Andrew J Van Blarcom

Andrew J. Van Blarcom, the sixth child and fourth son of William Van Blarcom and Catherine A Sutton Van Blarcom, was born in Sparta, March 2, 1848.

On October 27 1876, Andrew married Harriet L Hicks, daughter of David H and Barbara Hicks, in Chatham Township, Morris County, New Jersey. Andrew lost his first wife in 1883. In 1891, Andrew married second, Nellie Van Doren, daughter of Joseph Van Doren and Eliza B Wilson Van Doren. Andrew and Nellie had 2 daughters: Ruth, born July 7, 1892, who married Philip E. Whiting; and Mildred, born April 18, 1900.

Andrew was publicly educated in Sparta and at Mount Retirement. In 1867, Andrew came to Newton and started his business career as a clerk. Five years later Andrew started a new firm in the retail and grocery business along with John Huston called Huston & Van Blarcom. When John Huston retired in about 1888, Andrew bought his interest forming A.J. Van Blarcom & Company. In 1895, Andrew sold his business and erected Park Block in Newton. Andrew also became interested in Newton water supply and later became the father of the Newton water system. He spared neither effort nor money until the new water works had been completed and a plentiful and healthful supply of water was assured for the community.

Andrew J also served as Secretary and Treasurer of The Sussex County Mutual Insurance Company.

Andrew J Van Blarcom died January 15, 1933, and is buried in a large Van Blarcom plot in Newton Cemetery in Newton, Sussex, New Jersey.