USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 32
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business under the Pratt-Brown name for a time and then changed the firm name to Alpern & Company. As a real estate and insurance man he was very successful, and as his business grew and prospered, his services came to be sought by other interests. He was made a director of the Perth Amboy Trust Company, later becoming its vice-president, and in 1919 became president of this large and growing institution. He is also vice-president of the People's National Bank, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and is connected with various other important concerns. As his banking interests became more and more exacting, demanding larger and larger portions of his time, he finally sold out his real estate and insurance business in order that he might devote his time to the offices of trust which had been conferred upon him.
In addition to the exacting demands of his business connections, Mr. Alpern finds time to serve his community in various ways. He is president of the Young Men's Hebrew Association and also a member of the Young Men's Christian Association. Fraternally, he is a mem- ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is affiliated with various Masonic bodies, and is a member of the Raritan Yacht Chib, all of Perth Amboy. He is prominent in church work, interested and active in charitable enterprises, and during the World War was a leader in the various drives for the raising of funds.
Mr. Alpern married, March 4, 1910, in New York City, Lena Pauline Coble, daughter of Louis and Rebecca Coble, of New York City, and they are the parents of two children : Ruth S., born January 1, 1911 ; and Frances, born April 28, 1917.
Mr. Alpern is well known in banking circles, and is a widely known and highly esteemed citizen of Middlesex county. Coming from a foreign land, with only his faith, his courage, his ability, and his willing- ness to work, he has built for himself a life and a career which speak eloquently of the character of the man, and at the same time vindicate the right of his adopted country to its best-loved title-the "Land of Opportunity."
WALTER G. DUNN .- To the intelligence, industry and thrift of her agriculturists, more than to all other causes combined, does the county of Middlesex, New Jersey, owe her remarkable development, and of this large and useful class of her population Walter G. Dunn, of New Market, is a worthy exponent.
Walter G. Dunn was born July 19, 1870, in New Market, Middlesex county, New Jersey, on the farm he now resides on, the house being two hundred and fifty years old, the shingles thereon being the same as when first built, they being shaved by hand and nailed on with hand-made nails, that being before the day of machinery for every conceivable line of work. The house is one of the landmarks of the neighborhood, being kept in good repair by its present owner, who is very proud of its antiquity. His parents were Louis C. and Aurelia Dunn, the former named born in New Market, November 11, 1844, the latter born November 6, 1846. Louis C. Dunn was a tiller of the soil, conducting his operations on the farm where his son now resides.
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Walter G. Dunn attended the common schools of Piscataway town- ship. From childhood he assisted in the labors of the farm, and early in life became familiar with all the duties pertaining to the life of the agriculturist, and when the time arrived for earning his own livelihood he chose the line of work followed by his father. His birthplace has become his permanent place of residence, and the neat and thritfy appearance of the farm, coupled with the handsome competence he receives from his labors, plainly indicate that his vocation was wisely chosen. He is a member of the Seventh Day Baptist church, in which he takes an active interest, and his political allegiance is given to the Republican party. He is a member of the Order of Foresters.
Mr. Dunn married, February 13, 1889, in Dunellen, New Jersey, Ella T. Larkin, born April 3, 1870, daughter of George and Anna Shepard (Tithwarth) Larkin, the former named born in Connecticut, September 26, 1827. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dunn : Myrtle T., born March 26, 1892; Jennie F., born March 20, 1893; and Marjorie, born March 23, 1895.
SARAH E. M. TOMS .- One of the landmarks of Middlesex county, New Jersey, is the residence of Miss Toms, located in Melrose Park, which was erected by her grandfather on the paternal side in the year 1797 and remained as erected until the year 1835, a period of thirty-eight years, when an addition was made thereto by the father of Miss Toms, and thirty-four years later he built another addition, this making it a very commodious and substantial structure, now equipped with all appliances for the comfort and convenience of its inmates. The prop- erty is now very valuable, having enhanced in value in the past few years, and this was left to Miss Toms by her father at his death, she taking a particular interest in it by reason of its antiquity and associa- tions.
Sarah E. M. Toms was born in Rahway, New Jersey, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Jane Toms, the former named born February 12, 1802, died July 7, 1867, and the latter named born December 12, 1819, died October 10, 1895, having survived her husband for more than a quarter of a century. They were the parents of another daughter, Ellen Iane, born August 2, 1843, died August 12, 1873.
Miss Toms attended the common school adjacent to her home, this knowledge being supplemented by careful reading and observation. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Melrose Park, taking an active interest in its activities, and her many friends in the com- munity honor and respect her for her many excellencies of character.
ROBERT LAWSON STOTESBURY .- In solving the complex problems of everyday existence, Robert Lawson Stotesbury takes a most practical part. Under the name of the Middlesex Sanitary Laundry he takes one of the heaviest burdens from the shoulders of the house- wives of this vicinity.
Mr. Stotesbury's father, Robert Hall Stotesbury, was born in Water-
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ford, Ireland. He came to America when he was twenty years of age, and was accompanied by his three sisters : Ellen, Mary and Ann, all of whom are now deceased. Their brother survived them until 1919, when he died in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of ninety-two years. Robert Hall Stotesbury married Frances L. Van Cleef, who was born in New Jersey, and is now (1921) a resident of Brooklyn. They had six children, four of whom are now living: Robert Lawson; William; May, who married Peter Elling, and resides in Brooklyn, New York; and Hattie, who married J. H. Byington, and also resides in Brooklyn.
Robert Lawson Stotesbury was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 11, 1882. He received his education in the public and high schools of Brooklyn, and when eighteen years of age took a position as book- keeper in Brooklyn, later filling a similar position in New York City. He was ambitious to branch out for himself in an independent business, and to that end bent all his energies. By industry and economy he laid by enough capital to make a start in 1915, when he came to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and established the Middlesex Sanitary Laundry. Just at this time an up-to-date, well equipped laundry was a crying need in Perth Amboy, the existing industries of this kind being utterly inade- quate to handle the volume of business waiting to be done. Mr. Stotes- bury met this real necessity in a most satisfactory manner, and his success was assured from the beginning. His first place of business was small, and located on King street, but in 1917 he removed to his present commodious quarters, where he has installed every available kind of equipment for the rapid and faultless handling of all kinds of laundry work. His location at No. 5 Gordon street is most desirable for this line of business.
Mr. Stotesbury is a man of public spirit, and interested in every movement for the public welfare. He is a member of the Perth Amboy Board of Trade. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which organization he is district deputy grand master. He spends his leisure time in motoring. Mr. Stotesbury was married in the fall of 1920.
PATRICK JOSEPH ROCKS .- The man of merit and distinction, who by his own efforts has attained a prominent position, and by his personal worth commands a high place, is certainly worthy of biographic honors, and as such a one we present Patrick Joseph Rocks. Especial comment is unnecessary upon his high standing in the community, but the outline of his career cannot fail to be of interest.
Patrick Joseph Rocks was born in Ireland, March 17, 1873, the son of Patrick J. and Mary Ann (Berry) Rocks, both natives of Ireland. His father died in Baltimore, Maryland, at the age of fifty-six years. They were the parents of five children, and Patrick J. (2) is the only surviving member of the entire family.
Patrick J. (2) Rocks attended school in Ireland for a time, but in 1881 was brought by his father to this country, their landing place being New York City. After attending the public schools of Perth
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Amboy, New Jersey, where his father finally settled, at the age of thirteen he began his career in the business world by carrying water in the coal docks. In 1893 he entered the local fire department and drove one of the department's teams for two years, and for the past fifteen years has been engaged in his present business.
In politics he has always been a staunch Democrat, taking an active interest in the affairs of the local organization. He affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, Im- proved Order of Red Men, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He is also president of the New Jersey Third Congressional District of the Exempt Fire Department. In religion he is a Roman Catholic.
On July 12, 1912, Mr. Rocks was united in marriage with Annie A. Hill, daughter of Charles and Louise Hill. They are the parents of one child, Dorothy, born June 20, 1913.
GEORGE A. SCHENCK .- A conspicuous figure in the business life of New Market, New Jersey, is George A. Schenck, who has carried on a successful ice business here since 1895. With but little else in the way of capital save a clear head, stout heart and a strong body, and these reinforced by hard work and a clear vision, he has attained to his present position as the reward of his efforts.
George A. Schenck was born December 19, 1864, at Centerville, New Jersey, the son of John H., who was a painter by trade, and his wife, Rebecca (Skilman) Schenck. After obtaining his education in the schools of his native place he came to New Market, and in 1895 established himself in the ice business. The venture proved successful, the business consistently increasing until it has reached its present large proportions. Mr. Schenck is eminently respected for the unimpeach- able integrity of his dealings, and is a leader in movements which have for their end the advancement of civic conditions.
In politics Mr. Schenck is independent, not having identified himself with any political party, preferring to remain free from all partisan influences in the exercise of his own judgment on public issues. He has long been a prominent member of the Baptist church of New Market, and affiliates with the Junior Order United American Mechanics. He also holds membership in the Owls Club.
On January 18, 1895, at Somerville, New Jersey, George A. Schenck was united in marriage with Lillian R. Soper, a native of South Plain- field, New Jersey, her birth having occurred there, August 4, 1878. To Mr. and Mrs. Schenck have been born three children : Clifford Earl, born November 8, 1899; Doris, born February 1I, 1904; Marjorie, born November 18, 1914. During the World War, April 23, 1917, Clifford Earl Schenck enlisted in the United States navy, and was located for a time at the Mare Island navy yard, California. He served on a United States-French mine sweeper, also on the "President Grant," crossing the ocean fourteen times, carrying soldiers to and from the United States.
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JACOB DALLENBECK .- A stranger in a strange land, unused to the customs of his adopted country and with scant knowledge of its language, Jacob Dallenbeck was heavily handicapped when he left his native land to make a new home in the United States, yet, with the quiet perseverance and determination for which his countrymen are noted, he has made good and today is one of the recognized business men of the community where he lives.
Jacob Dallenbeck was born in Switzerland, June 10, 1866, the son of Ulrich and Ferana (Bernhard) Dallenbeck. They lived on a farm which the father tilled, and the boy learned farming as he grew up, attending the common school until, when of suitable age, he entered the army, serving for ten years, though that is not the full length of service required of each man in Switzerland.
For the past seventeen years Mr. Dallenbeck has been a farmer in the Milltown section of Middlesex county, New Jersey, and during part of the time has been engaged in the sand business which he now operates and has owned for the last four years. Mr. Dallenbeck and his family are members of the Protestant church of that town. He is not allied with either of the leading political parties, preferring to be liberal in his views and uninfluenced in his choice.
While in France, Jacob Dallenbeck was married, May 30, 1897, to Alice Tometo, born April 8, 1869. She was the daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Spcher) Tometo, both natives of Switzerland. Of this mar- riage six children were born: Fred, Alice, Walter, Claria, Jacob, and Alma. The family home is on Riva avenue, in Milltown.
HOWARD CHARLES ANDERSEN is a native of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, the son of Frederick Bernhard and Elizabeth (Peterson) Andersen. Frederick B. Andersen, born in Norway in 1860, came to Perth Amboy a boy of sixteen and has ever since been a resident of the city, a carpenter and building contractor. He married, in Perth Amboy, Elizabeth Peterson, who died in 1900. They were the parents of eight children, all born in Perth Amboy: Anna, who married M. Stricker of Woodbridge, New Jersey; Edward, a railroad contractor of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada ; Louise, married D. Wynans, of Matawan, New Jersey; Dora, married Henry Anderson of Woodbridge, New Jersey ; Henry, a machinist of Newark, New Jersey ; Howard Charles, of further mention ; William, a confectioner of Newark, New Jersey ; and Edna, who resides at Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Howard Charles Andersen was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, November 3. 1892, and has always made that city his home. He was educated in the public schools, finishing with grammar school at the age of fourteen. When fifteen years of age he began his connection with the automobile business as a machinist and became so proficient and capable that on April 19, 1920, he was appointed manager of the Robert Treat Garage. Later he entered the employ of the Castle's Ice Cream Company, Inc., of Perth Amboy.
In 1914 Mr. Andersen enlisted in the 12th Company, Canadian
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Mounted Rifles. Later he was transferred to the American Expedition- ary Forces and he became sergeant in the Air Service. He is a member of the Danish Lutheran church ; in politics he is a Republican.
Mr. Andersen married, June 30, 1920, Blanche Riveley, born in Tot- tenville, Staten Island, New York, daughter of Louis and Martha Anna Riveley.
JOSEPH WINIGER .- For nearly a quarter of a century, Joseph Winiger has conducted a livery business in Metuchen, New Jersey, a community in which his nearly sixty years have been spent, his father, John Winiger, having been a small farmer of Metuchen.
Joseph Winiger was born in Metuchen, New Jersey, November 23, 1862, and there attended public schools. Twelve years of his life prior to 1898 were spent in the employ of the Lehigh Valley railroad and the Public Service Corporation, he establishing a livery business in Metuchen in 1898. That business has since been his sole activity, and although the coming of the automobile has changed its character somewhat, he is still its successful owner and manager. He is an Independent in politics, and a member of the Reformed church of Metuchen.
Mr. Winiger married, December 22, 1885, Elizabeth Brackett, born June 2, 1865, daughter of Henry and Maria Brackett, of Brockton, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Winiger are the parents of six children : Louisa, born May 7, 1887; Joseph, born September 27, 1888, married Harriet Ackley ; Nettie, born January 11, 1891, married W. Edwards, now deceased ; Herbert, born December 19, 1892, died January 13, 1919, married Jessie --- -, and left a son, Herbert ; Julia, born December 13, 1894; Lloyd, born December 11, 1897.
MATHIAS TEN EYCK .- All his life a farmer of Raritan township, Middlesex county, New Jersey, Mr. Ten Eyck has at the present time the largest farm in the township, and is the largest landowner in the Metuchen district. He is a son of John V. and Mary J. (Honeymon) Ten Eyck, his father also a farmer and landowner. Mr. Ten Eyck is a member of Oak Tree Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Republican.
Mr. Ten Eyck married, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1889, Ida Ben- nett, daughter of George W. and Mary E. (Smith) Bennett. The Smiths come from an old family of Galveston, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Ten Eyck are the parents of two sons : Harry H. ; and Edward M., who married, in Rockaway, New Jersey, Lillian B. Yetter, of Rockaway.
JOHN PENNY, a long time farmer of Middlesex county, New Jersey, now deceased, was born in Somerset county, New Jersey, Decem- ber 12, 1830, died at his farm in the town of Rahway, Middlesex county, May 15, 1913, son of Ezra and Nettie Ann (Covert) Penny, his father a farmer of Somerset county.
John Penny was educated in the public schools, and early in life became a practical farmer, an occupation he followed very successfully
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all his life. He became the owner of a good farm in Rahway, upon which he was living at the time of his death. That farm, bought in 1871, is yet the home of Mrs. John Penny, his widow, and its present owner. In politics Mr. Penny was a Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the Rahway Methodist Episcopal Church. He was an honorable, hard-working man, whose years, eighty-three, were well spent.
John Penny married, December 8, 1856, Catherine Davis, born Feb- ruary 27, 1840, daughter of William G. and Sarah (Van Ness) Davis. Mrs. Davis survives her husband and continues her residence at the old farm, which has been her home for half a century (1871-1921). Mr. and Mrs. Penny were the parents of a large family: I. Ezra, born November 1, 1858, died November 8, 1913. 2. Silas, born February 15, 1860, married Rose Fox, and has two children : Howard, born December 25, 1898, and Clarence, born April 11, 1911. 3. Mary Ella, born August 2, 1863, died March 7, 1881. 4. Anna Elizabeth, born October 21, 1871, married Carl Hanson, and has six children: Clinton, John, Carl, Kate, Hance, and Anna. 5. John B., born September 27, 1875, married Hattie Dayton.
OTTO WILLIAM LINDBERG .- One of the most prominent and influential citizens of the town of South River, New Jersey, is Otto Wil- liam Lindberg, who since taking up his residence in this community, has interested himself in all that makes for the welfare and advancement of South River.
Otto William Lindberg was born in Sweden, July 29, 1868, the son of John and Anna (Swanson) Lindberg. John Lindberg was a sea captain for many years and owned several vessels. The boy Otto was brought by his parents to this country in 1880, and upon landing in Boston remained there for several years, where he attended the local public schools, after which he served an apprenticeship to the copper- smith's trade. He is now engaged in filling large plumbing contracts for the government.
Mr. Lindberg is the oldest member of the Board of Public Works of the borough of South River, and is vice-president and manager of a newly formed corporation, The Deerland Company, Northwest Florida. He affiliates with the Masons, having attained to the thirty-second degree, and also fraternizes with the Improved Order of Red Men and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge. In religion he is an Episcopalian and attends the church of that denomination in this community.
On June 7, 1896, Mr. Lindberg was united in marriage with Margaret Mary Wright, daughter of the late Silas and Emma (Britton) Wright, of New Brunswick. New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Lindberg are the par- ents of one child, Margaret Emma, born March 28, 1910. Mrs. Lindberg has always taken an active part in the affairs of South River, being president of the Woman's Club, and member of the Chamber of Com- merce of this place. She is past matron of Ruth Chapter, No. 12, Order of the Eastern Star of the State of New Jersey. That she is certainly
Otto to Lundberg
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fulfilling her position as helpmate to her husband is proven by the fact that she has met with great success in her management of the Wash- ington Hotel, which her husband owns but has been unable to care for owing to his extensive contracting business.
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PAUL CHESTER KEMENY, numbered among the promising young attorneys of Perth Amboy, is a man who is making a name for himself in the public life of this community, and who has already won the regard of his brethren of the profession, who accord him full recog- nition.
Mr. Kemeny was born in Nagy Léta, Hungary, July 10, 1897, the son of Louis and Vilma Kemeny. Louis Kemeny was born in Hungary, and came to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in 1900, where he has since been engaged in the jewelry business ; he is mentioned elsewhere in this work. The boy, Paul Chester, was brought by his parents to this country when he was very small, and upon settling in Perth Amboy attended the public schools of that place, graduating from the Perth Amboy High School in 1914. He then entered Rutgers College, matriculating with the class of 1918, and having in the meantime determined to adopt the law as a profession he entered the New Jersey Law School and won the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1920. Mr. Kemeny served his clerkship and studied law in the office of his brother, George Kemeny, and when the latter sailed for France with the American Expeditionary Forces, Paul C. completed his clerkship in the law office of Senator Thomas Brown. Throughout his school and college courses he had proved himself an in- telligent and painstaking student, and at the close came to the opening of his career fully equipped both with natural gifts and a training that was the result of long and conscientious effort. Immediately after gradu- ating from the New Jersey Law School he passed his bar examinations and came to New Brunswick, where he established himself in the practice of his chosen profession. He opened an office at No. 101 Albany street, and this has been his headquarters ever since. During the World War he enlisted in the United States army, but was unassigned, and was honorably discharged, December 7, 1918. He affiliates with the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 784. Mr. Kemeny is unmarried.
HARRY LYON WOLFF .- The significance to the public of every form of useful activity is a matter of profound interest, but when a man of force and initiative definitely and directly bends his energies toward the upbuilding of the community in which he lives, the people owe him a large measure of respect. Harry Lyon Wolff, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, although still a young man, has by his own efforts placed himself among the foremost men of the city.
Mr. Wolff's family comes from the famous old Russian city of Riga, where he himself was born, August 15, 1882. His father, William Wolff, born in Russia, came to this country while a young man, bringing his wife and young children with him. He went immediately to New
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Brunswick, New Jersey, where he established a home for his little family, and after patient application and untiring industry achieved gratifying success as a wholesale butcher. His wife, Fannie (Schuss) Wolff, was also born in Russia. She died in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in Septem- ber, 1917, at the age of sixty-five years. Mr. Wolff died in 1921. They were the parents of six children, all of whom are now living in Middlesex county, New Jersey : Lena, wife of J. H. Friedman, residing in New Brunswick; Rose, wife of Samuel Mandel; Harry Lyon, of whom ex- tended mention follows ; Ada, wife of Harry Brower : Anna, wife of Max Gibson : and Rae, wife of Samuel Tucker ; all but the eldest being resi- dents of Perth Amboy.
Harry Lyon Wolff was eight years old when he came with his parents to America. He received his education in New Brunswick, New Jersey, mostly under the care of private teachers. He was quick to learn, and at an age when most lads are entering high school he was making a start in the world of business. When only fourteen years old he made his first venture in the marketing business, in New Brunswick, under the firm name of Wolff & Friedman, and two years later the ambitious firm opened a branch market on the corner of State and Center streets, Perth Amboy. At the age of eighteen, the young man made a radical change in his line of business, entering a field of effort that appealed not only to the prac- tical but to the idealistic side of his nature. The city was enjoying a period of great prosperity and rapid growth, and residences, business locations, and all kinds of real estate were in great demand. Mr. Wolff entered this field and found broad scope for his energies. At twenty-one years of age he was the largest operator in real estate in the city. In 1906 he went to New York City, where he engaged in the same line of business, remaining in that city for ten years. He then returned to Perth Amboy and formed the Maple Realty Company, in which he is now president, dealing in real estate investments, and in many cases handling the construction operations on real estate in which they are interested. Mr. Wolff, in association with Max Gibian, built the Perth Amboy Garage, but his most important interest is Aversel Park, of which he is the builder. There $500,000 has been expended, and men who are con- sidered authorities in real estate say that a population of ten thousand people may confidently be expected to gather there within the next decade.
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