USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume II > Part 24
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Jersey, and five counties in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, having given over the Chevrolet agency, Mr. Applegate again entered the selling game, although this time in the new and broader field. He has made a very marked success, and is considered one of the foremost men in automobile distribution in the State today. In the year 1920, he sold three hundred and eighty-four cars.
Through the exacting nature of his business Mr. Applegate is deterred from taking any active part in public life, but politically he supports the Re- publican party. Fraternally he holds the thirty- second degree in the Masonic order, and is a mem- ber of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and Kismet Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of Mystic Shrine of Brooklyn. He is a member of the New Jersey State Automobile Dealers' Association; of the International Automobile League; and of the Philadelphia Motor Speedway Association. He at- tends the First Baptist Church of Long Branch.
Mr. Applegate married Iva M. Thomas, of Brook- lyn, New York, and they are the parents of two children, Charles Otto and Ethel May.
CYRUS BALDWIN. HONCE-Among the lead- ing real estate agents of Belmar, New Jersey, where he has been established in business since 1900, is Cyrus Baldwin Honce. Mr. Honce takes a keen and active interest in the community which he has served in one official capacity or another for these many years.
David D. Honce, grandfather of Cyrus Baldwin Honce, came from a historic family, prominent in public affairs at the time the country was strug- gling for its independence. His ancestors came to the New World in the early days, settling on Long Island in the sixteenth century. David D. Honce was born in what was then Freehold, now Marlboro township, New Jersey, in 1808, and when he entered upon his business career it was to follow the same pursuit to which he had been reared, that of farm- ing, and he was very successful in his undertakings. He married Jane Ann Van Cleaf, and to them was born a son, John D., of further mention.
John D. Honce, son of David D. and Jane Ann (Van Cleaf) Honce, was born in the old home- stead, and attended the schools of Marlboro town- ship, after which he entered the Freehold Institute, where he completed his education, later engaging in teaching in that school for two years. When a young man he assisted his father on the latter's farm, and after his graduation he worked on the farm through the summer months, while in the winter season he taught in the district schools for many years. He continuously resided upon the farm where he was born until his death, which occurred in 1915, and carefully conducted its im- provements. His fellow-townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, frequently called him to public office, and he was regarded as one of the leaders of the Democratic party in Monmouth county for many years. For forty years he was collector of taxes for Marlboro township, was superintendent
of schools in his township for many years, and for many years was clerk of the Board of Freeholders. Four times he was chosen to represent his district in the Legislature, his elections occurring in 1879, 1880, 1892 and 1893. He was a most active and earnest member of the House, and during the last two terms he rendered particularly valuable service as chairman of the committee on education. He gave careful consideration to every question which came up for settlement, and even his political oppo- nents entertained the highest respect for him by reason of his fidelity to the principles in which he believed. He married, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1867, Kate J. Combs, who died in 1874. They were the parents of two children: Jennie, de- ceased; Cyrus Baldwin, mentioned below.
Cyrus Baldwin Honce was born in Wickatunk, New Jersey, February 22, 1868. He received the preliminary portion of his education in the district school at Pleasant Valley, and then entered the Freehold High School. He continued to remain at home, assisting his father on the farm, until he was twenty-four years of age, when he entered the county clerk's office in Freehold, which position he held for six years, or until 1900, when he went to Belmar, New Jersey, where he has continued to re- side up to the present time. He immediately estab- lished himself in the real estate and insurance busi- ness, and the venture proved highly successful. In 1907 he formed a partnership with his brother-in- law, Frank C. DuBois, under the firm name of Honce & DuBois, and in 1921 the firm was aug- mented by Stanley Dodd. The concern, which is the oldest of its kind in the city, deals in fire insur- ance, liability insurance, and real estate, and is lo- cated at No. 706 Tenth avenue, Belmar.
Like his father, Cyrus Baldwin Honce has al- ways been active in civic and political affairs. He was made postmaster in 1914, but resigned, July 1, 1921, having served more than seven years. A staunch Democrat, he has always served his party faithfully and has been councilman and county freeholder. He is a member of the Belmar Pres- byterian Church, and is affiliated with Ocean Lodge, No. 89, Free and Accepted Masons, of Belmar; Knights of Pythias; and the Improved Order of Red Men. He is a member of the Sinking Fund Commission of Belmar, the New Jersey Association of Underwriters, Monmouth County Real Estate Association, Monmouth County Council of Boy Scouts, is a trustee of the local Young Men's Chris- tian Association, and a member of the County Cham- ber of Commerce.
In Freehold, New Jersey, December 26, 1900, Mr. Honce was united in marriage with Jennie C. Du- Bois. They have no children.
FRANK C. DU BOIS-The name Du Bois was used as an ancient family surname both in Artois and Normandy before William, the first king of England, left his native shore, and it has remained up to the present time. It is on record in Paris that Du Bois is one of the oldest families of nobility
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leynus B. Hance
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BIOGRAPHICAL
of the bailiwick of Contention, in Normandy, and the record describes Geoffroi Du Bois as a knight under William the Conqueror, who accompanied the latter in the conquest of England in 1066. The date of the birth of Christian Du Bois is not known. His son, Louis Du Bois, was born in Wicres, near Lille, in Northern France, October 27, 1626. He fled to Holland to escape persecution, and was married to Catherine Blanshan, October 10, 1655. There were born to them two sons whom they named Isaac and Jacob, and after their births these sons emigrated to America with their parents in 1660, locating first in Helley, near Kingston, New York, whence they later removed to New Paltz, New York. Louis Du Bois had eight other children born to him after he came to America, increasing the number to ten, and from some of his sons descended the Du Boises of Monmouth county, New Jersey. This is one of the oldest families in America, and can boast of the production of some of the foremost men in all of the leading professions on either side of the Atlantic.
Peter C. Du Bois, father of Frank C. Du Bois, and direct descendant of Louis Du Bois, above men- tioned, was born in Freehold township, New Jersey, and died in 1875 at the age of forty-one years. He carried on successful farming operations through- out his entire lifetime. Mr. Du Bois married Anna Virginia Carson, who died in 1909, at the age of sixty-nine years. They were the parents of five children: Henry, deceased; Mary E .; Frank €., of further mention; Jennie C., wife of Cyrus B. Honce; and Charles G.
Frank C. Du Bois was born in Marlboro town- ship, New Jersey, June 7, 1864, the son of Peter C. and Anna Virginia (Carson) Du Bois. He received his education in the public schools of his native place, and at the Freehold High School. After graduating from the latter institution, he secured a position in the office of the John H. Ellis Lumber Company, and was there for seven years, when he resigned, and later returned to Freehold, where he founded the Pneumatic Wheel Company, manufac- turing wire wheels. Three years later he removed to Red Bank, where he became identified with the Red Bank Wagon Company, and remained there until 1907, when he went to Belmar, New Jersey, and formed a partnership with Cyrus Baldwin Honce, organizing the real estate and insurance company of Honce & Du Bois, in which he has continued up to the present time. Mr. Du Bois is a Democrat in politics, but is in no sense of the word an office seeker. He is a member of the Mon- mouth County Real Estate Association, and the New Jersey State Association of Underwriters. He is also affiliated with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
On October 25, 1893, in Freehold, New Jersey, Frank C. Du Bois was united in marriage with Sarah H. Smock. Mr. and Mrs. DuBois are the parents of three children, two of whom are de- ceased; Frank C., and Harriet G .; and Mary Eliza- abeth, born January 81, 1912. They reside at No.
712 Ninth avenue, Belmar. Mr. Du Bois is a pro- gressive, energetic and thoroughly alive business man, and enjoys the respect of his fellow-citizens of Belmar.
STANLEY DODD-Stanley Dodd, a recent mem- ber of the firm of Honce & Du Bois, having been admitted to this company in January, 1921, is a son of Peter Franklin and Annie R. (Haight) Dodd, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
He was born in West Grove, New Jersey, Janu- ary 30, 1891. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Neptune township, and after graduating from the grammar schools he entered Bean's Business College, finishing with graduation with the class of 1908. Then the business of life commenced for the young man, and he went to Bel- mar, New Jersey, where he secured a position with Neil H. Miller, who was engaged in the real estate business, and remained here for two years, going thence to the Como Electrical Company, where he spent one year as a clerk. Mr. Dodd then entered the employ of the firm of Honce & DuBois, but six years later he again resigned and went to Newark, New Jersey, where he became assistant secretary of the employment office of the Public Service Cor- poration. In 1918 Mr. Dodd went to Belmar, and re-entered the employ of Honce & Du Bois, as an assistant in the office, and in January, 1921, he was made one of the firm. His varied training has well fitted him for the position which he now holds, and his present success gives promise of even greater advancement in the future. Mr. Dodd is a Repub- lican in politics. He is affiliated with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and in re- ligion is a Methodist, attending the First Church of this denomination in Asbury Park.
On April 24, 1913, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Stanley Dodd was united in marriage with Mar- guerite H. Van Wickle, daughter of Charles Morgan and Sarah (Danser) Van Wickle, the latter pro- prietor of the Hotel Westminster, Asbury Park. Mr. and Mrs. Dodd are the parents of two children: Elizabeth Van Wickle, born March 3, 1914; Thomas Morgan, born April 27, 1921. The family home is at No. 615 Sixth avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey.
JOSEPH HARKER BRYAN, M. D .- Any his- tory of the medical profession of Asbury Park, New Jersey, would be vastly less interesting without the name of Dr. J. H. Bryan, who since 1892 has been engaged in the active practice of his profession in that community, is identified with its religious and social life, and is respected and valued as a con- scientious, public-spirited citizen, no less than as a learned and devoted physician.
Joseph Harker Bryan was born at Newark, New Jersey, December 15, 1865, son of Rev. Dr. James Rogers and Lydia (Harker) Bryan. Rev. Dr. Bryan was a native of Pemberton, New Jersey, and for fifty-five years prior to his retirement was an emi- nent minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. His last charge was at Somerville, New Jersey,
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after which, in 1903, he removed to Plainfield, same State, where he passed away in 1906, at the age of seventy-six years, Plainfield having been one of his former charges. Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Bryan were the parents of five children: Louise, who married Russell R. Dorr, of Rutland, Vermont; William H., a banker; Agnes, who married William Chandler; George W .; and Joseph Harker, of further men- tion.
Dr. Joseph Harker Bryan spent his boyhood in New York City and various towns in the states of New York and New Jersey, which places his father was assigned by the Conference. Reared in a home of refinement in which religion and education pre- dominated, he unconsciously absorbed the spirit of that home and readily gained admission to the Haverstraw Mountain Institute, where he prepared for college. He became a student in the University of New York, whence he was graduated with the class of 1886, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. From childhood he took an interest in vocal music, and cultivated a naturally musical voice. At college he was leader of the Glee Club and acted in a like capacity for the clubs of Stevens Institute and the New York Homeopathic Medical College. After graduation from the University of New York, he acted as secretary for the Metropolitan Conserva- tory of Music, but having in the meantime decided to make the practice of medicine his life work, he matriculated at New York Homoeopathic Medical College, and after three years was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Until 1892 he practiced his profession in New York City, but in the latter year he purchased the property and prac- tice of Dr. Bruce S. Keator, who wished to retire from the profession, and in that year Dr. Bryan entered upon a profitable practice, which has stead- ily increased from year to year. Although engross- ed in his profession, Dr. Bryan takes an active in- terest in civic affairs, in music, church and politics. During his term as president of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, the American City Bureau idea was introduced and the membership of the Chamber increased from 160 to 500, and a sub- stantial membership fee charged.
For twenty-eight years he has been a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Asbury Park and of its board of trustees, is chairman of the music committee and director of its choir; also, for ten years, was a member and director of the Shubert Male Glee Club. He is a member of the Asbury Park Medical Society, one of its founders and first president; member of the New York Homeopathic County Society; president of the New Jersey State Homeopathic Medical Society, 1917; member of the American Institute of Homeopathy; and Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Upsilon fraternities. In politics he is a Republican; since 1917 has been a member of the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners; member Camp Fire Club of America (New York City), consisting of noted men, explorers, hunters and anglers, and is a director of
the Asbury Park Realty Corporation, and inter- ested in forest and game preservation.
On October 25, 1904, at Morristown, New Jersey, Dr. Bryan was united in marriage with Irene Dob- bins, daughter of Edward L. and Anna (Alcott) Dobbins, the former, vice-president of the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company of Newark. Dr. and Mrs. Bryan are the parents of three children: James Edward, born April 6, 1906; Katharine Louise, born January 12, 1908; Joseph H., Jr., born October 27, 1911. The family home is at No. 221 Asbury avenue, Asbury Park.
JUDGE HENRY ELIJAH ACKERSON, JR., who has attained a position of prominence in the New Jersey bar, and is widely known in the public life of Monmouth county and the State of New Jer- sey, is descended from early Dutch settlers of this State, and his great-great-grandfather was a cap- tain in the Revolutionary War. Judge Ackerson is a son of Cornelius and Anna B. (Stilwell) Acker- son.
Judge Ackerson was born in Holmdel township, New Jersey, October 15, 1880, and first attended school there. In 1890 the family removed to Key- port, and here his education was continued. He was graduated from the Keyport High School in the class of 1898, with high honors, and then for a time was employed as a clerk in the People's National Bank of Keyport. Thereafter entering the Pack- ard Commercial School, of New York City, and be- ing graduated from that institution, he became secretary to the manager of a New York brokerage firm. During his period of employment in this con- nection, Judge Ackerson continued his studies at the Senftner Preparatory School, in New York City, attending the night classes in preparation for enter- ing upon the study of law. Passing the New York Regents' examination in 1900, he matriculated at the New York Law School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1902, leading this large class with an exceptionally high average in his ex- aminations. This record won him an appointment as professor of pleading and practice at this law school, which chair he ably filled for two years, meanwhile identifying himself with the firm of Crouse & Perkins, a prominent Jersey City law firm. He was admitted to the New Jersey bar as an attor- ney-at-law, March 7, 1904, was made counsellor-at- law and master in chancery, November 28, 1909, and in May, 1917, was made special master in chancery.
On May 1, 1906, Judge Ackerson severed his re- lations with the firm of Crouse & Perkins to estab- lish himself in the practice of law in Keyport, be- coming counsel for the borough of Keyport, Janu- ary 1, 1908, the township of Holmdel, January 1, 1909, and the township of Madison, January 1, 1920. Throughout his career Judge Ackerson's public ser- vices have been interwoven with his private prac- tice, and the last two offices he still holds. On Feb- ruary 11, 1914, he was appointed counsel to the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the county of Mon- mouth, which office he held until January 1, 1921.
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Jauphot Bryan
Reb. Aaron E. Ballard. D. D.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
In 1914 he was elected to the State Senate from Monmouth county, and in 1915 formed a partner- ship with his brother, Cecil Stilwell Ackerson, con- tinuing the general practice of law in Keyport in association with him. In 1917 he was re-elected senator, but resigned from this position in 1919 to accept his appointment as judge of the Court of Errors and Appeals, at the hands of Governor Wal- ter E. Edge.
In various other interests of the town and county Judge Ackerson is active. He is a director and at- torney for the People's National Bank of Keyport, vice-president of the Monmouth County Organiza- tion for Social Service, treasurer of the Borough Building and Loan Association of Keyport and Matawan, and is a member and elder of the Dutch Reformed church. Fraternally Judge Ackerson is a member of the Royal Arcanum, being past regent of that order, and has also served as supervising deputy grand regent for that order in Monmouth county.
On April 5, 1910, Judge Ackerson married Edith Dart Calef, of Middletown, Connecticut, daughter of Dr. J. Francis and Laura D. (Hutchinson) Calef. They are the parents of two children: Cornelius, · born December 2, 1912, at Middletown, Connecticut; and Calef Dart, born in Middletown, Connecticut, May 8, 1916, died September 14, 1920.
REV. AARON EDWARD BALLARD, D. D .- With the passing of Dr. Ballard, president of the Ocean Grove Association for many years, a career of usefulness as a minister closed. Early in life he set his mark high, and, building upon character as his foundation, he saw his ideals realized and his hopes end in fruition. Public-spirited and progres- sive, he loved his work, and no movement looking for better things for the association, was without his generous support; his just and upright life will long endure.
Aaron Edward Ballard was born at Bloomfield, New Jersey, December 25, 1820, the son of Jeremiah and Hetty (Brown) Ballard. Owing to the death of his father, the boy Aaron E., was obliged to leave school early in life and go to work. His first em- ployment was in a tobacco factory in Newark, New Jersey. Soon after, desiring to enter the ministry, he devoted his free time to study, and in 1844 was licensed to preach in the New Jersey Methodist Con- ference. During the first twelve years after his ordination he worked as an evangelist preacher, traveling in his native State in all kinds of weather, with brief terms of pastoral duty as head of vari- ous small churches, principally in isolated regions. In middle life he accepted a call to a church in Long Branch, New Jersey, which was then one of the liveliest of American summer resorts. In 1892 Dr. Ballard retired from active pastoral work, being then presiding elder of his church, and presi- dent of the Methodist Evangelical Commission. Six years later he was elected president of the Ocean Grove Camp-meeting Association and for his years, he was then seventy-eight, entered upon the ad-
ministration of his duties with an enthusiasm which never was relaxed until his death. Dr. Ballard preached from a pulpit occasionally, up to within two years of his death. For nearly a century he watched and advised in the growth and develop- ment of his big church, the biggest in the world, a church of thirty thousand members, and "whatever significance the church may or may not have, it is a wonderful living tribute to the name and presi- dency of the Rev. A. E. Ballard, D. D."
Dr. Ballard was a Republican in politics, and dur- ing his lifetime was always in the fore about election time, protecting the Camp-meeting Association char- ter. The business men would appear to agitate borough government shouting, "taxation without representation," but while Dr. Ballard was in charge of the fight for his association, he always won. In 1908 his opponents considered he was weakening, when he permitted a skating rink to open in Ocean Grove and they feared that he had about capitulated, when two years later he sanctioned the use of the auditorium for moving pictures and concerts. But when the next borough bill came up he was as full of fight as ever, and explained that roller-skating was healthful, and moving pictures, educational. He was also State temperance agent, and president of the Evangelical church of New Jersey in the effort to obtain the local option of the temperance law for the State, which after thirteen years of labor was passed by the Legislature. Dr. Ballard was affiliated iwth the Masonic order, and an active bank director.
In 1849, at Morristown, New Jersey, Rev. Aaron Edward Ballard married (first) Mary Emily Young; she died at Ocean Grove, August 22, 1866. To them were born: Carrie, now deceased, formerly the wife of Arthur H. Deekens; Edward Monroe, died in in- fancy; George Christian, died in infancy; Frank, deceased. Dr. Ballard married (second), in 1887, Annie Miller, and to them was born one child, Anna Stokes, who married Edward Errickson, a contrac- tor of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Mrs. Errickson had two children by a former marriage, Jean Bal- lard Lewis, and Thomas Lloyd Lewis.
Perhaps the feeling of respect and esteem in which Dr. Ballard was held by the people with whom he had associated so long, is best expressed in the minutes of the Ocean Grove Camp-meeting Association, which is spread upon its record, having been passed by a unanimous vote at a special meet- ing, December 12, 1919, his death having occurred November 26, 1919:
We are grateful to Almighty God, who gave to our associate Dr. Aaron Edward Ballard such a long life, viz. ninety-eight years, eleven months. We thank God for his great natural endowments, and that early in life he gave himself to our Lord and Savior and this cause, thus multiplying life's unusual pleasure in larger measure.
We record with unusual pleasure his relation to Ocean Grove. He was connected with its inception and early development, and was the one man who survived all his associates in its fellowship and work. He was vice-president from 1872-1908, and at
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MONMOUTH COUNTY
eighty-seven years of age, he was elected president and rendered distinguished service until he died.
We especially appreciate his labors-connection with the continuance of the benefits of our charter, recognizing his work in the Legislature and in the Grove to the end. He was a valiant advocate of temperance through many years, and adhered to our plan of strict Sabbath observance.
We rejoice in the special Providence of Almighty God exercised over his whole life, and are glad that he cultivated the habit and practice of realizing the presence of God with him continually.
We are very thankful that he died at home, with his wife and friends about him, in the peace of God and with the assurance through faith in the grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord, of a blessed immortality. Dr. Ballard was accustomed to say, "Death will only be to me an incident in my career." His last recog- nized Christian utterance was "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever, forever, forever. Amen."
We all miss his personal courage, the scope and clearness of his vision; his devotion to the inter- ests of the association, and his striking personality, and we pray God that some day we may meet him in Heaven and dwell with him and the Perfect for evermore.
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