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William DEE is one of the foremost business men of Chester, where he has resided during the greater part of his life thus far. Here he conducts a first-class establishment dealing in stationery, confectionery, tobacco and cigars, and he is also extensively engaged in real estate operations. He was postmaster of Chester during the regime of President CLEVELAND, and is now one of the freeholders of Morris county. He is a native of Chester, his birth having occurred September 6, 1862, and he is a son of John and Mary (CORBET) DEE, who are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. DEE were both born and reared in Ireland, but their marriage was solemnized in America. The father emigrated to America and settled in New Jersey, eventually becoming a prominent farmer in the vicinity of Chester. He manifested great loyalty to the government of his adopted country by enlisting for service in Company F, Fifteenth New Jersey Volunteers, and serving in the Civil War for a period of three years. He was a Democrat, and a devout communicant of the Catholic church, with which his wife was likewise connected. They were the parents of the following children: John, is deceased; Matthew; Thomas, deceased; William, to whom this sketch is dedicated; and Anna, wife of Joseph BRAGG. After finishing the prescribed course in the common schools of Chester, William DEE was for one winter a pupil in the private school conducted by Miss MAGIE. He initiated his active career in the employ of James TREADWAY, who was engaged in the butcher business and who likewise conducted a harness and buggy shop. Mr. DEE was bookkeeper for James TREADWAY for a period of twenty-one years. Later he started a little stationery and confectionery store at Chester, and this establishment is now one of extensive proportions: tobacco and cigars are also handled. Mr. DEE owns considerable real estate in Chester, and during the second administration of President CLEVELAND he served this city as postmaster. He is a Democrat in politics, and takes an active part in public affairs. He has represented Chester township in the board of freeholders of Morris county for the past three years. His fraternal connections are with Chester Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his wife are members of the Congregational church. December 13, 1887, Mr. DEE married Miss Stella HART, a native of Sussex county, New Jersey, and a daughter of William and Mary (SMITH) HART. Mr. HART was a civil War veteran, and for many years was engaged in the general merchandise business. He and his wife had three children: John; Eva, wife of Robert W. ANDERSON; and Stella, wife of Mr. DEE. Mr. and Mrs. DEE have one daughter, May, who was graduated in the Chester public schools at the age of fifteen years and who is now a student in the Dover High School. Transcribed by John Cresseveur |
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