Biography of William De Graw Kipp of Bergen County

William De Graw Kipp (10th gen.), brother of James Kipp, was born at Old Tappan, N. J., February 25, 1848, and like his brother obtained his education in the public schools of his native township. He left home in 1866 to take a position as clerk in the grocery store of Ward Carpenter, No. 529 Sixth Avenue, New York. Here he remained for a year and then entered the employ of E. C. Hazard & Co., where he filled the position of salesman for nine years, after which he embarked in the grocery business on his own account at Closter, N. J. This venture being unprofitable, he became a salesman in the house of Wright Gillies & Brother, New York. He left them in 1889 to take charge of the city sales department of the well known house of E. R. Durkee & Co., of New York, and still fills that position. Their factory and office are at 534 Washington Street. As a salesman his knowledge of general merchandise and his long experience on the road and behind the counter have made him one of the most expert and valuable men in his line of business. At home he is public spirited and enterprising, favoring public education, local improvements, and athletics, and opposing the liquor traffic and dishonesty in public office. He is an independent Democrat in politics, but has never held political office. He served a term in the Board of Trustees of the public school at Closter. He was a Trustee and Treasurer of the Congregational Church for a number of years, and was also the prime factor in placing the railroad station at Closter in its present location.

He married in 1874 Sarah Elizabeth, a daughter of John J. and Hannah M. Naugle. Sarah E. Naugle was born at Closter, N. J., March 25, 1853. They have four daughters living: Edna, born October 31, 1875 (married in 1899 William C. Bouton, an employee of the Union Trust Company, of New York); Lizzie, born in 1878; Ethel, born in 1882; and Grace, born in 1884. Three others-two daughters and a son-died in infancy.

Source: Harvey, Cornelius Burnham, Editor; Genealogical History of Hudson and Bergen Counties, New Jersey, New York: The New Jersey Genealogical Publishing Company, 1900.

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