USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 14
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William David Hoy, only son of William and Elizabeth (Smith) Hoy, passed his childhood at Fords, and attended the local public schools for a number of years. He then went to the Perth Amboy High School for two years, but left there to enter Woods Business College at Newark to prepare himself for his active career. He had even at that time had some practical experience, as he had been employed as a boy by the Valentine Fire Brick Company and the National Fireproofing Company, serving two years with each company. Upon completing the course at Woods Business College, Mr. Hoy secured a clerical position with James H. Maddy, of New York City, and later with the Erie Railroad Com- pany in the central offices of that corporation. At the latter place he remained for twelve years, and was rapidly promoted until he became secretary to the vice-president. He was very ambitious, however, to become independent in business, and at the end of that period severed his connection with the Erie, much to the regret of his employers, and, returning to Fords, established himself in his present enterprise. Since that time he has been closely identified with the growth of the com- munity, concerning himself with building development and the working up of an insurance business. He has met with marked success in his line and is today regarded as one of the most energetic and capable men of the town. He is also actively interested in public affairs, and has held a number of offices in the gift of the community, serving at present (1921) his third term as a member of the Woodbridge Township Com- mittee and as a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fords. He is one of the leading men of the Republican party in this section
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of the State, and is a member of the Republican County Committee, and represented the district at the last Republican State Convention. For three years he was president of the Fords Fire Company, and is promi- nent in the fraternal circles of the place, being affiliated with Americus Lodge, No. 83, Free and Accepted Masons; Amboy Chapter, No. 41, Royal Arch Masons; Temple Commandery, No. 61. Knights Templar ; Salaam Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Newark; Jersey City Consistory, Supreme Princes of the Royal Secret; and Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Forest No. 68, of Perth Amboy. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics of Perth Amboy, the Raritan Yacht Club. and the Perth Amboy and Woodbridge Republican clubs. In his religious belief Mr. Hoy is an Episcopalian and attends St. Luke's Church of that denomination at Metuchen, of which he is a vestryman.
William David Hoy married, April 22, 1919, at Metuchen, New Jersey, Margaret May Fullerton, like himself a native of Fords, and a daughter of William H. and Margaret (Bebernes) Fullerton. Mr. Fullerton was for a number of years one of the most prominent men of Perth Amboy, president of the New Jersey Produce Company, and served as street commissioner. His death occurred October 11. 1918. at the age of fifty-two years, and he is survived by his wife, who now makes her home at Woodbridge.
JAMES MARTIN HOUGHTON .- The profession of chiropractic is still of so recent a beginning that it is yet in its early stage, though each year brings fresh adherents to the doors of those who practice it. One of the chiropractors of New Brunswick is James Martin Houghton, whose office at No. 343 George street is the "Mecca" for many troubled human beings. Not only does he relieve suffering, but in many cases gives treatment free of charge to those who are too poor to pay for it. To do this he conducts a clinic at his office between the hours of ten and twelve A. M. for their benefit. So great is his interest in it that it has become his pet pastime.
The Houghton family came from Ireland originally, settling almost at once in New Brunswick. On the maternal side, the Gildeas were also of Irish parentage. Dr. Houghton's maternal grandfather. Patrick Gil- dea, was a graduate of Edinburgh University in Scotland.
Dr. Houghton's father, James Martin Houghton, was born in New Brunswick, but removed some time later to Jersey City, where he con- ducts a large undertaking establishment. He is greatly interested in politics, being a well known worker in the Democratic party. He is also a very prominent Elk of Jersey City. Dr. Houghton's mother, Martha (Gildea) Houghton, was born in Jersey City, March 8, 1876. In this family there are five children : I. Frank A., a practicing dentist in Jersey City. 2. Claire M., the wife of William J. Flaherty, both Mr. and Mrs. Flaherty being successful chiropractors of Jersey City. 3. James Martin, of further mention. 4. Robert A .. a student at St. Joseph's College, Baltimore, Maryland, of the class of 1921. 5. Rose M.,
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unmarried, living at home, a student in the Jersey City High School in the class of 1922.
James Martin Houghton was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, May 22, 1898, and for nearly all his life it has been his home. He attended the grammar school there, graduating from it at the age of twelve years, following this by a four years' course in the high school. He was only sixteen years old when he graduated and he very soon entered the Newark (New Jersey) School of Chiropractic, the course of study there being three years. After graduating, Dr. Houghton began practicing in Jersey City, continuing to do so for over a year, going to New Brunswick later, where he opened an office at his present location. Dr. Houghton is a member of the New Jersey State Chiropractic Association and since June, 1920, has been vice-president of that body. Dr. Houghton is unmarried.
THOMAS F. DOLAN, postmaster of Sayreville, New Jersey, is connected with the business life of the community, having been for many years a successful contractor and builder here. Being a good citizen as well as an able business man and executant, Mr. Dolan is ever ready to cooperate in the charitable and philanthropic enterprises of Sayreville, his native town.
Mr. Dolan was born in Sayreville, Middlesex county, New Jersey, December 11, 1887, the son of James and Bridget (Burke) Dolan. His father, James Dolan, has been foreman in the brick yard here for many years. The boy, Thomas F., was educated in the schools of his native place, after which he established himself in the contracting and building business. He received his appointment of postmaster in 1914, and was reappointed in 1918. It is hardly necessary to mention that he is an able man of affairs, for his present office, demanding the services of one whose ability is of a high order and whose well-balanced forces are manifest in sound judgment and a ready understanding of any problem that may be presented for solution, speaks for itself in a manner not to be misunderstood. Force and resolution, combined with a genial dispo- sition, attract all who are brought in contact with him. He is one of the men who number friends in all grades of society. The thorough busi- ness qualifications of Thomas F. Dolan have always been in great demand on boards of directors, and his public spirit has led him to accept of many such trusts. In politics he is a staunch Democrat. He affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Foresters of America, the Improved Order of Red Men, the local union, No. 1392, Carpenters and Joiners of America, and the Musicians' Protective Union of New Brunswick. In religion he is a Roman Catholic.
On September 27, 1909, Mr. Dolan was united in marriage with Rose Gorman, a native of Sayreville, born February 19, 1888. Mrs. Dolan is the daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Hughes) Gorman, both natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Dolan are the parents of five children : Mar- guerite, born October 31, 1910: Bermardina, born July 10, 1913; Mary, born October 10, 1915 ; Rosemary, born March 1, 1918, deceased ; Thomas. born March 4, 1920.
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KLEMMER KALTEISSEN, numbered among the younger gener- ation of lawyers in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and a man who already is making a name for himself in the public life of this region, is a native of this city, born August 5, 1894. He is the son of Peter and Sophia (Weigel) Kalteissen. Peter Kalteissen was born in Worms, Germany, and was brought by his mother to the United States when he was but fourteen years of age. Later he became a box manufacturer, engaged in this business for many years, but is now living retired in New Brunswick. To Mr. and Mrs. Kalteissen have been born two children: Klemmer, of further mention; George A., born November 2, 1888, with the New Brunswick Paper Box Company, which was founded by his father, is married and has two children, William K. and George A., Jr.
The elementary portion of Klemmer Kalteissen's education was obtained in the public schools of his native place, after which he entered Rutgers College, subsequently matriculating in the New Jersey Law School, from which he was graduated in 1917 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the United States Army in Newark, New Jersey, and was sent to the officers' training camp at Camp Devens, where he was commissioned first lieu- tenant and was ordered to Camp Gordon, Georgia, later being sent to Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio. From here he was ordered to Wash- ington, D. C., where he supervised the discharge of the enlisted men of the chemical warfare service, and was mustered out January 22, 1919. He then returned immediately to his native place and formed a partnership with William D. Danberry, with offices at No. 40 Paterson street. He fraternizes with the Delta Theta Phi law fraternity, and with the Young Men's Christian Association. His hobby is basket ball.
Mr. Kalteissen is superintendent of the Livingston Avenue Reformed Sunday school, which position he has filled since he was nineteen years of age. He delights in this work and is doing something worth while for the betterment of the community. He is a member of the Reformed church. Mr. Kalteissen served as deputy surrogate of Middlesex county before forming the law partnership with Mr. Danberry. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a member of Middlesex County and State Bar associations. He is also member of Goodwill Council, No. 32, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and of Union Lodge, No. 19, Free and Accepted Masons.
On April 26, 1918, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Mr. Kalteissen was united in marriage with Flora Jacobsen, a native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and the daughter of the late Carl and Wilhelmina (Larsen) Jacobsen. Mr. and Mrs. Kalteissen have no children.
FERD GARRETSON .- If those who claim that fortune has favored certain individuals above others will but investigate the cause of suc- cess and failure, it will be found that the former is largely due to the improvement of opportunity, the latter to the neglect of it. Fortunate environments encompass nearly every man at some stage of his career, but the strong man and the successful man is he who realizes that the
Ferd Garretson clown
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proper moment has come, that the present and not the future holds his opportunity. The man who makes use of the Now and not the To Be is the one who passes on the highway of life others who started out ahead of him, and reaches the goal of prosperity in advance of them. It is this quality in Ferd Garretson, ex-mayor, and city treasurer of Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
Samuel Garretson, father of Ferd Garretson, was born June, 1841. Retired from active business affairs, Mr. Garretson reviews a life well spent for the interests of the community in which he lives, and for the service of his country as well. He holds the office of past commander of the New Jersey Volunteers, Grand Army of the Republic, having served in the Civil War with Company I, 28th Regiment. For a number of years he conducted a successful real estate business, and at one time he was recorder for the city of Perth Amboy, where he resides at the present time, and where he is held in the highest esteem.
Ferd Garretson, son of Samuel and Jennie A. Garretson, was born at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, October 7, 1867. He attended the public schools of his native city and after graduating from the local high school, entered the Centenary Collegiate Institute, from which he was gradu- ated. For the following twenty-five years he was employed by the Lehigh Valley Railroad as telegraph operator, train despatcher and train conductor. In 1905, upon the death of his father-in-law, J. Ford, Mr. Garretson assumed the undertaking business, formerly conducted by Mr. Ford. He still carries on that business together with an automobile livery and garage which he has added.
Mr. Garretson is a Republican in politics and has always been most conspicuously associated with the organization. From 1908 until 1911 he served as coroner for Middlesex county, and was alderman-at-large and acting mayor for the year 1912. That he fulfilled this tenure most creditably, is proven by the fact that the city elected him mayor for the next four years. In 1917 he was made city treasurer and custodian of the school moneys, which office he holds at the present time.
Mr. Garretson is prominent in fraternal organizations of his native city, being a member of Lawrence Lodge, No. 61, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; a member and past master of Raritan Lodge, No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, and past exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, Perth Amboy Lodge, No. 784. His club is the Perth Amboy Caledonian.
Mr. Garretson married, March 19, 1890, Elizabeth M. Ford, daughter of Joshua and Amanda Ford, and they are the parents of four children : Thomas A., born October 10, 1892; Donald C., born February 24, 1894 ; William V., born April 9, 1895 ; Jeannette A., born December 15, 1900.
Alert, alive, and progressive, Mr. Garretson justly merits the suc- cess he has achieved. Happily gifted in disposition, manner and taste, enterprising and original in business methods, personally liked most by those who know him best, and as frank in declaring his principles as he is sincere in maintaining them, his career has been rounded with great success and marked by the appreciation of men whose opinion is well worth having.
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WILLIAM A. CROWELL .- The flour, feed and grain elevator in Metuchen, New Jersey, owned and operated by William A. Crowell, is the headquarters of a prosperous business which Mr. Crowell has con- ducted in Metuchen since 1908. This elevator is modernly planned and equipped for the particular business therein conducted, and is most capably managed by Mr. Crowell and his son, Reginald B.
William A. Crowell is a son of William E. and Phoebe M. (Dunn) Crowell, his father, born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, at one time a merchant, and later a farmer. Phoebe M. (Dunn) Crowell was born at Linden Heights Farm, on the Raritan river, now part of Highland Park, New Jersey.
William A. Crowell was born at Linden Heights Farm, August 15, 1859, and there educated in the public schools. He was variously occu- pied until 1893, when he entered the grain business, which he has since continued with marked success. His residence on Spring street, Metuchen, was built in 1899. He is a member of the Baptist church of Metuchen, of which he was the first Sunday school superintendent, in 1902. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Crowell is a man widely known and thoroughly respected for his sterling character and upright life. He is one of the founders and a charter member of the local council of the Royal Arcanum. He has been active in many of the civic, charitable and other affairs of the town.
Mr. Crowell married, in Brooklyn, New York, October 2, 1884, Jennie W. Buckley, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, February 4, 1862, daugh- ter of Frederick and Fanny M. (Wilcox) Buckley, her father born in Charleston, South Carolina, her mother born in Saugerties, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Crowell are the parents of three children: 1. Helen, born January 8, 1886, died April 27, 1891. 2. Reginald B., born December 13, 1890; he enlisted in the United States Army in May, 1917, was trans- ferred to the aviation service, and was on duty at Fort Worth, Texas; he went overseas in September, 1918, and was at the front when the armistice was signed. He married, in February, 1921, Louise Crowell, of Perth Amboy. 3. Mildred, born March 10, 1892; she married in September, 1916, W. H. W. Comp, a graduate of Rutgers College, who is now engaged as a sanitary engineer. They are the parents of one child, Anita.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SLOBODIEN, M. D., numbered among the young physicians of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, was born in South Amboy, New Jersey, September 16, 1891, a son of Morris and Sophia (Triffon ) Slobodien, both natives of Russia, who came from that country to the United States thirty-four and thirty-two years ago respectively. The elder Mr. Slobodien, upon reaching this country, settled at once in Perth Amboy where he engaged in the blacksmith and horseshoeing business and met with considerable success. He met and married his countrywoman, Miss Triffon, and they were the parents of four children, as follows: Sarah, who became the wife of Charles Bardin, of Perth Amboy; Michael, who is now employed in a clerical position in an
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establishment in Perth Amboy ; Benjamin Franklin, with whom we are here especially concerned ; and Bessie, who is now employed as a teacher in the public schools of the city.
The early life of Dr. Slobodien was passed at Perth Amboy and it was there that he gained his elementary education, graduating eventu- ally from the Perth Amboy High School with the class of 1909, where he had been prepared for college. The young man had already deter- mined definitely upon a medical career, and accordingly matriculated in the University and Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York City. From this institution he graduated with the class of 1913, taking his medical degree, and for the year following served as interne in the Elizabeth General Hospital, Elizabeth, New Jersey. He then returned to Perth Amboy, and in 1914 began the practice of his profession in that city. Here he has continued ever since and has already won for himself a reputation as a diagnostician. Dr. Slobodien was quick to respond to his country's need for surgical and medical service during the late war, and enlisted in the army, April 18, 1918. He was given the rank of first lieutenant in the Medical Corps and was assigned to duty, first at Embarkation Hospital, No. 2, at Secaucus, New Jersey, and later at Debarkation Hospital, No. 3, in New York City. He received his hon- orable discharge from the service in August, 1919, and at once returned to his practice in Perth Amboy. Dr. Slobodien 's an Independent in politics, and takes a keen and intelligent interest in all the great ques- tions and issues of the day. He is active in social and fraternal life in Perth Amboy, especially as a member of the Masonic order and is affili- ated with Prudence Lodge, No. 204, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; Amboy Chapter, No. 41, Royal Arch Masons; Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Caldwell Consistory; Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Lodge No. 784, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of Phi Delta Epsilon fraternity, and the Young Men's Hebrew Association. His medical societies are the Perth Amboy Medical Society, the Middlesex County Medical Society, the New Jersey State Medical Society, and the Clinical Society of the Eliza- beth General Hospital. He is a member of the Jewish Synagogue of Shaary Tfilloh in Perth Amboy. Dr. Slobodien is unmarried.
NATHAN ROBINS .- At the age of thirteen years, in 1860, Nathan Robins, the present sealer of weights and measures for Middlesex county, New Jersey, first came to Metuchen, which has now been his home for sixty years. A quarter of a century ago he built his present residence, and on Thanksgiving Day, 1896, observed the feast by partaking of the first meal in the new home. He is a son of Nathan and Hannah Maria (Ayres) Robins, who at the time of their son's birth were living in Oswego, New York, the father a ship chandler and later collector of customs at that port. Later the family moved to Brooklyn, New York, thence to Springfield, New Jersey, and then to Metuchen in the same State.
Nathan (2) Robins was born in Oswego, New York, December 26,
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1847. He attended the public schools in Metuchen, and a private school in Flushing, Long Island, there completing his school years. He has been a resident of Metuchen since 1860, and is one of the best known men of his community. He has held many public and private positions of trust, and has been engaged in different lines of business activity. Since 1912 he has held his present position, sealer of weights and measures for Middlesex county, and was at one time postmaster of Metuchen. He is a Democrat in politics, and in religious belief an Episcopalian. He is president of Eagle Hook and Ladder Company, and affiliates with Mt. Zion Lodge, No. 35, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a past master.
Mr. Robins married, in New York City, May 25, 1875, Mary Oakley, born January 17, 1856, daughter of Walter and Mary (Downs) Oakley. Mr. and Mrs. Robins are the parents of six children : Marie Louise, born June 6, 1876, married Frank R. Savidge, and has a son, Frank R. (2) ; Abbey Denman, born July 21, 1878; Nathan, born February 16, 1881, married Cora M. Purdy; Elsa Rogers, born May 26, 1887: Caroline Nichols, born January 27, 1890. married Henry B. Cook, and has a daughter, Mary Oakley Cook; Dorothy Oakley Foster, born July 30, 1894.
WILLIAM D. DANBERRY .- One of the younger generation of attorneys in New Brunswick, and a man who is already making a name for himself in the affairs of the community, is a native of this town, where he was born October 29, 1897, the son of William F. and Julia Danberry. William F. Danberry was born in New Brunswick, the son of William F. Danberry, and member of a family whose progenitors came to this country in the Colonial days. To Mr. and Mrs. Danberry have been born two children: William D., of further mention; and Edmund L., deceased.
William D. Danberry received the elementary portion of his edu- cation in the schools of his native city, graduating from St. Peter's High School, after which he attended Rutgers College. He had in the mean- time determined to adopt the law as a profession, and accordingly matric- ulated at the New Jersey Law School. After completing the usual course, he graduated with the class of 1919 and won the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Throughout his school and college years he had proved himself an able, intelligent student, and came to the opening of his career unusually well equipped to take up the duties of his profes- sion. Immediately after graduating, he returned to New Brunswick, passed his bar examination and entered the law office of Russell E. Watson, where he remained until April 1, 1920, when he formed a law partnership with Klemmer Kalteissen, with offices at No. 40 Paterson street. While at Rutgers College Mr. Danberry was a member of the Students' Training Corps. He affiliates with Delta Theta Phi frater- nity. In religion he is a Roman Catholic and attends St. Peter's Church of that denomination in New Brunswick. He is unmarried.
Johnnyester
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JOHN N. WESTER belongs to that class of men who started at the bottom of the ladder and has made his way to the top through his own efforts. Starting in this country poor in finances, but quick in shrewdness and foresight, he adapted himself readily to circumstances and took advantage of every opportunity which would bring him in contact with the worth-while things of life.
Neils Wester, father of John N. Wester, was born in Denmark, April 22, 1837, and died there in 1902. For many years he was a fisherman and later became a farmer, at which occupation he was engaged when his death occurred. In the war with Germany in 1864, he served in the Danish army and for his services received a medal of honor which was awarded him at that time. He married Johanna Jepsen, and they were the parents of five children : Bodil, wife of Neils Madsen of Los Angeles, California ; Christian N., a prominent hotel man of Los Angeles ; Marie N., wife of Christian Anderson, a resident of Denmark ; Thomas N., a builder and contractor, and a member of the firm of Johnson & Wester, of Hartford, Connecticut ; John N., mentioned below.
John N. Wester was born on the island of Fur in the northern part of Jutland, Denmark, and there obtained his education, which consisted of public and high school instruction. At the age of twenty he set sail for America, and upon landing in New York City, went immediately to Hartford, Connecticut, where he served an apprenticeship to the brick- layer's and plasterer's trade, subsequently coming to Perth Amboy, where he worked at his trade for two years, or until 1904, when he established himself in this business. He has built some of the largest residences of Perth Amboy, several churches, the grammar school, manual training school and the central heating plant.
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