USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume II > Part 34
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 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54
In politics, Mr. Conover is a Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the Holmdel Dutch Re- formed Church. He has served his township as road supervisor, and is a man highly esteemed in his community.
Mr. Conover married, at Colts Neck, November 23, 1898, Gertrude Dubois, also of ancient Dutch ancestry, daughter of William and Margaret Dubois, her father a farmer of Atlantic township. Mr. and Mrs. Conover are the parents of a daughter, Eleanor H., born at the homestead, November 16, 1899; she married William E. Thompson, of West Freehold, New Jersey, and they have two daughters and a son, as follows: Dorothy, Garrett Rezeau, and Jeanette R., born September 19, 1921.
HERMAN GETSINGER-Over three score years and ten of life, the greater part of which has been spent in Spring Lake, New Jersey, is the rec- ord of Mr. Getsinger, who, notwithstanding his age, is still a most active and useful member of society, as well as being reckoned among the leaders in business life in that community. It is not, how- ever, with his grocery business alone, that Herman Getsinger has been actively identified, but to every- thing essential to the progress and well-being of Spring Lake he gives most generously in both a financial and personal way.
Frank Getsinger, son of Frank Getsinger, who was born in Neider Hausen, and for thirty years was burgomaster of that place, and father of Her- man Getsinger, was born in Baden, Germany, and there attended school. When a young man he came to this country and settled in New York City, where for many years he was engaged in the shoe business. He later moved to Trenton, where he resided for some time, still later removing to Allentown, New Jersey, where his death occurred. He was a member of the Presbyterian faith and is buried in the Allentown, New Jersey, Presbyterian Cemetery. He married Margaret Matthews, and to them were born: Frank, a Civil War veteran and a resident of Spring Lake; Herman, of further men- tion; William, deceased; Margaret, deceased; Henry, deceased; Mary, wife of Austin Curtis, of Spring Lake; Elizabeth, wife of Asher Borden, of Imlays- town, New Jersey; Henry.
Herman Getsinger was born in Trenton, New Jersey, November 14, 1849. When a small child he was brought by his parents to Allentown, New Jer-
sey, and it was here that he received his educa- tion. Upon completing his studies he served an apprenticeship to the mason's trade in Trenton and then went to Spring Lake, where he established him- self in the masonry business, and thus continued until 1885, when he discontinued this particular line, and entered the grocery business on Jersey avenue. The enterprise proved successful, and in 1887 Mr. Getsinger removed to his present loca- tion, No. 1818 Third avenue, where he now, 1921, employs an active force of men and has the largest and finest equipped grocery store in this section of the county.
In politics Mr. Getsinger is a Democrat. He was one of the first councilmen of Spring Lake, and for twenty-five years has been a member of the local Board of Education, having served as president of this body for many years. He affiliates with Wall Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Knights of the Golden Eagle, of which he is a charter member; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Allentown Lodge, of which he has been a member since 1871; and in religion is a Methodist.
At Spring Lake, New Jersey, in 1883, Herman Getsinger was united in marriage with Carrie Lud- low, daughter of Captain Samuel Ludlow, who was one of the pioneers of this place. Mr. and Mrs. Getsinger are the parents of one child, Jessie Ludlow, who married John F. Bowne, vice-president of the First National Bank, of Belleville, and to whom has been born one child, John F., Jr.
JAMES HENRY JOHNSON-As a repre- sentative of one of the oldest families of Mon- mouth county, Mr. Johnson, whose post office ad- dress is Farmingdale, New Jersey, ranks among the first citizens of Howell township. He is prom- inent in the fraternal and church circles of his community and has always been active in the promotion of its best interests.
Ezekiel Johnson, great-grandfather of James Henry Johnson, was the original owner of the farm which is to-day the abode of the latter, having purchased it of Joel Borden. The estate then comprised one hundred and fifty acres, but in the course of years has been reduced to half that number.
James Johnson, son of Ezekiel Johnson, was born in Farmingdale, Howell township, New Jer- sey, and spent his life as a farmer on the home- stead. He was a Whig, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was twice mar- ried, his second wife being Rachel Keeper, origin- ally from Pennsylvania. By his first marriage he was the father of four children, and he and his second wife were the parents of eight. Mrs. Rach- el (Keeper) Johnson died at Howell, near Farm- ingdale.
Ezekiel (2) Johnson, son of James and Rachel (Keeper) Johnson, was a farmer, and as a citizen took a prominent part in community affairs. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Repub- lican. He married Harriet Riddle, daughter of
Herman GELsinger
81
BIOGRAPHICAL
David and Hannah Riddle, and his death occurred at the age of fifty-nine. Mrs. Johnson died in Howell township. Mr. Johnson passed away on the homestead where he had always lived.
James Henry Johnson, son of Ezekel (2) and Harriet (Riddle) Johnson, was born April 5, 1839, on the farm which had been the birthplace of three generations of his ancestors. He received his education in local district schools, and as he grew to manhood, became the assistant of his father in the care of the homestead. During one winter he was employed as a clerk by Halsted Wainwright, but with that exception has spent his entire life on the old farm. The estate was orig- inally called the "Johnson marl farm," so named from the fact of its being entirely underlaid with large quantities of marl, a substance which as a fertilizer was once in great demand, but in con- sequence of the prevalence of more modern meth- ods of fertilizing has now lost some of its value. The present farmhouse was built in 1863.
In the sphere of politics, Mr. Johnson adheres to the Democratic party, differing in this respect from his father and grandfather. He has never taken any active part in public affairs, the care of his estate engrossing his entire time. Twenty years ago he became a charter member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, No. 59, of Farming- dale. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which at one time he held the office of trustee.
Mr. Johnson married, December 28, 1869, Mary Shafto, born January 17, 1846, on the home farm, near Hamilton, Wall township, daughter of Robert Kane and Charlotte (Soden) Shafto. The Shafto farm, where the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson took place, has been for three generations in the possession of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of two daughters: 1. Hat- tie, born February 13, 1871, at Farmingdale, How- ell township, New Jersey; married Charles Ravett, and they had two sons: William K., and James H. Mrs. Ravett died February 11, 1904. 2. Clara, born at Farmingdale. There was also another child who died in infancy. After giving the best years of a long life to the development of the agricul- tural interests of Monmouth county and to the advancement of all that made for the true welfare and progress of his community, Mr. Johnson has reaped his merited reward in the high regard and implicit confidence of his neighbors and fellow- citizens.
EDWARD PANNACI-The name we have just written as that of one of the foremost citizens of Sea Bright, will meet with instant recognition, not only from the residents of that place, but also from a majority of the people of Monmouth county. Mr. Pannaci, in addition to being the proprietor of a large hotel, is the owner of a great amount of local real estate.
Edward Pannaci was born July 28, 1853, in South- ern Italy, and is a son of Dominico and Fannie (Tamire) Pannaci. Dominico Pannaci was a grad-
uate of the University of Naples, and became a cele- brated criminal lawyer of the city of Naples, where for a time he was a member of the judiciary. He and his wife were the parents of the following chil- dren: Elizabeth, Louis, Charles, Edward, Eugene, and Gernando. Mrs. Pannaci died in Naples, at the age of thirty-eight years, and the death of her husband occurred in 1866, he being then forty-two years old.
The education of Edward Pannaci was received in Piedmont, Northern Italy, being completed at the Lyceum, and in June, 1875, he came to New York. During four years he was connected with Delmonico, and at the end of that time rented the hotels Endicott and Percival, and also a restaurant at Thirty-third street. This chain of hotels he conducted very successfully until a few years ago, when he became a resident of Sea Bright, where he is the owner of a large hotel and of not less than half the real estate of the community.
Mr. Pannaci married, January 17, 1877, in Brook- lyn, New York, Veronica Von Radzibar, daughter of Baron Von Radzibar and Augusta (Wonke) Von Radzibar, of Pernau, Russia. The Von Radzibar family is identified with the Russian nobility, and has figured prominently throughout the history of the country. Mr. and Mrs. Pannaci became the parents of the following children: 1. Charles Em- manuel, born October 6, 1877, in Brooklyn, New York; educated at Long Branch, New Jersey; grad- uate of Chattle High School of Long Branch; grad- uate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons; practised in Gloversville, New York; during the World War served with the rank of captain in the surgical department of the Walter Reed Hospital in New York, being later transferred to Platts- burgh; married Harriet Judson, daughter of Charles E. Judson, and their children are: Judson, Mary, Anne, Carl Edward. 2. Alfred Dominico, born April 27, 1879, in Brooklyn, New York; engaged in the real estate business in New York. 3. Stella, died at the age of seven. 4. Alma Laura, born in Brooklyn; married Otto Waldemar Yagger, of New York, and their children are: Burnice, Walmar and Veronica. 5. Harry, died at Long Branch. 6. Eugene Frederick, born February 1, 1888, in New York City; now a jeweller there; married Florence Woodley. 7. Hildegarde Veronica, born December 3, 1890, in New York; married Philip Stuart Wal- ton, treasurer of the Red Bank Trust Company.
Mr. Pannaci is a fine type of the foreign-born American citizen. We cannot have too many of such men to assist us in the upbuilding of our great cities and powerful communities.
ALONZO BROWER-Achieving his success wholly through his own efforts, Alonzo Brower, of Freehold, has won his way to a position of promi- nence in the community as a large contractor, and also in the public affairs of the town, and is now enjoying the well earned leisure which more than fifty-five years of ceaseless endeavor have yielded him. He comes of an old New Jersey family, origi-
Mon .- 2-6
82
MONMOUTH COUNTY
nally from Holland, and is a son of Gilbert V. ,and Amelia (Hesketh) Brower. His father, who was a farmer, and was born near Freehold, died when Mr. Brower was five and a half years of age.
Mr. Brower was born on the farm near Free- hold, September 29, 1851, and received a very lim- ited education in the district schools near his home. In his early efforts to gain a start in life he took care of the fires all one winter in a school-house, located on the site of the present gas plant, re- ceiving in return for his labors a two-bladed jack- knife. Leaving school at an early age, he worked on the home farm until fifteen years of age, and at that time began to learn the trade of carpenter with William E. Reed, but remained with him for only one year. The farm work imperatively de- manding his attention, he returned to the farm for a year, then went back to his trade with Lippin- cott & Ellis, serving a further apprenticeship for two years. With this same concern Mr. Brower worked up to the position of foreman, then at the age of twenty-one years, started in business for him- self as a builder and general contractor. For thirty years he was thus actively engaged, building a hun- dred houses in Freehold, besides many in surround- ing towns and country districts.
In 1903 Mr. Brower purchased the lumber yard theretofore owned by Mr. William E. Lloyd, which comprised a retail yard, with mill and building ma- terial of various kinds, and in the ensuing years he built up a very extensive and prosperous busi- ness. In December, 1920, Mr. Brower sold this entire interest to A. A. Brant, and has since been retired from active work. Among the many struc- tures which stand in Freehold as evidence of Mr. Brower's long activity in the building world, may well be mentioned the residences of Dr. Hepburn, S. C. Corvant, J. Enright, H. Sutphin; the Pres- byterian manse; and many others, and he also made additions to the school building, and the New Jersey Central railroad passenger and freight sta- tions, and carried out countless other small pieces of work of this nature.
In various interests of the community Mr. Brower has always kept a keen interest. Politically an In- dependent, he served as a commissioner for a period of four years. Fraternally he holds membership with the Free and Accepted Masons; the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows; the Junior Order of United American Mechanics; the Improved Order of Red Men; and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. For fifteen years he served as a fire- man, but is now exempt. For twenty-four years he has served as secretary, collector and treasurer of the Firemen's Relief Association. He has been a member of the Second Reformed Church of Free- hold for fifty years, and has served the church as both deacon and elder.
Mr. Brower married Isabelle Handley, and they are the parents of three children: Frederick A., de- ceased; Jennie A., now the wife of A. J. C. Stokes, a prominent Freehold attorney; and McLean Forman, a sketch of whose life follows this.
McLEAN FORMAN BROWER-Among the younger men who are carrying executive responsi- bilities in the business world of Freehold, New Jersey, is numbered McLean F. Brower, manager of the Brant lumber yard. Mr. Brower is a son of Alonzo and Isabelle (Handley) Brower, his father's life being reviewed in the preceding sketch.
McLean F. Brower was born in Freehold, New Jersey, February 6, 1884, and received a thor- oughly practical education in the public and high schools of his native town. When he reached an age to choose his field of effort in the world of men and affairs, he entered the drug store of Doryea & Conover, purposing to become a phar- macist. His health proving unequal to the indoor work, Mr. Brower was compelled to relinquish this ambition, and became associated with his father in the lumber business. Upon the sale of the business to Mr. Brant, in 1920, he remained with the new concern, and is now successfully filling the position of manager, standing high in business circles hereabouts.
In the public life of Freehold, Mr. Brower is prominent, being very active in the Republican party, and his name has already been brought forward as a candidate for the assembly. Frater- nally he is widely known, holding the thirty-sec- ond degree in the Masonic order, being also a member of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and being one of the organ- izers of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, of Long Branch. He is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose; of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics; and of the Masonic Club, of Red Bank. He is also a member of the Freehold Golf and Country Club, and finds his favorite relaxation in out-door sports. He is a member of the Second Reformed Church.
Mr. Brower married Anna Thiemann, who was born in New York City, and later resided in Jer- sey City Heights. Mrs. Brower is a daughter of Henry F. and Anna (Bodie) Thiemann.
ERNEST NICHOLAS WOOLSTON-Among the leading business men of Ocean Grove perhaps no name stands out more prominently than that of Ernest Nicholas Woolston, who for many years has been engaged in the real estate business in that community. His interest here in all that concerns the welfare of Ocean Grove is deep and sincere, and wherever substantial aid will further public pro- gress it is freely given.
Ernest Nicholas Woolston was born in Wilming- ton, Delaware, April 6, 1868, the son of Benjamin F. and Rebecca (Skinner) Woolston, the former a Methodist minister, passing away in 1874 at the age of forty-four years, and the latter a native of Glass- boro, New Jersey, and now residing at Ocean Grove. Rev. and Mrs. Woolston were the parents of seven children: Clifford, deceased; Charles, deceased; Frank, who is engaged in the real estate business in New York City; Payton, a rancher of Carr, Colorado; Paul, actuary at Denver, Colorado, rep-
٠٠
The head De Saga
83
BIOGRAPHICAL
.
resenting the different commissions of banking and insurance for most of the western states; Blanche, wife of Fred E. Smith, a druggist in Forest Hills, Long Island; Ernest Nicholas, of further mention.
Ernest N. Woolston was brought by his parents to Ocean Grove when he was quite young, and after attending the Asbury Park High School, he entered Pennington Seminary. He then entered the em- ploy of the Charles Lewis Lumber Company, of Asbury Park, where he remained for one year, after which he became a clerk for E. L. Kent, china and silverware merchant, but resigned from this position at the end of another year and became associated with W. H. Beegle in Ocean Grove. After twelve years he bought out the real estate business of Mr. Beegle and has since conducted it on his own account, handling all lines of insurance. His ability has brought him step by step upward until he attained the business heights on which he now stands, and the prosperity which has come to him is but the merited reward of ably directed effort and excellent executive ability.
In politics, Mr. Woolston is a Republican and has served one term as clerk of Neptune township. He is affiliated with the Masons, being a member of Asbury Park Lodge, No. 142, Free and Accepted Masons; Standard Chapter, No. 35, Royal Arch Masons, of Long Branch; Corson Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templar, of which he is past eminent commander; Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Junior Order of American Mechanics; Sons of the American Revo- lution; and is also a member of the Asbury Park Golf Club, and the E. H. Stokes Fire Company of Ocean Grove. In religion, Mr. Woolston is a Meth- odist, and has been president of the board of trus- tees of St. Paul's Church for many years.
On December 14, 1898, in Ocean Grove, Ernest Nicholas Woolston was united in marriage with Pauline Chew, and they are the parents of two children: Florence Chew, born October 5, 1899, a graduate of Hackettstown Collegiate Institute of Hackettstown, New Jersey, class of 1918, and is now in the Ocean Grove National Bank; Ernest F., born April 6, 1904, a student in Pennington Prepar- atory School, class of 1922. The family home is at No. 81 Main avenue, Ocean Grove.
GEORGE KUEGLER was born in Berlin, Ger- many, on July 7, 1869, and is a son of Robert and Emilia (Tilgner). Kuegler, his father a hotel pro- prietor. Mr. Kuegler lost both his parents while he was quite young, his mother dying when he was three years old, and his father following her two years later.
Mr. Kuegler received his preliminary education in the public schools of Berlin, and after complet- ing his preparatory studies, proceeded to the Uni- versity of Berlin and spent three years in the study of medicine. Being an orphan, and having younger brothers and sisters dependent upon him to a cer- tain extent, Mr. Kuegler found himself in need of funds and so felt obliged, in consequence, to dis-
continue his studies. He therefore left the univer- sity and found a position as a travelling salesman. As a representative of the firm which employed him, Mr. Kuegler went to Russia, where he sold butcher's casings for sausages and other supplies. He gave up this position when a better one was offered on the Hamburg-American Steamship Line, but after six months with the steamship company, he decided to emigrate to the United States.
Mr. Kuegler arrived in this country in 1889 and obtained employment at Hoboken, New Jersey. Six months later he became connected with the firm of Swift & Company at Jersey City. After a short period spent in the service of Swift & Company, Mr. Kuegler established himself in business as a butcher. He disposed of this business a year later and returned to Swift & Company. He remained with the firm for twenty-six years, working upward through various departments at Newark, Perth Am- boy, and Long Branch, until he became a fore- man.
In 1915 one of Mr. Kuegler's dreams materialized when he bought a farm of ten acres at Eatontown, New Jersey, and began to raise poultry. He has about five hundred fowls, and supplies members of the summer colony and golf and other country clubs with poultry and eggs. In addition to his poultry business, Mr. Kuegler is now operating a farm. He is a self-made man, and a fine example of what industry and thrift and a disposition to make the most of one's opportunities can do for a man.
Mr. Kuegler attends the Lutheran church. In politics, he is a Republican. He is a citizen of the United States, having been naturalized in 1904. He is a member of the Masonic order and belongs to Washington Lodge, No. 9, at Eatontown. He also serves as a member of the council.
Mr. Kuegler married Meri Bernet, May 12, 1894, in America. Mrs. Kuegler is a native of Switzer- land, and was born in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Kuegler have two children: Meri, who was born on July 28, 1897, and is now the wife of Fritz Wolf, a garage proprietor; and George, a talented musician, who was born on April 21, 1899, and is associated with his father in the management of the poultry business and farm.
HARRY G. CLAYTON-Not only prominent in business circles in Spring Lake, New Jersey, but also a leading figure in public affairs which concern the welfare of the community, Harry G. Clayton is well known and justly counted one of its repre- sentative citizens. His energy, perseverance and capable management have secured him advance- ment in the business world and he has also made for himself an enviable reputation, being popular in business circles.
Harry G. Clayton was born in Our House Tav- ern, January 12, 1883, the son of Thomas H. and Ella S. (Wood) Clayton. After completing his edu- cation in the public schools at Lake Como and Spring Lake, he entered the employ of D. T. Reed at Spring Lake and served an apprenticeship to the
84
MONMOUTH COUNTY
plumber's trade. He remained here for three years, during which time he gained a complete knowledge of the business. He then worked for W. D. Robin- son four years or until 1908, when he resigned in order to establish himself in this particular line of business. Locating at first in a small way with but one man to assist him, he established himself at No. 1319 Third avenue, but being a man of superior busi- ness capacity and resourceful ability his resolute purpose and keen discrimination enabled him to carry forward the business to its present successful standing. In 1917, together with this business, he also became associated with a partner in opening a sheet metal shop on Washington avenue, and this too, has met with unbounded success.
The thorough business qualifications of Mr. Clay- ton have always been in good demand on boards of directors and his public spirit has led him to ac- cept many such trusts. He is secretary and treas- urer of the Clayton Auto Company at Spring Lake; president of the Dunphey, Smith Company, job- bers for tinners' and roofers' supplies at Newark, New Jersey; president of the General Investment Company at Spring Lake; and president of the local Chamber of Commerce since 1918. In politics he is a Republican and takes the keen and active interest in its affairs which is demanded of every good citizen. He is affiliated with Wall Lodge, No. 73, Free and Accepted Masons; Goodwin Chapter, No. 36, Royal Arch Masons; Corson Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templar; and Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Clayton is also a past chief of the Knights of the Golden Eagles of Spring Lake; the Master Plumbers' Association; and holds membership in the Homestead Golf Club at Spring Lake.
On November 21, 1909, at Jersey City, New Jer- sey, Harry G. Clayton was united in marriage with Josepha Backes, daughter of Joseph and Emma (Benson) Backes, of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, formerly of Trenton, New Jersey. Joseph Backes had four brothers in the legal profession: John H., Peter, Theodore and Albert, who were all promi- nent in public affairs. Josepha Clayton died July 3, 1912, at the age of twenty-six years, leaving one child by this union, Hobart G., born September 21, 1910. The family home is at No. 1305 Fourth ave- nue, Spring Lake.
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.