Biography of John Henry Hindle here (it is password protected; go to home link top of page)
http://www.ng-tek.com/nrgen/hindle/

1840 New Jersey, Passaic County, Paterson Township, page 73, film M704-58
John Hindle 1 male under 5, 1 male 5-10, 1 male 40-50, 1 female under 5, 2 females 10-15, 1 female 15-20, 1 female 30-40

1850 New Jersey, Passaic County, Paterson, page 212, film M432-461 (taken 19 July 1850)
dwelling 245, family 338
Gilbert Elliot, head of household
Elizabeth Hindle, age 48, female, born England
Elizabeth L------, age 22, female, born England
Jane---------------, age 19, female, born England
John H.---------- , age 17, male, cabinetmaker, born New Jersey
Ann---------------, age 11, female, born New Jersey
Salina-------------, age 8, female, born New Jersey
James A.---------, age 6, male, born New Jersey

1860 New Jersey, Passaic County, West Paterson, page 18, film M653-706 (taken 22 Jun 1860)
dwelling 112, family 146
James Cluss, age 50, male, cabinet maker, worth $2000, born New York
Susan--------, age 40, female, born New York
Elizabeth----, age 20, female, born New Jersey
Henrietta----, age 15, female, born New Jersey
Emma--------, age 12, female, born New Jersey
Harry--------, age 7, male, born New Jersey
family 147
John Hindell, age 25, male, auctioneer, born New Jersey
Elizabeth----, age 24, female, born New Jersey
John---------, age 4, male, born New Jersey
David--------, age 2, male, born New Jersey [this should be Daisy, female]

1870 New Jersey, Passaic County, 4th Ward Paterson, page 11, stamped page 407, film M593-885 (taken 15th July 1870)
dwelling 71, family 79
John Hindle, age 36, male, undertaker, real estate worth $6500, personal $17000, born New Jersey
Hester L.---, age 25, female, keeps house, born New York
John---------, age 14, male, school, born New Jersey
Daisy A.----, age 12, female, school, born New Jersey
Lizzie-------, age 9, female, school, born New Jersey
Charles------, age 4, male, at home, born New Jersey
Christina Fek??, age 23, female, domestic, born Holland, parents foreign born

1880 New Jersey, Passaic County, Paterson, E.D. 157, sheet 30, line 13, page 164B, film T9-796 (taken 9 June 1880)
115 Ellison St., dwelling 260, family 319
Hindle, John H., white, male, 47, head, undertaker, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey [actually born England]
--------, Hester L., white, female, age 34, wife, keeping house, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
--------, John, white, male, age 23, son, undertaker, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
--------, Daisy, white, female, age 19, daughter, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
--------, Elizabeth, white, female, age 17, daughter, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
--------, Charles B, white, male, age 13, son, at school, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
--------, Frank L., white, male, age 9, son, at school, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey

---------------------deceased

Paterson, New Jersey
1859 40 West
1860 40 West (work 29 Van Houten)
1862 121 Main Street
1869 175 Main Street (same building, renumbered)
1879 115 Ellison
1880 115 Ellison
1888 115 Ellison

Book C6, p. 213, deed dated 11 October 1878.
Property from James F. Hind & wife, heir of Lemuel Barr to John H. Hindle
This indenture made the eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and seventy-eight, between James F. Hind and Mary L. Hind, his wife, heir at law of Lemuel Barr and trustee of his estate pursuant with provisions of his last will and testament of West Rutherford in the County of Bergen and State of New Jersey of the first part and John H. Hindle of the City of Paterson in the County of Passaic and State of New Jersey of the second part. Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of five thousand five hundred dollars lawful money of the United States of America to them in hand will and truly paid by the said party of the second part at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and the said parties of the first part herewith fully satisfied, contented and paid have given, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released, enfeoffed, conveyed and confirmed and by these presents as given, grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, enfeoff, convey and confirm to the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns forever all that tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the City of Paterson in the County of Passaic and State of New Jersey.

Beginning at a point ninety-five feet from Main Street on the northerly line of Ellison Street in the City of Paterson and at the southeasterly corner of lots belonging to Samuel A Van Saun hence running 1) northerly along the line of the rear of Samuel A Van Saun’s lots seventy-five feet, thence 2) easterly parallel with Ellison Street twenty-five feet nine inches, hence 3) southerly parallel with the first course seventy-five feet to the northerly line of Ellison street and hence 4) westerly along the northerly line of Ellison street

Together with all and singular the houses, building, thru ways, waters, profits, privileges and advantages with the appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining - also all the estate right with interest property claim and demand whatsoever of the said party of the first part of in and to the same and of in and to every part and present thereof - to have and to hold all and singular the above described land and premises with the appurtenances unto the said party of the second part his heirs ad assigns forever and the said parties of the first part do for themselves their heirs executors and administrators consent and grant to and with the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns that they the said parties of the second part are the true lawful and right owners of all and singular the above described land and premises and of every part and parcel thereof with the appurtenances thereto belonging and that the said land and premises in any part thereof at the time of the sealing and delivery of these presents are not encumbered by any mortgage judgment, or limitation by any encumbrances whatsoever by which the title of the said party of the second part hereby made or intended to be made for the above described land and premises ca or may be changed, charged, altered or delegated in any way whatsoever - and also that the said party of the first part now have good rightful peer and lawful authority to grant bargain sell and convert the said land and premises in manner aforesaid - and also that parties of the first part will warrant secure and forever defend the said land land and premises unto the said John H. Hindle, his heirs and assigns forever against all lawful claims and demands of all and every person or persons fully and clearly freed and discharged of and from all manner of encumbrances whatsoever.

In witness whereof the said parties of the first part have herewith set their hands and seals this day and year first above written
Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of John Duffus,
James F. Hind
Mary L. Hind
State of New Jersey
County of Passaic
Be it remembered that in this seventieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight-hundred and seventy-eight before me, John Duffus, a commissioner of Deeds for said state and county, personally appeared James F. Hind and Mary L. Hind, his wife, who I am satisfied are the grantors ____ within deed of conveyance named; and ____ first made known to them the contents thereof, they did both acknowledge that they signed sealed and delivered the same as their voluntary act and deed, full uses and purposes therein expressed.
And the said Mary L. Hind being by me privately examined separate and apart from her husband, did further acknowledge that she signed sealed and delivered the same as her voluntary act and deed freely without any fear, threats or compulsions of her said husband

John Duffus
Commissioner of Deed
Received and Recorded October 21, 1878, J.H. Blauvelt, clerk

Paterson (NJ) Daily Press, Tuesday, July 31, 1888.
Death of Mr. John H. Hindle
End of an Active Life - The Career of the Deceased as a Business Man and Official
Mr. John H. Hindle, one of the best known men in this city, died early this morning at his residence in Ellison street. His death was not unexpected, as he had been failing for some time. The funeral will take place on Thursday afternoon of this week.
The deceased was a native of Paterson and received a common school education. Early in life he was employed as a cigar maker, but his restless disposition would not brook so sedentary a life. He developed business traits which soon made it appear that he was cut out for a merchant and to take part in more active pursuits. He entered into the business of dealing in furniture and with it conducted that of auctioneer. Mr. Hindle had a great deal of natural humor and this made him very successful as an auctioneer. During the real estate booms he accumulated a great deal of money and also made several judicious investments in real estate. From the furniture business he drifted into that of undertaking, a business peculiarly suited to him. He had considerable executive ability, and funerals and weddings and similar events under his charge were always sure to be well arranged. For many years he conducted his business in Main street in the store at present occupied by P.H. & W.G. Shields. Subsequently he erected the building he occupied as a place of business and residence up to the time of his death.
Mr. Hindle accumulated a considerable fortune during his life. He was a shrewd business man and his qualifications as a funeral director and in similar capacities made his services valuable and in demand. In later years he was inclined to retire from business, but the business he had built up was so remunerative and had taken so many years to perfect that he continued it for the benefit of his sons, who had grown up and followed him in business. It was frequently made a subject of comment that a man of the means of Mr. Hindle should continue residing in the house he occupied in Ellison street; he at times spoke of this matter himself but he expressed himself as satisfied with his quarters and saw no reason for a change. At one time he seriously contemplated the purchase of the residence in Broadway erected by Mr. John Shaw and at present occupied by Mr. Barnes. He had looked at the property and concluded that he would like it as a residence, but that as an investment he did not want it. In conversation subsequently with a friend he told his reasons for not changing his residence to Broadway. “ I could afford to buy that property and live there,” said he, “but I shall not do so. I have several children. They are accustomed to live as we live now and if I were to die they could continue living as they do now on the money I shall leave them. If I were to buy the Shaw residence I could afford to live there, but I could not afford to leave each of my children enough to maintain such a residence. The house would have to be sold or I would have to leave it to one of my children and I do not want to make such a distinction. I do not wish to bring up my children in a manner of living which they cannot keep up after my death.” The action of Mr. Hindle’s perhaps affords a clearer insight into his character than any other. He was very careful not to over step himself and he had a desire to do what was right by all.
Mr. Hindle was married twice; he leaves a widow and four children. Of his children, two are daughters, one the wife of Mr. John Speer, with John Norwood & Co. and the other the wife of Captain R.H. Fordyce of the First National Bank. His two sons, Charles B., and Frank L., assisted in his business and will now continue it.
Mr. Hindle was for a number of years a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders. He was first elected in 1870 and served two years; in 1875 he was again elected and served continuously until 1882, when he declined to be a candidate for re-election. He conducted the business of the county on the same principle on which he conducted his own and he was frequently criticized because he declined to show any favoritism. For many years he was a power in Republican politics. He was a great power in the Fourth Ward and his advice was always welcome in city and county matters. He was a Republican, although he never refused to support a friend no matter how party lines were drawn. His friendship was stronger than his partisanship.
Mr. Hindle’s most prominent investment as far as the public interest was concerned was in the Cedar Lawn Cemetery; he was practically the founder of this place of burial and maintained a general superintendence of it to within a few weeks of his death. He was always ready to listen to any project for the improvement of the cemetery and took a greater interest in it than might have been expected from the extent of his pecuniary interest. He was also a stockholder and of late years a director in the First National Bank of this city.
Mr. Hindle was in his happiest moods when presiding over any festive gathering. He was perhaps the best presiding officer at a dinner table Paterson ever produced. His education had been limited but he was blessed with a humor peculiarly adapted to such occasions and was always sought after. He took a lively interest in the Paterson Light Guard and was Quartermaster of the First Battalion for several years, but when Colonel Congdon resigned and with him the battalion lost a number of kindred spirits, Mr. Hindle resigned also.
Mr. Hindle enjoyed good health up to about a year ago, when his appetite failed him at times. He paid little attention to this for some time until it became evident that he was suffering from a disease that threatened his life. At first it was supposed from the symptoms that it was some gastric trouble, but it appeared later that an insidious disease of the kidneys lay hidden beneath the symptoms. He failed rapidly, and during several months frequently did without eating for several days at a time. Recently a fever was added to this and of course it was only a question of time how long this could last. He was removed to the seashore, it being believed that the sea air might bring relief; he, however, continued rapidly failing and when it was apparent that his death was approaching he was removed to Paterson. He died at one o’clock this morning surrounded by his family and a few intimate friends, including Mr. Charles N. Sterrett and Postmaster Johnson. His death was peaceful. In fact since it was made apparent that he was doomed he awaited death with a quiet resignation hardly to be expected from a man of the aggressive character of Hr. Hindle. At nine o’clock last night he received the last attentions of his physicians; he rested quietly after that and continued so until one o’clock, when he passed away peacefully.


Ex-Freeholder Hindle’s Funeral.
The funeral of the late John H. Hindle took place this afternoon at 3 o’clock from his late residence on Ellison street. The religious services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Shaw. At the request of the family Mr. William Clerihew, assisted by Mr. Wallace Graham, had charge of the funeral and the pall bearers consisted of the two mentioned and undertakers, J.D.S. Goodridge, John F. Smith, Thomas Doherty and James W. McKee.
The remains were encased in an elegant casket and were viewed by many friends of the deceased this morning. The casket was of red cedar with full circle ends. It was covered with imported broadcloth and lined with white quilted and embroidered satin. The gold handles were covered with silk velvet. There were ornate screw heads and a richly engraved plate bearing the simple inscription: John H. Hindle.
The interment is private, at the convenience of the family.

Death of John H. Hindle
John H. Hindle expired a few minutes past one o’clock this morning. He had been steadily sinking since Sunday, but those who saw him then and visited his chamber yesterday noted a great change and realized that the well known citizen could not survive many hours. The family and a few friends witnessed the last moments of the deceased with a sorrow that was keen, and all his acquaintances will grieve for and miss him for many days.
John H. Hindle should have been called the “incomparable.” No other man was like him, though he had many boon companions who entered into his various transactions, humorous and otherwise, with zest. Mr. Hindle was a practical joker of the deepest dye. All through his life he loved a joke and the number he practised would probably run into the thousands. Who among old residents does not remember Hindle’s telescope with a shake of his side and a train of recollection that is pleasurable even if mingled with some sadness? Mr. Hindle, or “Jack” as he was popularly called, secured a good sized tin leader and with the assistance of a number of other fun lovers painted it to look like a telescope and mounted it in a frame work. The boys took the counterfeit spy glass to the Southwest corner of Main Street and Broadway and invited pedestrians to gaze skyward. Several hundred men looked through that tin leader, and many of them never cracked a smile. At length James Parker, the jeweller, came down the street one evening and said he would like to look at Mars. The boys had no more knowledge as to the location of the planet than they had of Sanscrit, but they were willing to accommodate the jeweller, and so they contrived to hang a lighted candle some distance from the skyward end of the leader. It is claimed that Mr. Parker really thought the dim light he saw was Mars. This occurred in 1862.
People were afraid of Jack Hindle because of his propensity for practical joking. Many newspaper men could tell how Jack “sold” them time and again. There was nobody that Mr. Hindle would refrain from fooling if it was in his power to do so. One of his most famous jokes gained notoriety even outside the county, and the anecdote was related to a Guardian reporter by a Bergen County physician. Hindle was a prominent member of a pretended organization known as “the Ku-Klux”. One day (It was in 1868 or thereabouts) much time was devoted to the initiation of William Augustus Fonda, then a young lawyer but since a Western journalist. Fonda was walked through the town in his bare feet till he was nearly exhausted and finally taken into a house in Main street. There he was placed in a coffin. After Fonda had been skillfully laid out by the deft fingers of the undertaker, a half dozen men proceeded to put the coffin out of the front window. There they held it, but suddenly and without warning they found it slipping. The next minute coffin and Mr. Fonda slipped to the sidewalk, a distance of nearly ...... feet. Fonda was not hurt much, but his family was very indignant and he threatened all manner of vengeance. It was a ghastly joke and created great excitement about town.
In the rear of a store in Main street between Broadway and Van Houten street Hindle and others exhibited all sorts of things, from a crocodile to a mysterious animal know as “old Snowy in the crate.” The crocodile was only about three feet long, but the canvass outside made it at least twenty feet.
In 1875 Mr. Hindle was elected Chosen Freeholder from the Fourth Ward. He served the county acceptably and was regarded as a careful official. After that date his joking propensity seemed to wane, till during late years he became a quiet citizen, with little suggestion of his old-time humor. He was an auctioneer and real estate speculator, successful in both these lines, and he made a fortune estimated at a quarter of a million. As an undertaker Mr. Hindle had few equals. In his younger days he began to learn the trade of a tinsmith but abandoned it for cigar making. After a while he went into the furniture business with Josiah Calvin in Van Houten street. His next move was toward the avocation he followed for the remainder of his life, that of an undertaker. Mr. Hindle was one of the early members of Fire Engine No. 2. As a Republican politician he was successful and influential. He was instrumental in organizing the First Battalion and was its Quartermaster for years. Mr. Hindle was kind-hearted and generous. That he had faults and grievous ones, too, is well known, but he who found in John H. Hindle a friend had one who would aid him whenever assistance was needed.
The deceased leaves a widow and four children, two by his first wife and two by the second. The latter was Miss Hester Cunningham. Charles B. and Frank L. Hindle have of late years been associated with their father in the undertaking business and will probably continue it. Mr. Hindle’s two daughters are married to Captain R.H. Fordyce, of the First National Bank, and John Speer, of John Norwood & Co.
The following were at the bedside of the dying man as he breathed his last: Mrs. Hindle, his son Frank, Charles H. Sterret, Postmaster Johnson and Mr. Speer, his son-in-law. Dr. Blundell had left but a short time previous, not deeming that death was so near at hand. Mr. Hindle sank away very quickly when he died. He had been unconscious for several hours and did not suffer a particle of pain. His death was very easy. He gave a few gasps and then settled down quietly into his pillow, as if going to sleep. The transition was so gradual that few of those around could tell the exact moment of dissolution. A more peaceful and painless death was never witnessed by any of those present. It was remarked by more than one that such a tranquil passing away had taken from them all fear of the last moment of life.
Mr. Hindle was in his fifty-sixth year. The funeral will be held from his late residence, 115 Ellison street on Thursday at 3 P.M.

Morning Call (Paterson, NJ), Wednesday, August 1, 1888.
DIED.
HINDLE--In this city on Tuesday, July 31st, 1888 John H. Hindle, aged 55 years and 2 months. Funeral from his late residence, No. 115 Ellison street on Thursday, August 2d, 1888 at 3 o'clock p.m.
Interment at the convenience of the family.


Paterson Weekly Call (Paterson, N.J.), Thursday, August 2, 1888, p1
GONE TO HIS REST
A Brief Sketch of the Life of One of Paterson’s Best Known Citizens — A Self-Made Man — His Youth and Early Life — His Successful Manhood — The Cause of His Death &c., &c.

Ex-Freeholder John H. Hindle, whose death yesterday was momentarily expected, died at five minutes after one o’clock this morning surrounded by his family and a few intimate friends. His death was not a surprise, as he had been in failing health for some time. The causes that led to it were an affection of the stomach, combined, it is thought with Bright’s disease of the kidneys. The combined diseases baffled the efforts of the most skillful physicians. By his death is removed the trio of men remarkable in many repeats for their peculiarities, and who were on the most intimate terms of friendship. The similarity in character of Dr. Moss, Dr. Quin and John H. Hindle seemed to draw them near to each other, and more could be written concerning the jokes they were accustomed to get off on one another that would fill a dozen papers.

Mr. Hindle leaves to mourn his death a wife and two sons, Charles B. and Frank L., and two daughters, both of them married, one to Capt. R. H. Fordyce, of the First National Bank, and the other to John Speer, with John Norwood & Co.

The sons for some time have managed their father’s affairs, and as a consequence have become familiar with the details, and they probably will continue the business.

Mr. Hindle’s career has been a most active one, having begun life in this city a poor boy, dependent entirely upon his own exertions. He carved out a fortune and left his family amply provided for his wealth being estimated at nearly a quarter of a million dollars, accumulated principally through judicious investments in real estate. He also made money rapidly during the flush times of 1870 as a real estate auctioneer, by selling lots at Totowa, Lake View and Riverside, his commission on one occasion amounting to as high as a thousand dollars in a single hour. Early in life he went to learn the trade of a tinsmith, but soon formed a dislike for this calling and abandoned it for that of a cigar maker, which he followed for some time. His next departure was into the furniture business with Josiah Calvins [sic] on Van Houten street. Then arriving at an age when all young men feel like striking out for themselves, he embarked in an extremely modest manner in the undertaking business on Main street, where the new Van Saun building is now situated. The books of the first year’s business made a discouraging showing, but there was a persevering man at work in earnest and the following year’s business turned out successfully and from then on Mr. Hindle continue to increase his trade and soon gained the reputation of being the leading undertaker of the city. The first plate-glass paneled hearse ever seen in Paterson was brought here by the enterprising undertaker and created a genuine sensation.

It was his love for fun that no doubt led to his afterward becoming an auctioneer. On an occasion when he was exhibiting “old Snowy in the crate,” someone in the crowd wanted to sell a coat and it was suggested that they give it to Hindle to sell. The coat was accordingly knocked down for double its value and the money turned over to the owner. It was all fun for Hindle at that time, but it afterward proved to be the means of his making much of his fortune. He was one of the original members of Engine Company No. 2, when that companys [sic] like No. 1’s, was stock concern. In politics Mr. Hindle was a republican and in this respect like many others it was hereditary, his father being an enthusiastic whig and a strong supporter of Tippecanoe and a protective tariff.

Mr. Hindle’s long and valuable service in the Board of Freeholders was marked by the most careful management of the county’s affairs, and right here should be corrected an error that caused him considerable annoyance, although the nature of the man forbid him acknowledging it. We refer to the case of the man who proposed to work at the Barclay street bridge for sixty-five cents per day. It was the man’s proposition, and not Mr. Hindle’s, who in his usual jocular manner moved that the bid be accepted. This is all there was to it, and as a freeholder sworn todo his duty, what other course could he pursue.

Everything that Mr. Hindle seemed to get into appeared to start originally in a joke. One night a party of his friends got together, and as a result of a proposition in a joke by him Paterson is now in possession of a First Battalion, which he faithfully served as quartermaster for a long time and rendered valuable services, his resignation being accepted with marked regret.

John H. Hindle was a man of strong feelings and convictions. He like or disliked with equal intensity. There was nothing underhanded about his manners or methods. You always knew where he stood and what he would do. To his friends he was kind and generous, and he would go to any length to do them a kindness; to his enemies he was as unrelenting as fate, and no man rewarded his friends or fought his enemies with more persistence. At heart he was charitable and generous, and he did many a kindly deed that never found its way into print. He has gone the way of all flesh. May his soul rest in peace.

Morning Call (Paterson, NJ), Thursday, August 2, 1888.
THE LATE J.H. HINDLE.
The Funeral Services To-Day--The Arrangements.
The arrangements for the funeral services of the late John H. Hindle have all been completed. The body will lay [sic] in state in the front parlor of his residence, 115 Ellison street, this morning from 10 to 12, and old friends and acquaintances will be privileged to take a last look at the features of one whom they will see no more in life. The remains will be encased in one of the most elegant caskets that can be secured. It is a full circle-end casket of red cedar, covered with imported broadcloth and lined with white quilted and embroidered satin. It is mounted with gold handles, whose bars are covered with silk velvet. The ornaments are tufibated screw heads and a richly engraved plate bears the simple inscription:
JOHN H. HINDLE.
The religious services will be held at 3 o'clock p.m., when Dr. C.D. Shaw, D.D., will be present. The arrangements for the funeral will be supervised by Messrs. Wm. Clerihew, with A.R. Rutan, and Wallace Graham, with Hiram Gould. At a later hour the interment, which is to be private, is to be made. The following gentlemen connected with the undertaking business will serve as pall-bearers: Wm. Clerihew, Wallace Graham, J.D.S. Goodridge, John F. Smith, Thomas Doherty and James W. McKee.