Alex William Quackenboss - Man With A Plan

Alex W. Quackenboss is one of the owners and the head of the Quackenboss Funeral Home in New Brunswick, New Jersey and also holds high place as a citizen who's interest in public affairs has been expressed in many tangible ways for the general good. He was born born May 10, 1885, in the city which is still his place of residence and is a son of William H. and Annie F. (Stuart) Quackenboss. The father was born in Princeton, New Jersey February 7, 1864 , and was a youth of fourteen years when he came to New Brunswick to enter the employ of Henry De Hart, owner of a cabinetmaking and undertaking business, who carefully directed the efforts of his young assistant so at Mr. De Hart's death William H. Quackenboss was qualified to establish and conduct a funeral home of his own, which he opened at No. 59 Albany Street. The excellent and adequate service which he rendered led to a steady increase in his business, so that larger quarters were needed and in 1900 a removal was made to 98-100 Albany Street, where he continued to conduct a well-appointed funeral home until his own demise, September 10, 1939. He had been a member of the Board of Directors of the People's National Bank in New Brunswick, being elected to that position in 1935 and serving through is remaining days. Another strongly marked feature of his life was his devotion to the best interests of the community in which he lived and he strove effectively to promote the public good in many ways, being regarded as one of the leading citizen's of New Bunswick. In 1908 he was elected sheriff of Middlesex County and capably filled the office for three years or until 1911. Perhaps he will best be remembered for his sympathy which he displayed for those in sorrow and trouble and for the reverent manner in which he performed his service for the dead -- a reverence that grew out of his own faith in the Christian religion and the life thereafter. He held to the highest ideals of his work and many there were that benefited by his council and kindliness.

It was in 1883 that William H. Quackenboss married Annie F. Stuart, of New Brunswick, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Platt) Stuart. To them were born two sons, Alex William and William H., the latter of whom is now deceased. The mother passed away in January, 1911 and on December 31, 1912 Mr. Quackenbush married Susie Weigel, of New Brunswick. He ably fulfilled the relation of husband and father in the family circle and he ever held friendship inviolatable so that he was given high place in the regard and esteem of his fellowmen.

When his father passed away, Alex W. Quackenboss took over the management of the business which had been established by his father, who's ideas and ideals he has faithfully endeavored to carry on. He had had thorough training for the work and had proved an able assistant to the elder member of the firm. The son was born in New Brunswick, May 10, 1885, attended the grade schools here and was graduated from high school in 1903. His college work was done at Rutgers, where he won his Bachelor Of Science Degree as a member of the class of 1907. He then entered the Renouard School of Embalming in New York City, of which he is a 1908 graduate. After graduating he became associated with his father in the undertaking business with which he is still connected, having been admitted to a partnership in 1923, when the present name was adopted. At his father's death he continued the business alone and on January 20, 1941, removed to his present location at No. 156 Livingston Avenue. There is seen an inscription which reads: "This funeral home is dedicated in loving memory of William H. Quackenboss, founder of the institution, who for more than fifty years served before God and reverently prepared for burial the bodies of countless numbers of his servants."

Alex W. Quackenboss has earnestly endeavored to carry out his father's ideas and at the time time keep in touch with the most advanced scientific and sanitary methods introduced in recent years. Associated with him is his son-in-law, Arthur E; Harrington, who for two years was an instructor in the MacAllister School of Embalming in New York. All cases entrusted to them receive the same careful attention, irrespective of financial, religious or social status and everything is planned to suit individual requirements. They have endeavored to make the word Home of real significance, maintaining the atmosphere and privacy of a residence with its sanctity in times of sorrow. There are well appointed parlors and a library, while for the dead there is a preparation room and slumber room in addition to the handsome chapel, while a fine Hammond organ has been installed, The service meets every modern requirement and the firm has on hand a large line of caskets, priced to serve every demand. All is housed in one of the beautiful old homes of New Brunswick, standing in the midst of lovely, well-kept grounds and an air of peace and consolation is prevalent.

In addition to his ownership of the Funeral Home, Mr. Quackenboss is director and the second vice-president of the South River Trust Company, of South River, New Jersey. He is a very prominent and active member of the Masonic Order, belonging to the Union Lodge, No. 19, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a past Master; Scott Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons, of which he is a Past High Priest; Scott Council, No. 1, Royal and Select Masters, of which he is a Past, Thrice Illustrious Master; and likewise Past Commander of Temple Commandery, No. 18 Knight Templars. He also belongs to Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobels of the Mystic Shrine, and to New Brunswick Forests, No. 12, of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. His name is on the roll of the Goodwill Council, No. 32, Junior Order United American Mechanics, and New Brunswick Lodge, No. 324, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Union Club and the New Brunswick Rotary Club, of which he was a director for the year 1942. He belongs to Beta Gamma Chapter of Beta Theta Fraternity and he is a vestryman of Christ Episcopal Church of New Brunswick.

Mr. Quackenboss was married on his twenty-first birthday, May 10, 1906, to Caroline Elizabeth Riddle of New Brunswick, daughter of Thomas H and Mathilda (Christ) Riddle. They now have two daughters, Caryle Louise, now the wife of James Deshler II, a lawyer of New Brunswick, and the mother of two children: Diane and James Deshler III; and Roberta Riddle, who is the wife of Arthur E. Harrington, the associate of her father in business.

Source: Prominent Families of New Jersey: In Two Volumes by William Starr Myers, Google Books, 1945