin in 1863, also quite successful and well-known in the Trenton area as the secretary of the Standard Fire Insurance Company and died in 1912.  I found many newspaper articles on these three successful and prosperous sons. 

The two youngest children of Levi and Jane Rogers were daughters, Mary E. born in 1866 and Ella E. born in 1867.  Both sisters are found in the 1870 and 1880 Lower Makefield, Bucks County, PA census.  It appears that sometime before his death in 1892 Levi and Jane moved to Trenton where their prosperous sons were residing.  The only funeral notice for Levi states that the funeral was to be held from his son Elmer’s residence.  It did not name any of his other children.  In the 1900 Trenton Ward 1, Mercer, New Jersey census, I found his wife Jane and daughter Ella living at 4 East State Street both listing their occupation as Artist.  From this, I originally assumed daughter Mary had married before 1900, but never came across a marriage record or announcement.

In the 1910 Trenton Ward 3, Mercer, New Jersey census, I found Jane age 72 and daughter Ella aged 39 living at 125 Jackson Street.  Ella again listed her occupation as Artist.  Additionally, son Elmer H. Rogers had died in 1907 and I was fortunate to have found his obituary.  It listed his survivors as his wife, children, mother (Jane) brothers Benjamin and Irvin, but interestingly enough did not list his sisters Ella and Mary.

The 1889-1892 Trenton City Directory listed sisters Mary and Ella Rogers as living at 23 East State Street.  The 1895-1896 listed them as living at 6 East State Street and their occupations as Artists.  

Of course, then Mary disappeared and I assumed she had married until I deduced she was dead first from her brother Elmer’s obituary, then from brother Irvin’s obituary in 1912 which listed Ella, but not Mary.  The mother Jane died in 1918 and her obituary listed her only surviving children as Benjamin and Ella.

I could not find Ella in the 1920 census but I found her in the 1920 Trenton City Directory living still at 125 Jackson Street, her occupation artist.  She was mentioned again in her brother Benjamin’s obituary in May 1923, listing his only surviving sibling as Ella.

If you are confused at this point, believe me so was I!  About this time I received in the mail, the will of Dr. Elmer H. Rogers which I had ordered some time before.   Dr. Rogers was quite wealthy and in that will he made bequests for several family members including his wife and children, his wife’s brother and a loyal servant.  I read that will, which was dated and signed 8 May 1905 several times before I realized that he also mentioned his sisters.  Not sister, but both his sisters, Ella AND Mary which means Mary was still alive in 1905.  

Now I was totally bewildered.  If she was alive in 1905, why was she never mentioned in anyone’s obituary that died after 1900?  I have a subscription to the Trenton Times archives, but had never come across any articles or obituaries for her.  I started searching again using different search parameters and also using sister Ella’s name again and voila! came up with this obituary for Miss Mary Rogers in 1939, who died of a lengthy illness, whose only surviving relative was a sister Miss Ella Rogers.  

Where the heck had this woman been for over 39 years?  I went back to Ancestry.com and did another census search for 1900 and found a Mary E. Rogus (upon careful inspection of the actual document it is Rogers) living in the New Jersey State Hospital or as it was known, the State Insane Asylum.  She was listed as a patient and her occupation was listed as Teacher of Art.  Aha!  Lightbulb goes on!

 

Next week I will tell conclude Mary and Ella's story and tell you about what I learned about the horrible conditions at the Trenton "Lunatic" Asylum.

Sunday's Obituary - Claire Helen Hildinger Moldovan - Trenton Movie Heir

Trenton Evening Times  1 May 1942

Claire Helen Hildinger Moldovan
17 May 1920 - 30 Nov 1982

Claire Helen Hildinger Moldovan, wife of George Moldovan, and only daughter of the late Charles C. and Helen (Dunn) Hildinger was born 17 May 1920 in Trenton, NJ and died 30 Nov 1982 in Belleair Bluffs, Fl.  Her father was a prominent Trenton, NJ businessman known as the "Nickel King" who created the first movie theaters in Trenton in the early 1900's.  She was also preceded in death by a brother, John Clark Hildinger in 1968.  Burial was at Ewing Church Cemetery in the family plot.

Trenton Times 2 Dec 1982

Sunday's Obituary - Movie Heir, John Clark Hildinger - Trenton, NJ

John Clark Hildinger 24 Sep 1916 - 3 May 1968

J. Clark Hildinger - 1947

John Clark Hildinger was born in Trenton, New Jersey on 24 Sep 1916 to Charles Clark Hildinger and Helen Beatrice (Dunn) Hildinger.  Young Clark was born into Trenton royalty, his father the owner of a string of motion picture houses and who was known as the “nickel king.”  His father died in 1931 and his mother stepped into his shoes.  After his mother’s death in 1960 Clark took over the reins of the family business. 

Clark Hildinger was a veteran of World War II.   He left the family business in April 1942 entering the U.S. Army as a private at Fort Dix.  In March 1943 he was promoted to Corporal.

Trenton Times 3 May 1968

Clark was survived by one sister, Claire Hildinger and several cousins.  He was a first cousin once removed to my father-in-law, Alvin S. Rogers.  The funeral was held at William Murphy Funeral Home, 149 North Warren Street.  He was buried in the family plot at Ewing Church Cemetery, Trenton, New Jersey.
 

Ewing Church Cemetery - photo courtesy of Mark Snyder Find-A-Grave

Sunday's Obituary - Helen Rogers - Trenton, NJ

I wrote last week about the short life of Ellerslie Wallace Rogers, son of Dr. Elmer H. and Mary (Bowers) Rogers.  Sadly, they were to lose another child two and a half years later, their four year-old daughter Helen.  I would have never known about Helen, except I came across this short notice in the Trenton Times:

Trenton Times 21 Jul 1897

Once again, no mention as to the cause of death and I can only guess at the sadness and despair the parents felt, especially the father being a doctor and unable to save his own child.

Just this week I received notification that a Find-A-Grave contributor had added these pictures of Ellerslie and Helen's headstones and I am very grateful to have both of these pictures.

Riverview Cemetery, Trenton, NJ

Rogers Children, Main Stone, Riverview Cemetery

Sunday's Obituary - Ellerslie Wallace Rogers - Trenton, NJ

I have written before of the sad, short life of the first-born son of Dr. Elmer H. and Mary (Bowers) Rogers, Ellerslie Wallace Rogers.  He was my husband's grand-uncle.  Although his father was a respected Trenton, NJ physician, he was not able to save his own child from dying.  I have not been able to find out why Ellerslie or Wallace as it appeared he was called died, the only mention of his death is this short mention in the Trenton Times on 20 Feb 1895:

Although some months ago I had requested via Find-A-Grave, a photograph of his headstone at Riverview Cemetery in the family plot, I was very disappointed to be told there was none.  However, just this week out of the blue I received notification that another Find-A-Grave contributor had added these pictures of Ellerslie and his sister Helen's headstones (who I will write about also) and I am so grateful to have these pictures.

Riverview Cemetery, Trenton, NJ

Main Headstone - Rogers Children

Sunday's Obituary - Helen Dunn Hildinger

Helen Beatrice Dunn Hildinger 1895 - 1960
Born:  Jan 1895
Died:  15 Dec 1960
Father:  Harry Dunn
Mother:  Margaret A. Mooney

Sunday's Obituary - Dr. Benjamin H. Rogers

Announcement of the death on 2 May 1923 of Benjamin H. Rogers, the brother of my husband's great-grandfather, Dr. Elmer H. Rogers.  Benjamin H. Rogers was also a doctor and the son of Levi H. and Jane (Slack) Rogers.

From the Trenton Evening Times 6 May 1923

Sunday's Obituary - Alvin Stackhouse Rogers, Jr.

I came across the first obituary for my father-in-law recently, by accident, while doing a Google search.  It was in an Annapolis, Maryland newspaper.  The second is unknown, but most likely from the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel.  He was born on 30 May 1926 in Trenton, NJ and died on 11 Jan 1993 in Margate, FL.

Sunday's Obituary - Mary Elizabeth Hildinger Johnston

My Husband's Great-Grandmother  Mary Elizabeth Hildinger Johnston

Born:  1863 Armstrong County, PA
Died:  1954 Trenton, Mercer County, NJ
Burial:  Ewing Church Cemetery (Find-A-Grave)

Her Mother:  Mary Jane Cochran 1831 - 1891
Her Father:  John A. Cochran 1831 - 1887

Source:  Trenton Sunday Times Advertiser 8 Aug 1954

Charles C. Hildinger Obituary

Charles C. Hildinger, the prominent businessman and theater magnate who I discussed in my previous post, was my husband's great-uncle.  One would think, with his amazing accomplishments from farm boy to rich man,  he would have been discussed by my father-in-law with his children, but as with his other ancestors, they have up until now, no knowledge.  I have found probably one hundred news articles which substantiate his rags to riches story, and his obituary which was on the front page of the Trenton Evening Times on September 3, 1931 confirms his status in the theater industry and Trenton/Mercer County community.

HILDINGER BURIAL TO BE SATURDAY

Prominent Figure in Trenton Amusement Fields Dies At 54

Charles C. Hildinger, 54 years old, well known owner of several amusement ventures in the city and elsewhere and president of the Mercer County Board of Taxation, will be buried from his late home, 614 West State Street, Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock.  Following services interment will be in Ewing Church Cemetery under direction of F. J. Ullrich & Sons, Inc.

Mr. Hildinger died yesterday afternoon at Mercer Hospital.  He had suffered an acute heart attack at his summer home in Belmar, the day before, his condition growing so serious that he was ordered brought to the Trenton institution about 2 a.m. yesterday.  He regained consciousness for about five hours prior to his death. 

Mrs. Hildinger and Lee Newbury, of Belmar, his partner in theatrical enterprises, accompanied him to Trenton from the shore city.

Mr. Hildinger is survived by his widow, a son, Clark and daughter, Claire.  They reside at the West State Street home.  He leaves also three sisters, Mrs. Frank J. Ullrich, Mrs. David C. Johnston and Mrs. Paul Sweet, all of this city; three nieces, Mrs. John Nicholathwaite, of Portsmouth, Ohio; Miss Daisy Cochrane of Washington, D.C. and Mrs. Walter Stevens, also of Washington, and one nephew Charles Sweet, of this city.

He was a member of True Craftsman Lodge, F. & A.; Scottish Rite, Three Times Three Chapter and Crescent Temple, Mystic Shire.  He belonged also to Trenton Lodge of Moose.  He was also a member of the Trenton Republican Club, of the Belmar Betterment League and the Allied Motion Picture Theatre Association.

Mr. Hildinger’s early life had many of the story-book qualities that fired the imagination of the youth of a generation ago.  Born on a farm in Armstrong County, Pa., where he remained until he was 14 years old, he soon set out for wider opportunities, and when he was still a young man, he was making the most of his chances in Pittsburgh.  His small business adventure subsequently took him to many small towns and eventually to this city.

Interested in newspapers, he obtained a position as circulation solicitor of the Trenton Times.  Two years later he started here what is believed to have been the first motion picture house east of Pittsburgh. 

It was while visiting in Pittsburgh that the film theatre idea came to him.  He perched himself on a curb and watched 300 persons enter a theatre.  Financially inclined, Hildinger figured the proceeds which the management received.

He returned to Trenton and the “Bijou” was the result.  It was opened at 28 North Warren Street, on July 12, 1906.  The “Bijou” was an immediate success and Hildinger and his brother-in-law, Charles C. Cutler, formed the Dream Amusement Company.

Within ten, years, Hildinger owned eight show houses here.  One of them was the “Nicolet,” located at 134 south Broad Street and housing 221 persons.  Coming to Trenton without a nickel, Hildinger was soon dubbed the “Five Cent King of Trenton.”  And he often admitted he was proud of the title.

                Headed String of Theatres

Mr. Hildinger’s string of movie houses later included the Bijou on Chestnut Avenue, Princess on North Clinton Avenue, Victory on South Broad Street, Rialto on Pennington Avenue, American on Princeton Avenue, Strand on Hermitage Avenue, and Garden on North Broad Street.  He also had an interest in the Greenwood and City Square theatres.  In each of these enterprises he was aided by financially interested associates.

Nearly twenty years ago Mr. Hildinger organized the Hildinger Booking Company, which became a clearing house for films for his own and other local theatres.  While engaged in this business he became associated with the late Milton Hirshfield and, with the latter acquired the Stacy Theatre on East State Street, of which he was the active head at the time of his death.

                Also Had Interests at Shore

With Mr. Hirshfeld, he became a leading member of the group that four years ago was organized to erect the Lincoln Theatre.  Throughout the course of construction of this playhouse, Mr. Hildinger was continually on the job as a building supervisor.  Upon its completion, be became vice president of the enterprise and, at the death of Mr. Hirshfeld and until the sale of the house to the RKO interests, he was the active head in the operation of the Lincoln.

For the past ten year Mr. Hildinger had resided throughout the summer at Belmar, where he also had extensive amusement holdings.  He was affiliated with two theatres and an amusement pier there and with the Ocean Theatre in Asbury Park.

He was also actively identified with Woodlawn Park and formerly conducted the Arcade billiard parlors on East State Street, between Broad and Warren.

Back in 1927 Mr. Hildinger was named treasurer of the New Jersey Motion Picture Owners; Association during their annual convention in Asbury Park.  He also was vice president of the Southern New Jersey branch of the association at one time.

Source:  Trenton Evening Times

Date:  Thursday, 3 Sep 1931

Olivia R. Rogers Obituary

Miss Olivia R. Rogers

Funeral Services for Miss Olivia R. Rogers, daughter of the later Dr. Elmer H. and M. Olivia Rogers, who died suddenly yesterday morning at Mercer Hospital, will be held Saturday morning at 11 o’clock at the Poulson & Van Hise Home for Services, 408 Bellevue Avenue.  Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery.  Friends may call tomorrow evening between 7 and 9 o’clock.

Miss Rogers was stricken shortly before 11 A.M. yesterday at her home, 126 North Warren Street.  She was rushed to the hospital in a police ambulance, where she was pronounced dead five minutes after arrival.

She is survived by a sister, Miss Florence A. Rogers, and an uncle, William A. Bowers, of Washington, D.C.

Source:  Unknown – Trenton Evening Times

Date:  18 Jan 1940

Rogers –

Entered into rest on January 17^th, 1940, Olivia R., daughter of the late Dr. Elmer H. and M. Olivia Rogers.  The relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral from The Poulson & Van Hise Home for Services. No. 408 Bellevue Avenue, on Saturday morning at 11 o’clock.  Interment at Riverview Cemetery.  Friends may call on Friday evening from 7 to 9 o’clock.

Dr. Elmer H. Rogers Obituary

DR. ELMER H. ROGERS DIES SUDDENLY

North Warren Street Physician Martyr to His Profession

Dr. Elmer H. Rogers, one of Trenton’s leading physicians, died suddenly of heart disease at 4 o’clock this morning at his home, 126 North Warren street.

While his health has been poor of late his death was unexpected and came as a shock to his many friends.  He retired feeling as well as usual last evening, but in a short time he was awakened with pains about his heart.  He took the accustomed remedies, but seemed to realize that the ailment was of a serious nature and advised Mrs. Rogers to send for physicians.  Drs. Morton Kent and L. D. Tompkins arrived in a few minutes, but their ministrations were unavailing.

Dr. Rogers enjoyed one of the largest practices in Trenton and was practically a martyr to his calling.  At some seasons in the year he made as many as 100 sick calls in one day and was kept busy late into the night.  The strain first began to show upon his health about a year ago when he complained about his heart.  He remained in his home Monday and Tuesday of this week, but was around the centre of the city yesterday although he did not make any sick calls.

SKETCH OF HIS LIFE

Dr. Rogers was born in Dolington, Pa., forty-seven years ago.   He was educated in the public schools there and then entered the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.  Upon his graduation he came to Trenton, twenty years ago.  He established an office at Perry and Warren streets, where the Central Restaurant now is and remained there five years, after which he removed to his late home.

He continued his studies after graduation and took special courses in foreign colleges.  He was abroad three times.  He was awarded certificates by the Metropolitan School of Medicine in London, and the Medical Graduates’ College and Polyclinic in London.  The former certificate permitted him to practice in the Charing Cross, Guys, King’s College, Middlesex, St. George’s, St. Mary’s, St. Thomas’s, University College and Westminster Hospitals.  In the Medical Graduates’ College the course was in Ophthalmology and Clinical Pathology, while in Berlin two years ago he studied special branches of surgery.  He also attended the Philadelphia Hospital for Skin Diseases in Philadelphia, and took special training on the eye, ear and throat in institutions in New York.

Dr. Rogers was unusually successful in his profession and was frequently called to surrounding cities.  He had a blunt manner but forceful character and immediately won the implicit confidence and trust of his patients.  He devoted all of his energy to his work, and was untiring in his efforts.  Public life never appealed to him.

He is survived by his wife, who was Miss Olivia Bowers, of Fallsington, and three children, one son and two daughters.  His son, Alvin, is a student at the State Schools.  His daughters are Florence and Olive.  Mrs. Jane Rogers, his mother and Irvin W. Rogers, his brother, who is secretary and general agent of the Standard Fire Insurance Company, live in this city.  Another brother, Dr. B. H. Rogers, resides in Paterson.

Dr. Rogers was a member of the Trenton Medical Library Association, the Mercer County Component Medical Society, Trenton Circle, Brotherhood of America, the Alumni Association of Jefferson Medical College, Trenton Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Shepherd’s Delight Lodge, Ancient Order of Shepherds, Century Council, Junior Order of United American Mechanics and Royal Oak Lodge, Sons of St. George.  He attended the meetings of the Hicksite Friends.

The arrangements for the funeral have not been completed.  The interment will be under the direction of Ashmore & Margerum.

Source:  Trenton EveningTimes

Date:  11 April 1907

Dr. Rogers Buried In Riverview Today

Many Professional and Personal Friends Attend Funeral Services

Funeral Services of the Society of Friends were conducted this afternoon over the body of Dr. Elmer H. Rogers at his later home, 126 North Warren street.  There was also a short eulogy by the Rev. A.J. Welsley, pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church.

The funeral was largely attended, there being an exceptionally large representation of members of the medical profession present.  Lodges of which Dr. Rogers was a member were represented by large delegations.  The lodges which were represented at the services were Trenton Circle of Brotherhood of America, Trenton Lodge of Knights of Pythias, Shepherds Delight Lodge of The Ancient Order of Shepherds, Century Council of Jr. O. U. A. M., and Royal Oak Lodge of Sons of St. George.  There were also representatives of the Trenton Medical Library Association, Jefferson Medical College Alumni Association, Mercer County Component Medical Society.

Interment of the body of Dr. Rogers was made in Riverview cemetery at the convenience of the family and under the direction of Ashmore & Margerum.

Dr. Rogers died Thursday after a short illness.  He was 48 years of age and was one of the best known physicians in New Jersey.  He had been in poor health for some time, but his death was sudden and unexpected, heart trouble being the cause.

Source:  Trenton Times

Date:  15 April 1907

Obituary for Mary Olivia Bowers

Funeral on Friday for Mrs. Rogers

Mrs. Mary Olivia Rogers, widow of Dr. Elmer Rogers, and niece of John P. Stackhouse, died last night at her late residence following a lengthy illness.

She is survived by two daughters, the Misses Florence and Olivia Rogers; a son Dr. Alvin S. Rogers; two grandchildren; a brother William A. Bowers, of Washington, D.C., and a sister, Mrs. Rosamond Gold, also of Washington, D.C.

The funeral will be held from the Poulson and Van Hise Home for Services, 408 Bellevue Avenue, Friday morning at 11 o’clock.  Interment will be made in Riverview Cemetery under the direction of Poulson and Van Hise.

Friends may call Thursday evening from 7 to 9 o’clock.

Source :  Trenton Evening Times
Date:  11 Apr 1934

Alvin Stackhouse Rogers, Sr. Obituary

As published in the Trenton Evening Times 24 May 1937: