Job Male

Job Male (August 24, 1808 – 1891) was the first Mayor of Plainfield, New Jersey, serving from 1869–1870 and 1877–1878 and finally 1887–1890.[1]

Biography

Male was born on August 24, 1808 in Somersetshire, England. He emigrated to the United States in 1816 at age 8, with his parents. He worked at a toll booth on the road between Jersey City and Newark, New Jersey, later becoming a carpenter and then a superintendent of construction. He was appointed to the board of the Hudson County National Bank, in 1873 becoming president, which post he held until 1878. He built the original Plainfield library, and donated the building and land, and later joined the board. In 1875 he donated land for the building of Muhlenberg Hospital.[1]

He died in 1891, and left an unsigned will.[2]

Legacy

His former home was converted into the Plainfield Public Library.[3]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Job Male, Plainfield's Grand Old Man". Plainfield, New Jersey. Retrieved 2011-11-07. Job Male was born in Somersetshire, England on August 24, 1808. He came with his parents to America in 1816 and began to earn his livelihood by attending the toll gate on the Turnpike between Jersey City and Newark. ...
  2. ↑ "Job Male's Unsigned Will". New York Times. March 10, 1891. Retrieved 2011-11-14. The will of ex-Mayor Job Male, the octogenarian millionaire, was to-day offered for in the Unton County Surrogate's office. ...
  3. ↑ "New Library For Plainfield". The Paterson Press. February 10, 1911. Retrieved 2011-11-14. The present building was formerly the residence of mayor Job Male ...