USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume II > Part 50
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In the public life of Matawan, Mr. Thompson has for some years borne a part. He is secretary of the Liberal Building and Loan Association. Politi- cally he supports the Republican party, and in 1910 was elected a member of the Council of the borough of Matawan, serving until 1915. In the latter year he was made collector, and also custodian of school funds, both of which offices he still fills. Fraternally Mr. Thompson is widely known. He is a member
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and what for many years a prominent farmer of New aran, alas st sinneer Vers iertey families.
kaner. Graham Paris ion of Enter. Gatan and max and law office . Achance Highlands where he remained for about the year. In 1366 he entered the Kaypart, Banking Company. in the capacity of dark, and was identifier with that institution for about three years as clerk, then becoming assistant cashier for the same institution. in which position he continued for ahost four years. On September 1, 1997, Mr. Paola went to Belmar, in this county. to serapt the cashiership of the First National Bank of Belmar, which position he filled until February 1, 1917. On that date Mr. Poole became cashier of the Marchants' National Bank of Asbury Park. han newly organized. Bringing to this position the branch of experience above outlined, and his nat- mal adaptability for work of this nature. he has buen an active factor in the marked success of the
is prominent, being a member of Chessous Lodge Sondivin Chagte, No. IL Royal Both Kastes, of Bet af Camon Commandery, Lotime Na. 15, Anigita Templar, at which he is besser, ami he is also a mumier at the Tall Caliurs vi Lebanon, of Astory Part. He is a member of Mesbury Park Lodge, No. 129. Benevolent and Potertise Obie af Elks, zni af Belmar Loige, Order of Cuitel American Ne chanies. A member ami ling-time treasurer of the Rotary Cith. M .. Poole is also prominent an The Sors at the American Bemintim, and in the Monmouth County Fishing amt Game Association ..
Mz. Poole meriei, in New York City, an Sep- famher If, 1900, Bertha L. Lee, dangitter of Garrett A. ami Loms (Enhos) Lee, and they have two sims: Robert Che, born in Kaypurt, March 27. 230". The family seide in Blue.
THOMAS LACY SMITH, whee experience has mize: in 's font pas of the United States has In the past waive years been a resident d' Heypor_ New Jersey, and actively identiled with che braness and professional progress of the ber- angh. W. Smith is a son of De. John Lacy moi Betty Clementine . Hawthorne) Smith. Dr. St was a physician and surgeon of more than hoa' repute in Allegheny county. North Carolina, and was a captain of the Mist Cavalry Regimer :. of North Camina, in the Confederate army. Later. in 1568. he was a member of the Reconstruction Legis Latore of North Carolina. He died in 1896.
Thomas Lacy Smith was born in Sparta. Alle- zheny county. North Carolina, in the mountainous region on the extreme northern border ot the State. (the town of Sparta then being the only town i= the county) on February 28, 1876. He received his early education in the public schools of his native town. then entered Wake Forrest College. at Wake Forrest. North Carolina, from which he was grado- ated in 1899, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Returning for the study of law he was graduated! in 1900 from the same institution, receiving the de-
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gree of Bachelor of Laws. In September of the same year (1900), he was licensed as attorney and counsellor. During the Alaska rush Mr. Smith went to Seattle, Washington, and remained in the Pacific Northwest for a period of eight years, returning to the East in 1909, and locating permanently in Key- port. For three years he was connected with the Jersey Central Traction Company, of Keyport, and for seven years was identified with the Eastern Coal Dock Company, of South Amboy, New Jersey. He then opened an office, in association with a partner, under the name of Lefferts & Smith, and is con- ducting a prosperous business in real estate and in- surance. Mr. Smith served as judge of the recor- der's court at Keyport, under the administration of Dr. O. C. Bogardus. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of the Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Keyport Yacht Club, and of the Business Men's Club, and attends the Methodist Episcopal church.
On November 24, 1909, Mr. Smith married Cecile May Tilton, at Keyport, daughter of William Henry and Emma (Tilton) Tilton. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one son, Herbert Tilton, born February 28, 1911, in Keyport.
HAROLD ASA DENNETT has lived in Long Branch, New Jersey, nearly all his life, his family moving there when he was only five years old. He is a direct descendant of John Dennett, who immigrated to this country from England in the year 1630, set- tling in Massachusetts. Another ancestor, Joseph Dennett (1755-1839), served in the Revolutionary army, being a private in Captain Samuel Young's company. Mr. Dennett was born at Barnegat, New Jersey, September 13, 1880, and is a son of Leffing- well Hazard and Clara (Cranmer) Dennett. He was educated in the public schools of New Jersey, gradu- ating from the Long Branch High School in 1899. He had a talent for drawing, and a great deal of musical ability, and in his first efforts to carve out a career for himself, he put the first of these gifts to good account, entering the office of the well- known architect, Clarence W. Smith, to learn draughtsmanship. When the period of his appren- ticeship came to an end, he formed a connection with R. H. Hughes, and spent two years as a draughtsman in Mr. Hughes' office. He then enter- ed the service of the New Jersey Central railroad as a timekeeper on the Southern division, and is now assistant chief clerk of the company.
Although Mr. Dennett's career lay in business, he never gave up his taste for music, and continued to study various instruments. He was obliged to study by himself, because his daily work did not leave him time for regular musical lessons, but, in spite of this handicap, he is now an accomplished player of the piano and pipe organ. Inspired by his love for music, Mr. Dennett formed an orches- tra, which now contains fifteen instruments and has acquired an enviable reputation as New Jersey's leading orchestra. It is greatly in demand at wed-
dings and dances, and is also largely patronized by the finest hotels in the State. For the past ten years this orchestra has furnished the music for the Charity Ball at the Hollywood Hotel. The high standing enjoyed by Mr. Dennett, as a musi- cian of great talent and fine technical ability should serve as an inspiration to others, proving, as it does, a man's ability to rise superior to all handi- caps and to attain his ideal by means of persever- ance and industry.
Mr. Dennett is a Mason of the seventh degree, holding membership in Abacus Lodge, No. 182, Free and Accepted Masons, and Standard Chapter, No. 35, Royal Arch Masons. He also belongs to the Masonic Club, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Ma- sonic organizations of Long Branch. Since 1909, he has frequently played the organ at various Masonic gatherings in and out of the State. He is also a member of the Red Men, Takanassee Tribe, No. 158, being a past sachem, and belongs to the Lions Club, a civic organization of Long Branch. In politics, he is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Dennett married Flossie Lake, of Hollywood, Long Branch, March 23, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Den- nett have no children. Mr. Dennett has no brothers or sisters, having been an only child. His father, who was formerly the proprietor of a meat market, and later engaged in business as a contracting mason, died December 12, 1918.
ALBERT ROBINSON-Now long retired from active participation in educational affairs, Mr. Robinson, at the age of seventy-eight, reviews a career of great usefulness, devoted for thirty-two years to pedagogy, a profession in which he won high rank. The value of such a life as his cannot be estimated, for it is in the lives of others that the results of his teachings appear. He is a son of James and Mary Anne (Straughan) Robinson, his father, a brick-layer and farmer of Salem county, New Jersey, of English ancestry.
Albert Robinson was born in Mannington town- ship, Salem county, New Jersey, April 13, 1848. After attending the district public school, he finished at Union Teachers' Seminary at Shiloh, New Jersey, being one of the early graduates of that institution. After graduation he began teach- ing and for forty-five years continued in that pro- fession, holding many positions both as teacher and principal, including the principalship of Allen- town High School. In 1915 he retired and con- tinued his residence at Allentown, where since 1900 he has held the office of mayor. For more than fifteen years Mr. Robinson was a member of the examining board for teachers of Monmouth county, New Jersey, and he was chairman of the grievance and redress committee of the New Jersey State Teachers' Association for three years. Immediately after the Civil War he went to Illinois, and for one year was principal of a Tazewell county school, then returned to the East.
During his long term in the mayor's office, the borough of Allentown has installed many public
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improvements, including light and water planta. and has become one of the leading municipalities of the county. Mr. Robinson has given generously of his time and service for the general welfare. and in the faithful discharge of his official duties has won the lasting appreciation and regard of his fellowmen. In politics Mr. Robinson is a Republican, in religious faith a Presbyterian, and in fraternal association a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
He married, April 18, 1872, Elizabeth Smick. born September 20, 1855, in Quinton, Salem county, New Jersey, daughter of John and Sarah (Powner) Smick, her father a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are the parents of four children: James M., born August 1, 1873, married Alice Sofield, and has two sons, twins, William and Theodore, born September 7, 1907; Myrtie, born March 5, 1876, married Robert H. Borton; George Belford, born March 28, 1879, married Eva Davi- sonan.
GEORGE HANCE CONOVER-Standing back of construction, and thus bearing an important part in the growth of the community, Mr. Conover is achieving his own success in the general advance- ment of prosperity. He is a son of William Wal- ton Conover, who was born in the village of Cran- bury, Middlesex county, New Jersey, and followed farming all his life, but is now somewhat less active than formerly, owing to advancing years. William W. Conover served in the Civil War as a member of the Fourteenth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and was in the service for three years. being wounded twice at the battle of Cold Harbor, under General Grant. He married Rachael Hance, who was born in Rumson, in this county, but is now deceased.
Mr. Conover was born in Middletown, New Jer- sey, January 18, 1874, and received his early education in the public schools of his native town, then completed his studies at Flushing Institute, in Flushing, Long Island. Upon returning home from school Mr. Conover worked on the farm with his father for a few months, then went to New York City, where he entered the employ of Wallace & Sons, a wholesale copper house, remaining for about three years. Thereafter for about one year he returned to the farm, then at the age of twenty- one years came to Keyport. Here, on March 18, 1895, he became associated with Henry A. Young as partner in the production of mill work, sash and doors, establishing a business which grew rapidly, becoming a leader in this field in the borough. The original partnership endured for about five years, then was dissolved, and Mr. Conover built a new mill on Division street in 1900, entering into partnership with Charles I. Young, the business going forward under their management for a period of twelve years. Mr. Conover then bought out Mr. Young, and until January 15, 1916, carried on the business alone. On that date the Conover Lumber Company was incorporated, the Brown Estate Company being
purchased and combined with Mr. Conover's inter- ests. This company is conducting a constantly increasing business, and is a prominent corporation of Keyport. In political affairs Mr. Conover ports the Republican party, and fraternally he holds membership with the Benevolent and Pre- tective Order of Elks of Red Bank, in this county.
On February 3, 1904, in Keyport. Mr. Conower married Maude A. Armstrong, daughter of Fred- erick Francis and Mary E. (Sellick) Armstrong, of this borough.
RICHARD WESLORD STOUT -- The Stext family are of English and Dutch origin and fx eight generations have lived ta. Menmouth county, Richard Stout, the paternal ancenter of Richard Weslord Stout, being one of the first white tobeli- tants of the county. The family name has ben conspicuously identided with the Colonial wars, wid the ownership of extensive timber lands, and with the pioneer history of the county.
Richard Stout, great-grandfather Weslord Stout, was a tocossaful lumber mea. : prominent coast trader and was also engaged is the general mercantile business. Ho ewentmly became a large land owner, holding original grunts from the English crown, of over two thousand acres. He had three children. one being Richard T. Stout, of further mention.
Richard T. Stout, som of Richard Stout, was born at Toms River, New Jersey, January 18 1821. He was educated at the Academy of Newark and at Ulrich's Academy, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Thereafter he read law, but being obliged to dis- continue because of ill health, he removed to & farm near Farmingdale, Monmouth county, and u- dertook the management of his father's large bus- ness interests. He was an active Methodist and. in connection with Rev. William B. Osborne, in- terested himself in the development of Ocean Grove, giving substantial support to the Methodist church work there. He was a Republican and a strong party man, was a large land owner and had an ample fortune. He married Elizabeth Margaret Beck, and died May 19, 1893. To him were born three sons: Richard TenBroeck Stout, Joseph C. W. Stout, and Wesley B. Stout, of further mention
Wesley B. Stout, son of Richard T. and Elizabeth M. (Beck) Stout, and father of Richard Weslord Stout, was born at Farmingdale, Monmouth county. His boyhood was spent in his native place where he attended school, later entering Pennington Seminary at Pennington, New Jersey. He was graduated from there with the class of 1880, and attended the law school at Columbia University, receiving the degree of Doctor of Laws. He spent four years, 1877-1883, 'in the law office of his brother, Richard TenBroeck Stout, at Asbury Park. New Jersey, and was admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1883. The law firm of Richard TenBroeck and Wesley B. Stout was then formed and from that time until his death, Wesley B. Stout was active and busy in his profession. He was a staunch Republican, prominent in local polities.
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and was an earnest church worker, being a mem- ber of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Asbury Park, New Jersey. He was also president of the Neptune Township Board of Education and Grand Master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of New Jersey. He died February 5, 1910. In June 1888 Mr. Stout married Mary E. Lord, daughter of George R. Lord, a promoter of West Asbury Park, and to them was born one child, Richard Weslord Stout, the subject of this sketch.
Richard Weslord Stout, son of Wesley B. and Mary E. (Lord) Stout, was born at Loch Arbour, Asbury Park, New Jersey, April 16, 1889. He was educated in the public schools of Neptune township, Phillips Academy at Andover, Massa- chusetts, University of Pennsylvania, and subse- quently in the New York Law School, New York City, being admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1916, and as a counsellor-at-law in 1920. Since being admitted to the bar, Mr. Stout has been associated in practice with Counsellor Charles E. Cook, a leading attorney of this county and men- tioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. Stout is at- torney for the Township of Neptune and the Borough of Allenhurst, solicitor for the Neptune Mutual Building and Loan Association, and a director of the Professional Building Corporation, which owns and operates the Professional building, where his office is located. In politics he is a Republican. In 1920 he was elected a member of the New Jersey Legislature from Monmouth county. He is affiliated with the Monmouth County Bar Association, Asbury Park Lodge, No. 142, F. and A. M .; Delta Upsilon fraternity of the University of Pennsylvania; Asbury Park Lodge, No. 253, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows; and the Eagle Hook and Ladder Company of Ocean Grove.
On June 6, 1910, at New York City, Richard Weslord Stout was united in marriage with Lillian Ralston, of Allenhurst, New Jersey, and to them have been born two children: Richard Ralston, born September 21, 1912, and Mary Elizabeth, born January 18, 1914. The family resides at No. 126 Lake avenue, Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
JAMES H. ANDERSON-One of the leading business enterprises of its kind in Monmouth county is that of Anderson Brothers, who handle very ex- tensively, local and long distance moving and general trucking, having their headquarters at No. 180 Mon- mouth street, Red Bank.
James H. Anderson, the founder of this business, was born on Long Island, November 29, 1894, and is a son of John W. and Elizabeth A. (Moesch) Anderson, formerly of Long Island, who Lave been residents of Nut Swamp, Monmouth county, since 1908, the father being engaged in farming opera- tions there. Reared on the farm, and gaining his education in the public schools, Mr. Anderson com- pleted his studies in Middletown, this county, then went into the taxicab business, establishing an efficient service in Red Bank in 1915. He later dis- posed of this business, and began hauling and truck- ing, beginning in a modest way, but in a very short
time developing an important and wide-reaching business; starting, in fact, with nothing, after three years, taking into partnership his two brothers, Wal- ter E. and John H., of whom further, and at the end of six years rivalling any business of this nature in the entire county. The brothers now have the most modern and complete equipment, and operate seven trucks, covering a radius of one thousand miles in long distance hauling and moving. The firm became Anderson Brothers in 1918, and the business is constantly growing.
Walter E. Anderson was born on Long Island in the year 1892, and was educated there and in the schools of Middletown, New Jersey. He married Bertha Potts, of Brooklyn, New York, and they have one son, Walter, Jr.
John H. Anderson, the youngest brother, was born on Long Island, September 13, 1897. He is a mem- ber of Red Bank Lodge, No. 233, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. All attend the Epis- copal church of Red Bank.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN HUYLAR-Since 1901 Mr. Huylar has been actively engaged in the paint- ing business in Keyport, New Jersey, his native place. Throughout his entire lifetime he has asso- ciated himself with the progressive movements of the community and as such is numbered among the leading citizens of the place.
Abraham Lincoln Huylar was born in Keyport, New Jersey, January 1, 1879, the son of William Snyder and Doretta (Solomon) Huylar. After com- pleting his studies in the public schools of his native place, Abraham Huylar served an appren- ticeship to the painter's trade, and subsequently established himself in this particular line of work in Keyport, which venture has proven highly profit- able. Mr. Huylar is a Republican in politics, but is no sense of the word an office seeker, preferring to remain strictly aloof from political circles and devote his entire time to business duties. He affili- ates with the Improved Order of Red Men and the Daughters of Pocahontas. He attends the Meth- odist church of Keyport.
Mr. Huylar was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ann Reya at New Monmouth, New Jersey. Mra. Huylar is the daughter of John F. and Anna (Schenck) Reya. Mr. and Mrs. Huylar are the par- ents of two children: Robert Theodore, and Leon- ard Reya.
JOSEPH HOLMES VAN MATER-Among the many names which the people of Monmouth county, New Jersey, delight to honor, and the memory of which they cherish, is that of Joseph Holmes Van Mater, a life-long resident of this county. Mr. Van Mater was broadly representative of that group of cultured men who find in the tilling of the soil and in the simple interests close to the heart of nature ample scope for their talents and for the growth of spirit which in any environ- ment would reach a point of high attainment.
Mr. Van Mater was descended from the sturdy old Dutch stock which has meant so much of funda-
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. mental significance to the State of New Jersey, and was & son of Joseph I. Van Mater, who was for many years a farmer of Hoimdel township, but is long since deceased. The four children of Joseph I. and Eliza Morgan (Ayres) Van Mater. were as follows: Joseph Holmes, whose name heads this review; Anna Morgan, wife of Samuel S. Campbell, vice-president of the Mechanics and Metals Bank of New York City, and brother of Mrs. Joseph Holmes Van Mater; Jessie Ayres, the wife of Arnold Thompson; and Frederick Ayres.
Joseph Holmes Van Mater was born in Holmdel, New Jersey, February 20, 1867, and died in Red Bank, New Jersey. As a child he attended the public schools of Holmdel, and his bright mind and studious tastes early decided his parents upon giving him the advantages of a higher education. Following a course at Blair Academy, at Blairs- town, New Jersey, he attended a private school at Nyack, New York, then took a course at Rock- land College, also at Nyack. Upon the completion of his education, Mr. Van Mater returned to his native town and took up farming, after a time purchasing the Gilbert Van Mater farm, which he conducted for several years, then sold to his father, who eventually sold the same farm to W. C. Ely. After disposing of the farm Mr. Van Mater removed to Red Bank, but throughout his lifetime continued his interest in agriculture. He died in Red Bank, esteemed and beloved by all who knew him, and is remembered as one of the most prominent citizens of the community.
Joseph Holmes Van Mater married Jennie S. Campbell, on February 20, 1887. Mrs. Van Mater is a daughter of John Throckmorton Bowne Camp- bell, who was born in Freehold, New Jersey, Octo- ber 23, 1835, and is now deceased. He married Mary Allen Seaman, of Houghton Farm, Orange county, New York, and they were the parents of four children: Hannah Bowne, wife of John L. Armstrong, of Freehold, New Jersey; Samuel Seaman, of Englewood, New Jersey, who married Anna Morgan Van Mater, as above noted; Jennie Seaman (Mrs. Van Mater); and Mary Louisa, who died in her eleventh year. Joseph Holmes and Jennie S. (Campbell) Van Mater were the parents of two children: Lida Ayres, wife of William H. Skillman, the latter interested in a thriving men's furnishing store in Princeton, New Jersey; Mrs. Skillman is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Princeton. 2, Samuel Campbell, of whom further.
Samuel Campbell Van Mater is one of the younger business men of Freehold and Marlboro. He built the garage now known as the Wyckoff Garage in Marlboro, which he sold when he en- listed in the World War, in which he served as a member of the Fourth Corps, Artillery Park, with the Army of Occupation. Upon his return to New Jersey, he became associated with the H. Zobel Company, of Freehold, but now has the Ford Agency at Nos 38-40 East Main street, carrying on the business under the firm name of Hays and Van Mater.
Mr. Van Mater is a member of the American Legion; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Long Branch; the Loyal Order of Moon, of Freehold; the Improved Order of Red Men, sie of Freehold; and the Goodwill Hook and Ladder Company of the same place. He and his mother are members of the Grand Avenue Reformed Church of Asbury Park, his father, before his death, ale being a member of the same church.
DANIEL GATES For nearly a quarter of a century Daniel. Gates was a resident of Asbury Park, New Jersey, and for twenty-two years head of a retail furniture business there. For a longer period, Mrs. Mary A. Gates, now his wides, has lived there, she being well known as & bodd proprietress, a business she began in 1905, and has since been continuously connected with h Asbury Park. Daniel Gates . was of Fresh ancestry, son of John Charles and Sarah Goes both born near Bingley, England, his father a lect- keeper for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Conger for forty years. Mrs. Gates is also of Engid ancestry, her parents born in Yorkshire, wild & also her birthplace.
Daniel Gates was born in Bingley. Engeni i 1855, and died in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Jus ary 29, 1917. He was educated in Bingley schesh finishing high school, after which he spent in years as an apprentice for his trade. Ho tha opened a store on his own account, dealing in mafi clothing, but was so engaged for a short time wy. removing to Bradford, Yorkshire. He remained in his native country until 1881, when he came to the United States, arriving during the excitement caused by the shooting of President Garfield. On coming to this country he located in Rahway, New Jersey, where he opened an establishment for the sale of men's clothing. He conducted a successful clothing business here for a term of years, the moved to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where he engaged in the retail furniture business and a auctioneer until 1895. He then closed out his interests and moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey, where he spent the following twenty-one years e- gaged in the same lines, death ending his con- nection. His first place of business in Asbury Park was at 501 Main street, but later he moved to larger quarters at 705 Summerfield avenue. In the summer of 1904 he opened an English che house at 222 Cookman avenue, which he conducted in addition to his other business. This was later closed out by a serious fire which started in a hotel next door.
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