Horatio F. Dankel

Horatio Franklyn “Harry” Dankel was born on February 15, 1873, in Alburtis, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley just outside Allentown. He was the son of Horatio Dankel and Maria Conrad. His father died later that same year, leaving Harry to be raised alongside his two sisters, Ida and Emelina, the latter of whom died at age 21.

Dankel graduated from the State Normal School in 1888, and on April 1, 1889, at just sixteen years old, he began his railroad career with the Central Railroad of New Jersey as a telegraph operator. Over the years he advanced steadily, holding positions as station agent, brakeman, conductor, engineer, yardmaster, auditor, and assistant claim agent. His final post with the CNJ was as yardmaster at Roselle.

On November 21, 1894, Dankel married Henrietta “Etta” LaTourette in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Her brother, Peter LaTourette, served as Superintendent of the Rockaway Valley Railroad (later the New Jersey & Pennsylvania Railroad), which once operated between Whitehouse Station and Watnong (Morristown) before going defunct in 1913. The Dankels had four children: Pearl A. (1896), Helen M. (1900), Horatio F. Jr. (1900–1905), a stillborn daughter in 1904, and Harold C. (1908). The family lived first in Linden and later in Roselle.

On April 1, 1900, Dankel was appointed Superintendent of the New York & New Orange Railroad, succeeding its original Superintendent, C. A. Millard. He continued in this role through the reorganization as the New Orange Four Junction Railroad, serving from 1901 to 1905. During this period he oversaw the construction of the Rahway River Branch to the Palmer Leather Works on the Rahway River.

Dankel was a key participant in the incorporation of the Rahway Valley Railroad in July 1904 and played an active role in its extension to Summit, completed in August 1906. Through his leadership he attracted new industries to the line—including Carter Bell, Stephens Bros., and T. B. Miller Co.—and managed daily operations during a formative and often challenging period.

He also took deep interest in the growth and civic life of the Borough of Kenilworth. Dankel served as President of the local Building and Loan Association and was instrumental in the borough’s incorporation in 1907.

Known for his “loving disposition,” and for taking great pride in his home and family, Dankel earned a reputation—despite his youth—for sound judgment and broad experience in business and commercial affairs.

Dankel suffered from diabetes, became seriously ill in January 1913, and died on June 12, 1913, at the age of forty. He was laid to rest at Rosedale & Rosehill Cemetery in Linden.