USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 20
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
367
BIOGRAPHICAL
in Virginia in early days, where many of the Hopes continue to reside at the present time.
Mr. Hope is a son of Luther Martin Hope, who was born at Modes- town, Virginia, June 9, 1839, and came as a young man to Brooklyn, New York, and thence, later, to Perth Amboy, New Jersey. For many years he carried on a mercantile business at the last named place, but during the latter years of his life retired and made his home on the old Billy Watson farm, now "Hopelawn," in Perth Amboy, his death oc- curring there January 25, 1907. Luther Martin Hope married Katie Lee Coyle, of New York City, born February 2, 1840, and died December 15, 1907; they became the parents of nine children, as follows: Arthur H .; Eugene Worden, with whom we are here especially concerned ; Luther J .; J. Howard; Everett, who died in infancy; Annie A., who became the wife of George Liddle, of Fords, New Jersey ; Mary L., who became the wife of John Harvey, of Tottenville, Staten Island ; Elizabeth V., who became the wife of George Larrison of Perth Amboy; Katie L., who became the wife of Edward Koch, of Perth Amboy.
Eugene Worden Hope was born, June 11, 1862, at Brooklyn, New York, and was but three years of age when his parents removed to Perth Amboy, where his childhood and early youth were passed. As a lad he attended the Fairfield School at Fords Corners, New Jersey, but the circumstances of the family were such at that time that it became necessary for him to engage in some kind of remunerative occu- pation at an early age and, accordingly, when only eleven years old, he began to work for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, driving a horse and cart, receiving in compensation sixty cents a day. When seventeen years of age Mr. Hope, who was of an enterprising and venturesome disposition, left his father's home and went West, locating in North Dakota, where he remained for seven years, engaged in farming and raising wheat. This period was the only one spent by him away from Perth Amboy, to which place he returned at the age of twenty-four, and where he has subsequently made his home. Upon locating a second time at Perth Amboy, Mr. Hope, who in the meantime had amassed a considerable capital, entered into the milk business and has continued successfully in this line ever since. Under his skillful and far-seeing management a large and flourishing business has been built up, the conduct of which has always been along the highest standards of commercial integrity and fair play. Mr. Hope is a Republican in politics and takes a keen interest in all the vital issues of the day. He is a member of the local lodge of the Royal Arcanum, the Eagle Athletic Club, and the Raritan Yacht Club. In religious belief Mr. Hope is a Baptist, and he and the members of his family attend the church of that denomination at Perth Amboy.
Eugene Worden Hope was united in marriage, September 20, 1904, at Perth Amboy, with Flora Martha Russell, a widow, and daughter of Charles and Sarah Russell, both now deceased. Mrs. Hope was the mother of one daughter by her former marriage, Helen, now the wife of Clarence Davis, of Staten Island. Mr. and Mrs. Hope are also the parents of one daughter, Ruth Elizabeth, born December 27, 1917.
368
MIDDLESEX
STEPHEN FRANCIS SOMOGYI .- Son of a scholarly father, Stephen F. Somogyi inherited the professional instinct, and in his chosen line of activity, the law, he has built up a lucrative practice and firmly established himself in the public regard. His residence and place of business is Perth Amboy, and he is one of the most successful among the younger lawyers of the county; his proficiency in the Hungarian and Slavic languages has gained for him a large clientele among the foreign born of Perth Amboy. Stephen F. Somogyi was born in Hun- gary, in the city of Kassau, August 20, 1879, son of Michael and Joseph- ine A. (Oslislo) Somogyi. Michael Somogyi was a professor in the Royal University of Kassau, and resided with his family in that city until his death occurred in 1882.
Stephen F. Somogyi received his elementary education in the schools and colleges of his native city. Assisted greatly by his scholarly father, he was well advanced in his studies when he came to America with his mother in 1890. They located first in Oliphant, Pennsylvania, where he continued his studies in the local schools until 1899, when he removed to Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Electing to follow the legal profession, he began to read law in the office of Joseph E. Stricker, in the meanwhile attending the New York Law School, where he took a special course. On June 3. 1903, he was admitted to the Middlesex County Bar as an attorney, and immediately entered into the practice of his profession in Perth Amboy, opening an office in the Adelaide building, on Smith street. From there he removed his office to No. 137 Smith street. He was later admitted to practice as a counsellor, and now practices in the State and Federal courts of the district.
For a number of years he was greatly interested in State and local politics. He was county interpreter from 1907 until 1920, when he re- signed from office. His knowledge of European languages especially fitted him for that office in a community where a large percentage of the population is of foreign birth. In 1915 he ran for the State Assembly on the Republican ticket, but as it was an out and out Democratic year, he was defeated. He retains a lively interest in party affairs, and is an active worker for party success. During the World War, 1917-1918, he served as a member of the Advisory Board in the Draft, and was himself enrolled in the New Jersey reserves and commissioned first lieutenant, serving until the close of hostilities. During the Liberty Loan "drives" he canvassed among the foreign born and was quite suc- cessful. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; Royal Arcanum, and Raritan Yacht Club, of which he is one of the board of governors and chairman of the entertainment committee. He is a lover of music and devotes much of his leisure time to that art, being an unusually fine performer on the 'cello. He was one of the organizers of the Dominant Society, an orchestral association, and while it was in existence, was its leader. He is a member of the String Quintette, which has considerable local reputation, and is devoted to the study of classical music.
Mr. Somogyi was united in marriage, December 27, 1910, with Allie May Dayton, daughter of William and Anna Dayton, of Perth Amboy.
369
BIOGRAPHICAL
FREDERICK DAVID SPRUANCE, of New Brunswick, has had a somewhat varied life, both as to occupation and place of residence. At the time of this writing he is engaged in the automobile business in New Brunswick.
John Baylis Spruance, father of Frederick D. Spruance, was born in Philadelphia and still lives there, engaged in the sugar brokerage busi- ness, with an office at Eleventh and Market streets. He married Jessie McIntosh, who was born in Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Spruance have three children : 1. Mabel, the wife of Charles R. Fairland, of Jenkin- town, Pennsylvania. 2. Frederick David, of whom further. 3. Florence Duncan, wife of Rev. R. B. W. Hutt, of Philadelphia.
Frederick David Spruance was born in Philadelphia, January 27, 1884, remaining there and attending the primary school until he had reached the age of seven, when his family moved to Sheffield, Alabama. Here he attended the public schools and later entered the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, taking the electrical engineering course, and grad- uating from that seat of learning in 1906. Following this he spent two and a half years in electrical construction work on the Panama Canal. Mr. Spruance next went West, where he was engaged in the transport service for more than a year, returning then to Sheffield, Alabama, taking up electrical construction work again for two and a half years. In 1913 he went for the second time to Panama, remaining for eighteen months, when he came back to the United States and accepted a position with the DuPont Powder Company. He remained with them for nearly four years, helping in the production of powder for the war work, going from this to New Brunswick and establishing a business of his own, the F. D. Spruance Automobile Company, at No. 92 Schureman street. His tem- perament is that of the hustler and his training has made him quick to grasp an opportunity. He handles the Chevrolet, the Stearns-Knight, and the Premier cars, and also does general repair work.
Mr. Spruance is interested in several clubs in New Brunswick, being a member of the local lodge of Elks, the Middlesex County Automobile Club, and the Board of Trade. Mr. Spruance has a hobby, that of hunting, and during the season he may frequently be seen going off on an expedition with his dog and gun. During a period spent in Phila- delphia, he took considerable interest in military matters, being a mem- ber of the Second Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard, holding the commission of captain.
The marriage of Frederick David Spruance to Annie M. Spear took place April 2, 1913, in Charleston, South Carolina, where Miss Spear was born. She is the daughter of Horace P. and Annie Mortimer (Cleck- ley) Spear, of Richmond, Virginia, where Mr. Spear is engaged in the real estate business.
Mr. and Mrs. Spruance went to Panama immediately after their marriage, and there they started their first housekeeping. They now have a delightful home at No. 117 South Fourth avenue, New Brunswick.
Mid-24
370
MIDDLESEX
There are no children of this marriage. Both are members of the Pres- byterian church.
The Spruance family is of French origin; the first of the name to emigrate to the United States was John Spruance, who landed at Lewes, Delaware, from France, in 1730.
AUGUSTUS STELLE .- On the east side of the Raritan river, opposite New Brunswick, and three miles east, lies the village of Stelton, named for the Stelle families, who owned large farms in the district, and there lived most of their lives. They were among the highly regarded citizens of their tinies, and among their number were promi- nent men and women of agricultural, business, professional, public and social affairs of life.
Augustus Stelle was a prominent agriculturist and large land owner. The farm mansion which he built is now (1921) the home of his daugh- ters, who have never known any other residence than the old farm. The farm came into possession of Augustus Stelle in 1840, and the house was built by him the same year, consequently the associations of a lifetime gather around the old homestead, and the place is very dear to the Misses Stelle. They are granddaughters of Isaac and Frances (Dunn) Stelle, the former born near New Brunswick, January 26, 1789, died June 6, 1872, in Stelton, the latter born August 20, 1790, near New Brunswick, died March 3, 1876, in Stelton. Isaac Stelle was a farmer in this region all his life, and was well known. He and his wife were the parents of eight children : Samuel, Louis, Augustus, of whom fur- ther : Eliza, Phoebe, James, Prudence, and Alexander.
Augustus Stelle, son of Isaac and Frances (Dunn) Stelle, was born October 23, 1815, in Piscataway township, Middlesex county, New Jersey, died at the homestead, January 14, 1899. He was educated in the district schools, and during his active years he was engaged in farming and in farm management, becoming possessed of many acres on the east side of the Raritan river. He was an influential Democrat, and a man of substance, highly esteemed as a man of integrity and honor. He was a member of the Baptist church, which he liberally supported and regularly attended.
Mr. Stelle married, February 12, 1840, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Maria Stelle, born in South Plainfield, October 25, 1817, died January 15, 1899. surviving her husband but one day, they both being laid at Test in Piscataway Town Cemetery at the same time. Augustus and Maria (Stelle) Stelle were the parents of four children: I. John, born June 4, 1842, in Stelton, died September 29, 1914, at Hollywood, Cali- fornia, and is buried in the family plot in Piscataway Town Cemetery. He was a farmer until his retirement and removal to California. He married Mary Conaway, of Martin's Dock, New Jersey. She died Janu- ary 16, 1920, at Washington, New Jersey, without issue. 2. Angelina A., born January 20, 1845, in Stelton. 3. Julia R., born February 20, 1848, in Stelton. 4. Spencer C., born August 10, 1854, in Stelton. He has been variously occupied in life, being at one time in the silk business.
37I
BIOGRAPHICAL
He is now living at Dalton, New Jersey. He married Ellen C. Conaway. a sister of his brother's wife, and two children have been born to them : Harry N., who died at the age of nine years; and Russel A., who died at the age of sixteen.
NELSON M. GILES .- After following different lines of mercantile pursuits, in which he achieved a certain degree of success, Nelson M. Giles, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen of Bound Brook, New Jersey, is now devoting his time and attention to the tilling of the soil, an occupation which calls for untiring energy, perseverance and careful management, characteristics which are fully developed in the person of the subject of this review.
Nelson M. Giles was born in Harris Lane, Bound Brook, Middlesex county, New Jersey, September 20, 1862, in the same house in which he now resides, his parents, Benjamin S. and Adeline A. (Harris) Giles, also residing in the same house, Benjamin S. Giles having been born in Middlesex county, one mile distant from the place now occupied by his son. Benjamin S. Giles was a blacksmith by trade, following this line of work profitably during the active years of his life.
Nelson M. Giles attended the common school adjacent to his home, and upon arriving at suitable age became a manufacturer of roofing material, following this occupation for twelve years, at the expiration of which time he changed his line of work and engaged in farming, and in addition to the arduous duties which falls to the lot of an agri- culturist has added those of public office, serving at the present time (1920) in the capacity of collector for Middlesex borough. He is presi- dent of the borough of Middlesex Building and Loan Association, a member of the Republican County Committee, a member and trustee of the Presbyterian church, filling the latter office for two decades, and a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons, and the Knights of Pythias. He takes a keen interest in all that pertains to the growth and improvement of his native place, and well merits the confidence reposed in him.
Mr. Giles married, May 7, 1884, in Bound Brook, New Jersey, Jennie Blaine, born in Somerville, New Jersey, February 1, 1864, daughter of Charles W. and Phebe (Vanarsdale) Blaine. Children: I. Harry R., born January 16, 1886. 2. Benjamin H., born July 4, 1892. In 1917 he was drafted for service in the World War, went to camp for training, and was sent overseas, sailing from New York City, January 12, 1918. He was killed in battle, in France, October 5, 1918, thus adding another to the list who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. He had attained the rank of corporal, and was at the front for a period of five months. 3. Anna A., born September 22, 1895. 4. Albert M., born January 14, 1898. 5. Charles W., born December 11, 1900.
DENNIS FRANCIS DONOVAN came to America with his parents as a child of six years. Growing up in Perth Amboy, he is now one of the business men of the city, and well known throughout this section.
.
372
MIDDLESEX
Dennis Donovan, father of Dennis F. Donovan, was born in County Cork, Ireland. In his early manhood, he was employed on a railroad in England. Upon coming to America, he located directly in Perth Amboy, and there worked on the Lehigh Valley coal docks until his death. which occurred at the comparatively early age of fifty-one years. Dennis Donovan married Johanna Sullivan, who was also born in County Cork, Ireland. She came to this country with her husband, and died here, in 1913. at the age of sixty-five years. They had eight children, of whom five are now living: Anna, the wife of George Mickle, of New York City : Michael J., of Perth Amboy; Mary E., the wife of John Kelner, of Trenton, New Jersey ; Dennis Francis, of whom further ; and Katherine, the widow of John Sleight, residing in Trenton.
Dennis Francis Donovan was born in County Cork. Ireland, August 25, 1877. His education was begun at the public schools of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, when his parents came to America and took up their residence there, and was completed in St. Mary's Parochial schools of that city. At the age of fifteen he went out into the world to earn his own living, beginning life in the work of tile making. After three years in this line, he worked on the railroad for three years, then, having saved enough to make a start for himself, he opened a hotel at No. 314 Front street, Perth Amboy. The venture has been successful, and promises well for the future.
Mr. Donovan is a Democrat by political choice. He is member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; of the Foresters of America ; and of the Improved Order of Red Men.
Mr. Donovan married, in Perth Amboy, on October 14, 1903, Helen Gertrude Smith, daughter of Peter and Margaret Smith. She was born in Lambertville, New Jersey. Her father died in Long Island City, at the age of sixty-five years, and her mother now lives at Whitestone, Long Island. Mr. and Mrs. Donovan have two children: Margaret Frances, born March 14, 1905; and Helen Olive, born June 11, 1909. The family attend St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
CHARLES GROVER WRAGE .- Among the representative citizens of Dunellen, who have aided materially in its development, upbuilding and substantial progress, may be mentioned Charles G. Wrage, a native of Flemington, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, born September 14, 1884. son of Henry and Catherine (Witt) Wrage, natives of Germany, from whence they emigrated to the United States in the year 1872. Henry Wrage was a contractor and builder by occupation, skillful and proficient in workmanship, just and equitable in all his transactions.
Charles Grover Wrage attended the common schools in the vicinity of his home, acquiring a practical education which fitted him for the duties of an active career. Upon attaining a suitable age, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps ; in this line of work, he gave his attention to familiarizing himself with the details, and in due course of time, in 1908, began operations as a builder and contractor, so continuing during the intervening years, and at the present time (1921) many buildings
373
BIOGRAPHICAL
stand as monuments to his skill and ability along that line. He is progressive in his methods and ideas, fully alive to the present-day needs of the public, and by giving the closest attention to the work he has chosen, noting every improvement and acting upon it, he is looked upon as a thoroughly reliable man, and is in receipt of an excellent patronage.
Mr. Wrage is a Presbyterian in religion, a Republican in politics, and a member of the Republican Club and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is highly respected and esteemed in the community, and exerts an influence for good upon those with whom he is brought in contact. He was a member of the Dunellen Borough Council for three years, 1917-1920.
Mr. Wrage inarried, in New York City, February 12, 1908, Emma Miller, born in New York City, December 30, 1884, daughter of Richard and Louisa (Raggar) Miller, natives of Germany, both now deceased. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wrage: Beatrice, born September 8. 1910; Hazel, born August 25, 1912 ; Evelyn, born December 17, 1919. The house in which the family now resides, No. 504 Walnut street, Dunellen, was erected by Mr. Wrage in 1912.
WILLARD N. APGAR .- Serving Dunellen as postmaster, Mr. Apgar applies to this public office the same energy and careful attention that he has given to all things connected with his busy life, and thus it can be said that he ranks among the foremost citizens of Dunellen.
Willard N. Apgar was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, March 22, 1876, the son of John P. and Sarah (Smith) Apgar. Mr. Apgar has spent practically his entire life in Dunellen, New Jersey. After receiving a good common school education, he became associated with his father in business and since that time has met with much success as a con- tractor and builder, which is the result of his untiring devotion to business.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Apgar has ever taken a keen and active interest in the affairs of the local organization, and in 1916 was appointed postmaster of Dunellen, to which service he has added intense public spirit and patriotic fervor, all based upon full appreciation of his respon- sibility as an American citizen to whom has been delivered a profound trust. Under his term of office as postmaster he advocated and had established a city delivery service in Dunellen. He affiliates with the Foresters of America, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America ; is a director of the Home Building and Loan Association, and in his religious belief is a Presbyterian.
On November 28, 1900, Willard N. Apgar was united in marriage with Jennie M. Apgar, daughter of James M. and Martha (Haltman) Apgar, the former a native of High Bridge, New Jersey, the latter of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Apgar are the parents of seven children : W. Clayton, born September 16, 1902; Sylvester M., born February 14, 1905; Clifford, born January 25, 1907; Beatrice, born July 19, 1908; J. Austin, born October 14, 1910; Eleanor, born July 14, 1912; and Yvonne E., born December 27, 1918.
374
MIDDLESEX
JOSEPH M. MAIER .- The career of Joseph M. Maier, proprietor of a fine grocery store in Dunellen, which he established in 1917, illus- trates that success can be achieved by hard work and honorable business dealings, for today he is the owner of one of the most up-to-date business establishments of his town.
Joseph M. Maier was born in Dunellen, New Jersey. June 7, 1873, son of Joseph and Catherine (Eder) Maier, the former named having been engaged in a successful hotel business for a number of years.
After completing the course of study afforded by the common schools of his birthplace, Joseph M. Maier was the proprietor for a time of the hotel formerly conducted by his father. Later he decided that a change of occupation would be beneficial and better suited to his tastes and inclinations, and accordingly, on August 21, 1917, he embarked in an entirely different line, opening up a grocery store in his native town, at No. 384 North avenne, where he carries a complete stock of everything in the grocery line. His trade has increased during the past three years, which is largely the result of his energy, progressiveness, and courteous treatment of all who grant him their patronage. Mr. Maier is con- nected with the First National Bank of Dunellen; is a Democrat in politics ; and a Catholic in religion.
Mr. Maier married (first) at Cranford, New Jersey, February 14, 1898, Anna Doyle, daughter of John and Mary (Brennan) Doyle. Mrs. Maier died in Dunellen, February 4, 1905. Three children were born of this marriage, as follows: Catherine, born January 28, 1900; Joseph, born March 5. 1902: John, born November 6, 1903. Mr. Maier married (second) July 12, 1910, Anna Pfister, daughter of Philip and Mary (Bonig) Pfister. Five children have been born of this marriage, as follows : William, born May 25. 1912: Edward, horn November 30, 1913; Robert, born September 5, 1915: Anna, born September 30, 1917; Mar- garet, born February 25. 1920.
JAMES EDWARD NOE, whose fifty-four consecutive years in one line of business in the same city, and that his birthplace, is a fine record. He is a venerable oyster dealer of Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
The Noe family is one of the pioneer families of this region. Mr. Noe's father. David Ogden Noe, was born and died in the old Noe home- stead, the same house where his son now lives, No. 61 Water street. He was in the oyster business, with his son as partner, and the latter continued the business after the death of his father. He married Hester Margaret Harned, and they had nine children, four of whom are now living : James Edward, whose name appears at the head of this review ; Mrs. Henrietta L. Kipp; Mrs. Sarah E. Smith; and William Kelly ; all of these are residents of Perth Amboy.
James Edward Noe was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, August 6. 1845. Here he received his early education, going to Pennington Seminary for advanced study, and later to Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, New York. Immediately after his graduation from that institution, the young man went to New York City and engaged in the
James & Mos
YNK
FUb . DERARY
X
375
BIOGRAPHICAL
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.