USA > New Jersey > Bergen County > History of Bergen county, New Jersey > Part 27
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His first marriage was to Eliza, daughter of John and Margaret Doremus, whose only child was Albert A. After the death of his first wife he married Miss Sarah M. Force, daughter of Edward B. and Lydia Force. The children of this union are Anna, wife of Jonas Stewart, John D., Martha, wife of John Taylor, Edward B., and William who married Miss Rachel Doremus.
Mr. Van Dien was born September 12, 1818, and is now living, more than fourscore years of age, a respected and honored citizen of his county.
DANIEL W. LA FETRA.
Daniel W. La Fetra, member and president of the Board of Educa- tion, Ridgewood, is a man of merit and influence in his locality.
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JOHN B. VAN DIEN
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
He is of rugged, as well as versatile extraction, combining the English, Dutch and French blood. His paternal ancestry traces through the La Fetra name, by his father William P. La Fetra, born in 1803, died in 1873. to Samuel, son of James, son of James, son of Edmond, son of Edmond who died in 1687. The La Fetras were French Hugue- nots, whose blood mingled with that of the Hollanders through the line of Browers to Bogardus, and that of Jansen to Tryn Jansen about 1565.
Mr. La Fetra's maternal ancestry may be traced through his mother Elizabeth T. Woolley, born in 1807, died in 1862, to Daniel Woolley who married Elizabeth Wolcott, daughter of Benjamin Wolcott, son of Ben- jamin Wolcott, son of Henry Wolcott, born in 1690 and died 1750, whose father was Peter Wolcott. These maternal ancestors were of English birth, and all the lines of the three names are traced without a break to the dates given.
Mr. La Fetra was born at Eatontown, Monmouth county, N. J., on March 31, 1834. He was educated in the public schools of his native county, supplemented by private study at home. At nineteen years of age he engaged in teaching, and has always taken an active interest in public school work. President of the Board of Education, he has for the past twelve years, been influential in educational matters in Ridge- wood, and to his efforts the people are largely indebted for the fine com- inodious school building, and a school second to none of its class in the state.
For some years Mr. La Fetra engaged in mercantile pursuits but during many past years has filled a responsible position in R. G. Dunn's great mercantile agency.
Although deeply patriotic and devoted to his country's interests, he has never sought honor or distinction in military circles. This may be to some extent attributed to the fact that he was of Quaker parentage, and that his earlier years were spent under the influence and teachings of that peace-loving sect.
Exceedingly domestic in his habits, he is yet elastic enough to lend his aid to all that tends to the advancement of the community, socially or otherwise. He is a member of the Ridgewood Club, an organization for social entertainment and improvement.
Mr. La Fetra married Miss Emma Hendrickson of an old Long Island family of Dutch descent.
REV. JOHN A. VAN NESTE.
The earliest ancestors of Mr. Van Neste came to this country from Holland in 1726, and settled near Flatbush on Long Island. The father of the three brothers who came first to America was Burgomaster of the province ot Zeeland in Holland. Abram Van Neste the father of our subject is the great grandson of John G., one of these three brothers, who subsequently settled in Somerset county, near Somerville, where the Rev. John A. was born December 25th 1849. He was educated in the public schools of his native county, and was graduated from Rutgers
DANIEL W. LA FETRA
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
College in 1872, afterwards taking a course in the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick, from which he was graduated in the class of 1875. While in college he was considered an athlete, taking an active part in all college sports. The much coveted Junior-Oratorship prize, which he divided with an other, was secured in competition. Almost imme- diately after leaving the Seminary he located at Ridgewood where he became the first pastor of the First Reformed church, and he has re- mained there ever since. He has seen his congregation grow from a mere handful to that of one of the largest and most influential, in Bergen county. Although frequently solicited by other congregations, he prefers to remain at his present post.
Mr. Van Neste was married in 1875 to Miss Ray C. Wikoff, of Griggstown, N. J., daughter of the late Peter W. Wikoff, who was a highly respected and useful citizen. Of this union was one son, Alfred Wikoff born June 20, 1876, died April 1, 1898. He was a sophomore in the University of New York at the time of his death, a promising student and a young man of exemplary character. He had intended to pursue a professional career. The death of this son was a sad bereavement. Mr. Van Neste's mother was Marie S. French. His sisters are Mrs. Mary T. Wilson of Somerset county, the other is Mrs. Emma Sturr of Ridgewood.
Mr. Van Neste is a charter member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics.
CORNELIUS DOREMUS.
The Doremus family is among the oldest of the settlers of Bergen County. The earliest American ancestor of whom we have any definite account and who resided in that county is John, born September 1, 1720, died July 22, 1784. He owned and occupied the farm which is yet in the hands of his descendants. He married Maria Lutkins who was born February 25, 1730 and died December 20, 1777. Their two children were Marretje and George. John Doremus died from a disease contracted while in the old Sugar House where he was confined six months, after being taken prisoner by the Tories during the Revolutionary War. His son George succeeded to the home property and married Anna, daugh- ter of John and Catherine Berdan, in 1777. Among their children was John B., the grandfather of Cornelius, who was born June 26, 1799. He married Margaret, daughter of Albert A. and Elizabeth Lydecker Westervelt. The old home property came into his possession where he continued to reside until 1869, when he retired from active life removing to Paterson. His son, Jacob W., succeeded to the old homestead, in part by purchase and partly by inheritance. He was born December 3, 1835, and married October 12, 1858, Sophie, only daughter of Corne- lius G. and Susan (Smith ) Van Dien. Their son, Cornelius, our sub- ject, was born on the old farm at Arcola, January 22, 1862.
Mr. Nelson traces the earlier history of the family back to an ancient province in France when the name was spelled De Rhaims. They left their native home to find a refuge, as other Huguenots did, in Holland, from whence, after many years, they emigrated to America.
Fond
RESIDENCE OF D. W. LA FETRA
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Young Cornelius attended the public schools of Arcola until sixteen years of age, when he entered Stevens Institute at Hoboken spending two years there, after which he began the study of his profession in the Law School of the University of the city of New York from which he was graduated in May 1883, with the degree of L. L. B. He was ad- mitted to the bar of New York in June of the same year, as Attorney and Counsellor-at-Law, and, in November, 1884, was made Attorney- at-Law to the bar of New Jersey and as Counsellor-at-Law in November 1889. From that time and ever since he has practiced his profession in New York city, and in both Hackensack and Ridgewood, having moved to Ridgewood in 1887. In several important suits which he has tried, the Appellate courts have passed upon new points, raised by him, which has settled the law in questions involved. Mr. Doremus was coun- sel for Bergen County board of Freeholders from 1892 to 1896; for Ridgewood township from 1896 to 1897, and has been counsel for a num- ber of years for Saddle River township; for three Building and Loan Associations, and other organizations, director of Ridgewood Hall and Park Association and other corporations. He is a member of Ridge- wood Club, Hohokus Golf Club, Royal Arcanum and Knights of Honor. He is a member of the First Reformed Church of Ridgewood. In 1895 he was a candidate for State Senator but was defeated by Hon. W. M. Johnson.
Mr. Doremus was married in December, 1885 to Miss Jennie M. Lake daughter of John D. and Sarah Lake.
CORNELIUS P. CROUTER.
Mr. Crouter, the oldest dealer in the meat business in Ridgewood, is a native of the county and was born on the old homestead July 25, 1844. where he remained until twenty-one years of age. In the meantime his education was advanced as rapidly as circumstances would permit and the knowledge acquired in this way was put into actual practice as fast as opportunities presented themselves. Mr. Crouter's father was a farmer of respectability and a man of sound judgment who brought his son up to the same avocation as he himself had followed during his whole life. Young Crouter, however, was ambitious to master some useful trade and carry on business other than farming. He, therefore, chose carpentering and served an apprenticeship therein for that pur- pose, but after following his trade five years he came to Ridgewood where he opened up a meat market in 1874, which business he still con- tinues to follow. The financial success attending Mr. Crouter's enter- prises, during these twenty-five years, have enabled him to invest largely in real estate giving him an additional interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the village.
Mr. Crouter is not a politician, nevertheless he is an active man in politics in all that pertains to the best interests of the village. He is at present a trustee of the village and also a member of the Board of Edu- cation, and takes an interest in social institutions being a member of Ridgewood Lodge. K. H. 2723.
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CORNELIUS DOREMUS
RESIDENCE OF CORNELIUS TOREMUS
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
At the beginning of our Civil War, when the call was made for men to volunteer for nine months, Mr. Crouter responded, enlisting in Com- pany D, 22nd Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, serving his full term of enlistment under Colonel A. D. Demarest, in 1861.
Mr. Crouter's father is now living on the old homestead, a man full of years and of honors, nearly eighty years of age. The family are of German ancestry.
Mr. Crouter was married in 1865 to Miss Sarah Van Saun, daughter of John I. Van Saun of Bergen County. They have two children, Agus- tus P., who is in business in New York city, and one daughter, La Venia. The family attended the Methodist Church at Ridgewood. In his politi- cal affiliations Mr. Crouter is a Republican and has held a number of local offices.
HENRY HALES.
Henry Hales, an Englishman by birth, was born in the town of Yarmouth, in the county of Norfolk, February 3, 1830. He is a son of William Hales, a Shoe Dealer, and who later held the office of coal meter on the Quay of his native town. Mr. Hales came to America in September 1854, and lived in New York until 1868, following the trade of interior decorater, at which he had served an apprenticeship of six years, prior to coming to the United States. An expert, showing taste and originality, he has been successful in this business, which he has followed continuously.
In 1868, he purchased the tract of land where he now lives, near Ridgewood, and began farming and gardening. In addition to farming he has a collection of fancy poultry, especially Dorkings, 'of which he has some fine specimens and is president of the American Dorking Club.
Enthusiastically interested in Ornithology and Ethnology, especi- ally the former, he has one of the finest collections of warblers, taking special delight in local songsters. His many articles written for scientific papers on these subjects are both interesting and instructive.
While travelling in New Mexico Mr. Hales collected many fine pieces of earthern ware, relics of pre-historic dwellers in that land. showing a superior knowledge of the art of decorating. Part of this collection was on exhibition at the World's Fair.
Mr. Hales was married in 1850, in London. They have five chil- dren, Henry, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Caro- line, who resides at home; Florence, the widow of Charles D. Graves, late of Middletown; James who conducts the farm and Alice both at home.
In religion, Mr. Hales is a member of the Episcopal Church. In politics, a Republican, he holds a number of local offices. He is a member of the American Legion of Honor, and a member of the Masonic Order at Ridgewood.
CORNELIUS P. CROUTER
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
HENRY W. HALES.
Henry W. Hales, proprietor of the Ridgewood Floral Nursery, is the son of Henry Hales, above mentioned. He was educated at St. Andrews' School in New York city, and early evinced an inherited taste for floriculture. After completing his studies he was led to travel abroad somewhat extensively for the purpose of studying the culture of plan's and flowers, making England his special field of observation. Much valuable information and experience was thus obtained, which has proved of great practical benefit in his business. A man of inquiring mind and close observation he was not content to simply grow and mar- ket the plants and flowers as he found them, but by careful study and experiment has been able to produce new plants never before placed on sale. Among these have been entirely new specimens of coleus grown from seed, the first of the kind in this country. He also introduced a sweet scented chrysanthemum a few years ago which was quite a novelty.
Mr. Hales started his present nursery in 1874, which was the first in the vicinity of Ridgewood, beginning on a comparatively small scale. but making extensive improvements at the outset, with reference to his especial business. The establishment is now a well appointed one from which the local trade is supplied with palms, ferns, etc., while cut flowers are shipped to the New York market. He is also well known as a writer on flowers, and his articles are frequently seen in the horticultural mag- azines and papers.
Mr. Hales is also an inventor, of considerable note, and has not only benefitted the public, but has been handsomely remunerated for his work. Among his horticultural inventions is a mole trap that has had a very large sale. Owing to a difficulty he experienced in getting artistic photographs of plants and flowers, he became interested in photography and for some years has made a thorough study of the art. more for pleasure, however, than for profit. Some of his inventions in this line have come into general use, among which are a photographic camera; photographic level and finder; photographic flash lamp; photo- graphic shutter, and also a rollable film camera. In practicing the art of photography as a means of recreation, he has become so proficient that his work is very well known, and his pictures have given him the reputation of being an expert. The photograph from which the ac- companying view of "Floramere " was made is Mr. Hales' own work. As a writer on photographic subjects he has also become well known. and his lantern slides and transparencies are said to be exceedingly fine.
Mr. Hales was at one time a member of the New York Horticul- tural Society, and in its palmiest days took a great interest therein. He believes in doing everything he undertakes in the best possible manner. and his nursery is noted more for the quality of its products than even its large amount. He is a Republican in politics and served on the Township Committee for some years, and was also Township Treasurer. In his religious preference he is an Episcopalian. His place of residence
HENRY W. HALES
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FLORAMERE-RESIDENCE OF H. W. HALES
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
on Spring Avenue, is named "Floramere " and is beautifully located in close proximity to the greenhouses and nursery.
DR. GEORGE M OCKFORD
Dr. George M. Ockford is a well-known physician of Ridgewood in which village he has resided since 1891. He has a large and lucrative practice. He made a good record as a public official, having served the village in the capacity of Trustee, Health Officer and President of the Village.
He was born March 29, 1845, at London, moving with his family to Nothern New York in 1853. His father was Samuel Ockford, a de- scendant of the old Saxons of England, and his mother Sarah Marchant a descendant of the Huguenots who settled in England on the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1665. The father went to the front and lost his life in the service of the United States in 1864. The doctor spent his early days in New York State, becoming a member of the National Guard in 1864, and receiving a discharge with the rank of captain in 1871. In 1872, he was graduated from the Cleveland Homeopathic Hos- pital College, and settled in Hackensack. After leaving Hackensack, he practiced in Burlington, Vt. and Lexington, Ky., removing from the latter place to Ridgewood. During his residence in Kentucky, he was elected President of the Southern Homeopathic Association, a society embracing all the territory of the United States south of the Ohio river. He has been a valuable contributor to medical literature. His papers have been published in foreign and American journals, and a work on Practice, by him in 1882, reached the dignity of a college text book. He is a senior member of the American Institute Homeopathy, an active member of the New Jersey State Homeopathic Medical So- ciety, and an honorary member of several State Organizations. He has been an active member of the Masonic order, being a Past Master in the Lodge and Past Commander of Knights of Templar. He is also a mem- ber of the Royal Arcanum and one of the medical examiners of the order.
He was married, at Hackensack, in 1877, to Miss M. E. L. Horne, a native of Middletown, Conn. They have three children, Florence, George and John. The religious home of the family is the Episcopal Church.
DAVID D. ZABRISKIE.
David D. Zabriskie, the present Judge of the Common Pleas Court of Bergen county, is a son of John C. and Jane D. Zabriskie. He was born at Paramus, November 27, 1856. After preparing for college at Erasmus Hall, Flatbush, Long Island, young Zabriskie entered Rutgers college at New Brunswick, N. J., and was graduated in the class of 1879. He began the study of his profession in the office of Collins & Colvin in Jersey City, completing his course in the Law Department of Columbia College, New York, in 1881. After being addmitted to the Bar of New Jersey as Attorney-at-Law in November 1882, he continued to practice in his
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Gov.M. Ockford. ..
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
native State until June 1889, when he was admitted as Counsellor. From 1894-1895 Judge Zabriskie was a member of Assembly from Bergen county and was counsel for his county from 1896 to 1897. Shortly before Governor Griggs retirement from the Governorship, he appointed Mr. Zabriskie Judge of the Common Pleas to succeed Judge Van Valen, his commission being issued by Governor Voorhees in April 1898. Although his official duties call him to Hackensack much of the time, yet he maintains his offices both in Jersey City and Ridgewood.
Judge Zabriskie married Miss Lizzie S. Suydan, in October 1883, and resides in Ridgewood.
ISAAC E. HUTTON.
Isaac E. Hutton, the well known lumberman, is a native of New York and was born in 1853. He started out in his preparation for life work with the idea of making architecture his profession, but as the years went by he drifted back to his early business in the lumber trade. His apprenticeship in this industry was served under his father, Henry O. Hutton of Rockland County, N. Y., who was a member of the firm of Hutton Brothers.
Mr. Hutton received his academic education in the Spring Valley Academy of New York State. A short time was then spent at Pough- keepsie, N. Y., after which he entered Cornell College from which he was graduated in 1875, having pursued the scientific course making a speci- alty of architecture, which he intended to follow. From a class of one hundred and eighty-five members only forty-five took degrees. Among his class mates who have risen to positions of prominence are Colonel H. W. Sackett, of New York ; Frank Hiscock, Judge of Supreme Court of New York State; Professor E. L. Nichols, of Cornell College ; George H. Fitch, a noted editor, now of San Francisco; Charles S. Harmon, a prominent attorney of Chicago, and J. T. Newman, Trustee of Cornell. After finishing his course, Mr. Hutton changed his plans, as many col- lege men do, and in 1878 came to Ridgewood, where he went into the lumber business. In this he has been highly successful, at present con- ducting the most extensive trade in his line in that vicinity, handling all kinds of building material.
Mr. Hutton married Miss Nellie Demarest of the same county. They have two children, Robert Le Roy and Clyde Demarest. Mr. Hutton is a Republican.
W. L. VROOM, M. D.
Dr. W. L. Vroom, of Ridgewood, is a descendant of the well known family of that name in New Jersey. His father is Rev. William Henry Vroom, D. D., of Paramus, son of William and grandson of Henry. William was first cousin to Peter D., who was made Governor of New Jersey, for five successive terms. Rev. William Henry Vroom, D. D., was born February 11, 1840, and was educated in the public schools of Somerset county, and afterwards was graduated from Rutger's College in 1862. In 1865 he finished his course in the Theological Seminary at
DAVID D. ZABRISKIE
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
New Brunswick and immediately became pastor of a church in Hoboken, where he remained two years. From there he removed to Davenport, Iowa, where he resided two years. His next call was to La Cygne, Kansas, at which place he organized a congregation, becoming its pastor for five years. He then returned East, taking pastoral charge of a church at High Falls, N. Y., remaining with it thirteen years. Finally in 1887, he removed to his present location where he has since been pastor of the Reformed church of Paramus.
He was married in 1865, to Miss Marietta Gow, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and by this union they have three children, Dr. W. L. being the eldest, and who was born in Hoboken April 1, 1866.
Dr. Vroom received his education in the University of New York, and was graduated from the medical department in 1888. He at once took up his residence in Ridgewood, where he is enjoying an extensive and lucrative practice. He is a member of the Bergen county Medical Society, and in November, 1898, was elected to the office of Coroner.
Dr. Vroom was married in 1895. to Miss Blanche Girard Miller, a daughter of the late John H. Miller, formerly of Philadelphia. They have one child Cecilia. They are members of the Reformed church of Paramus.
PETER L. ZABRISKIE.
Peter L. Zabriskie, a builder and contractor of Ridgewood and one of the enterprising young men of this section, is a son of G. J. G. and Anna ( Banta ) Zabriskie. His mother was a daughter of Jacob Banta. Mr. Zabriskie was born May 6, 1870, and although a young man, has made a place for himself among the business men of Ridge- wood. Associated with him in business is his brother G. J. G. Zabris- kie, Jr. Another brother John A. is a farmer. His sister Kate became the wife of Peter Pulis. Many of the handsome houses in and around Ridgewood were erected by Mr. Zabriskie, among the number being the residences of O. W. Reed, W. F. Catterfield, R. W. Muns, M. W. Whritenour. A. L. Don and H. A. Brown, with many otliers, all of which are models of our present beautiful architecture.
Mr. Zabriskie is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M. In politics he is a Republican with independent tendencies.
THE TERHUNE FAMILY.
The Terhune family of New Jersey are descended from three broth- ers, Huguenots, who migrated from France to Holland, thence to America, generations ago, one settling at Hackensack, one at Saddle River and a third at Raritan River. The name was originally spelled Ter Hune, but as in several other like names the second capital has been dropped and a small letter substituted. Albert Terhune the grandfather of Theodore was a native of Bergen county. His children were Richard, Lavina, who married Mr. John De Gray, Jemima who married Jacob De Baun of Saddle River, Isaac, who married Margaret Snyder, Garret, and Andrew who married Margaret Mowerson. The children of Richard.
ISAAC E. HUTTON
278
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
who married Margaret Valentine, were James, who died at the age of twenty-one years, Lavina who became the wife of Richard Huff, two who died in childhood and Theodore Valentine who was the youngest and is the only survivor.
Mr. Terhune was born in New York city, October 22, 1839. He was educated in the public schools of New York, and of Bergen county, N. J., afterwards attending a boarding school in Hackensack, kept by Rev. John T. Demarest. On leaving school, he learned the trade of carpen- ter and for a time followed farming and carpentering. In 1866 he bought a tract of ground in Ridgewood where, in 1867, he erected a dwelling, and in 1872 a store and embarked in general merchandise. He built the first house in Ridgewood after the village was laid out in streets. Mr. Terhune has been successful in his undertaking having now a large and paying business.
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