USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume II > Part 52
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George Washington Elliott, son of John Macaulay and Ann (Stevenson) Elliott, was born March 15, 1856, in Baltimore, Maryland, where his childhood was spent during the troublous period of the Civil War. His parents remained intensely loyal despite the fact that a large number of the citizens of Baltimore espoused the Confederate cause. In boyish enthusiasm he once nailed an American flag to the front of the house. It was removed by a crowd of Confederate sympathizers, but at that stage of the proceedings Mr. Elliott, Sr., promptly took a hand and, at the point of a rifle, compelled the crowd to restore the flag to the place from which they had taken it. The education of George Washington Elliott was received in Baltimore, Mary- land, and at Chatsworth, New Jersey. In 1882 he came to Seabright as station agent for the New Jer- sey Central Railroad Company, in whose service he remained for the ensuing ten years. At the end of that time he established a feed and coal busi- ness of his own, which he has successfully con- ducted to the present time. A few years ago he
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inherited the meat market of his father-in-law, which is the oldest business on the coast, and he now carries on the two concerns in a manner which proves him possessed of the essential qualifications of a successful executant.
As a staunch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, Mr. Elliott has evinced, from early manhood, an energetic and enlightened inter- est in public affairs, and a capacity for political leadership which, in 1901, led to his election as mayor of Seabright. So satisfactory to all good citizens was his administration of the city govern- ment that he received the tribute of more than one election, serving in all no fewer than nine years. It was mainly through his efforts that the town, in the space of five years, was rendered free from debt without any increase of the tax list, and on his retirement he turned over a balance of twenty- five hundred dollars to the succeeding administra- tion. The heavy mortgage on the engine house was removed by Mr. Elliott during his tenure of the mayorality. His term of service embraced the most critical period in the history of Seabright, caused by the almost complete wreck of the village in a great storm which occurred in 1914 and 1915. It was only by his prompt action and drastic methods that the community was saved from annihilation.
Mr. Elliott married, November 21, 1887, Haydee Catherine Martin, born at Long Branch, New Jer- sey, daughter of Frank and Eleanor Martin, the former the pioneer business man of Seabright, and they are the parents of two children: Eleanor A., born at Seabright, a graduate of Columbia Uni- versity, married Howard Alexander, a lawyer of New York City, and they have two children, Eleanor and Howard, Jr .; Louise, born at Seabright, a graduate of Wellesley College, married John H. Naughton, of Rumson, New Jersey.
George Washington Elliott has shown himself an able business man, and an astute, high-minded public official, faithfully guarding the rights and promoting the interests of his fellow-citizens of Seabright. He is a type needed in every community.
CHRINEY SCHENCK HOLMES-Prominent in the farming community about Holmdel, Mr. Holmes is carrying forward the progress of the vicinity along productive lines. Mr. Holmes is a son of Chriney Schenck and Mary (Schenck) Holmes. His father, who was also a farmer, was born in Holm- del, May 22, 1832, and his mother was born in Freehold, this county, August 6, 1834.
Mr. Holmes was born in Holmdel, October 3, 1880, and received his early education in the public schools of his native township. He attended high school at Freehold, prepared for college at the South Jersey Institute, then took a course at Col- gate Academy, at Hamilton, New York. A pro- fessional career had no appeal for him, however, and he returned to Holmdel to the farm. He has since been successfully engaged in farming, and is esteemed one of the progressive men of the com- munity.
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In political matters Mr. Holmes votes inde- pendently and has never sought prominence. He is a member of the Baptist church of Holmdel. On February 5, 1903, Mr. Holmes married Lylie Taylor, who was born at Colts Neck, December 15, 1866, and is a daughter of Conover and Ella (Mar- ford) Taylor. Her father was born in Vanderburg, this county, July 5, 1837, and her mother was born in Freehold, September 26, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have one son, Harold Taylor, born in Holmdel, June 11, 1904.
WILLIAM WILSON RAMSAY-For many years prominent in the public affairs of Keansburg, New Jersey, William W. Ramsay has won his way to so high a position in the esteem of the people that he is popularly called the "father" of the borough.
Mr. Ramsay was born March 4, 1856, at Canons- burg, Pennsylvania, and is a son of John and Arabella (Lessnutt) Ramsay, his father being a merchant tailor and a local preacher in the Metho- dist Episcopal church. Mr. Ramsay received his early education in the public schools of Jersey City, and continued his studies at the Hacketts- town Centenary Collegiate Institute. He then took a special course in theology under Bishop John F. Hirsch, after which he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church. He began his minis- terial work in Wisconsin, then for two years was in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Brooklyn, New York, as supply. In 1877 he became a member of the New Jersey Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church and was assigned to the church at Keansburg. Two years later he retired from the ministry. In 1880 he entered business life and was for four years in the employ of different fashion manufacturers, traveling in the eastern states and establishing agencies for paper patterns, then a new departure in the art of needlework. In 1884 he opened a general store at Keansburg, New Jersey, at the same time acting as railroad agent, express and freight, this being at the time only a small community. From 1884 until 1913 he was engaged very successfully as a general merchant, then retired from business life.
In 1885 he was elected freeholder of Raritan township, and reelected in each of the three suc- ceeding years. He served as probation officer of Monmouth county under Hon. John E. Foster; on committee of Raritan township for three years, also served as the first president of the board of education of Raritan township; and as grand jury- man for three terms. But it was in the community of Keansburg. rather than in the general affairs of the township, that Mr. Ramsay's work has counted most significantly. For twenty-nine years he was assistant postmaster at Keansburg, and for five years justice of the peace. In 1885 he began a systematic advancement in the town's interests. promoting its development in every possible way, and is considered to have had more to do with its progress than any other one individual. Mr. Ramsay has been a pleasing extemporaneous public speaker ever since his youth. In 1876 he was
employed by the National Republican Committee. and has spoken in the interests of the party in every campaign from that time to the present. He was mayor of Keansburg for two terms, with- out opposition to his reelection. Mr. Ramsay is being strongly urged as the Republican candidate for surrogate of Monmouth county in 1922, and no better choice could be made.
On September 5, 1878, Mr. Ramsay married, at Keansburg, Eliza S. Wood, daughter of William Wood. They reside in Keansburg and are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church.
WALTER ALOYSIUS CONROY-When quite a young man Mr. Conroy entered business life, and for several of the earlier years of his business career he was connected with the casualty insur- ance business. It was not until 1914 that he located in Keansburg, Monmouth county, New Je sey, where he has a large and prosperous mal estate and general insurance business.
He is a son of Christopher Conroy, born in In land, who came to the United States in boyhood. finding a home in New York City, where he grew to manhood. He was for a short time engaged in the manufacture of shoes at Philadelphia Pennsylvania, going thence to Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he became proprietor of a hotel. He died in 1903, aged sixty-six years, being then a resident of Keansburg, New Jersey. Christopher Conroy married Harriet McPherson, daughter of John McPherson, of New York City, and they were the parents of Christopher (2), who died in infancy, and Walter A., whose life story is here told.
Walter A. Conroy, son of Christopher and Har- riet (McPherson) Conroy, was born in Brooklyn. New York, September 8, 1876. He was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia and Atlantic City, the family leaving New York during his boy- hood. He entered business life as clerk in the office of the United States Casualty Company, in their insurance department, remaining with that company eighteen months. For the following year he was with the New Amsterdam Casualty Com- pany in clerical capacity, then for twelve years was with the Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corpora- tion as clerk, chief clerk of the accident and health departments, and as special agent. In 1914 he located in Keansburg, Monmouth county, New Jersey, there opening an insurance office in the Keansburg National Bank building. In 1916 he moved to his present offices in the Conroy building.
In the insurance department of his business, Mr. Conroy represents the Continental. Fidelity,
Phoenix, Niagara, Provident. Washington, Aetna. Ocean Accident and Guarantee, Royal Indemnity. and other standard fire, accident and indemnity companies. He has built up a prosperous real estate department, and handles a great deal of property in different localities. He has just added a fifteen-acre development to the borough of Keansburg, called Home Crest. He is a member of the Monmouth County Real Estate League, the New Jersey Association of Underwriters of New-
Precin AM Pansay
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ark, the Keansburg Gun Club, and is a charter member of Keansburg Fire Company, No. 1. In politics Mr. Conroy is an independent Republican, and since the erection of the borough of Keans- burg in 1917 he has held the office of borough clerk. He is a member of Red Bank Lodge, No. 233, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in religious faith is a Roman Catholic.
Mr. Conroy married, November 21, 1911, Cath- erine Hanna Furbey, born in Keansburg, daughter of John and Anna Furbey, of Middletown, Mon- mouth county, New Jersey, and they are the par- ents of four children: Walter Allen, born November 3, 1912; Donald Francis born in March, 1914; Reita, born March 29, 1919; and John Furbey, born in March, 1920.
J. WHITFIELD BROOKS was born at Newark, New Jersey, April 24, 1880, and is a son of Alfred H. and M. Louise (Lang) Brooks. He has one brother and one sister. His grandfather was James J. Brooks, who was, for two terms of office, chief of the United States Secret Service. He was one of the most expert secret service men in the country at that time and was well known to be fearless in the performance of his duty. While on active service at Philadelphia, he received a gunshot wound from the effects of which he died some time later.
Alfred H. Brooks, Mr. Brooks' father, was an officer in the United States Internal Revenue De- partment. Although he traveled all over the United States in the performance of his duty, his principal post was in New York City. He served for many years, and held his position through both Republi- can and Democratic administrations.
In 1887, Mr. Brooks' family settled at Asbury Park, New Jersey, and he received his early educa- tion in the public schools of that city. He com- pleted the grammar school course and, after gradu- ating from the Asbury Park High School, obtained employment in the New York office of the Fleisch- mann Yeast Company. After spending nine months in the service of the Fleischmann Yeast Company, Mr Brooks decided to seek a change of occupation and entered the employment of a broker in Wall street. He spent three months in the broker's office and then decided that his true interest and ability lay in the business of carpentering and building. Accordingly he formed a connection with I. R. Taylor at Asbury Park, in order to acquire a thorough knowledge of carpentry and building. He remained with Mr. Taylor until 1903, when, feeling fully equipped by training and experience for the conduct of an independent business, he established himself in business as general contrac- tor, doing all kinds of work-carpentry, masonry and cement construction.
He has had a long and prosperous career as a builder and has built many fine buildings at As- bury Park and in the vicinity. He built the bath houses extending from Sixth avenue to Sunset avenue, Asbury Park, and the Swimming Pool at Allenhurst, New Jersey, and did extensive repair
work upon the underpinning of the Allenhurst Casino. He also built the splendid residence of E. V. Hartford at Deal, and the beautiful dwelling of A. E. Fitkins at Allenhurst. He also rebuilt the Coleman House, a large hotel at Asbury Park. He has acquired an enviable reputation as builder of substantial merit and is well known and respect- ed throughout the business world.
Mr. Brooks attends the First Methodist Episco- pal Church, of which his wife is a member. In politics, he is a Republican. He is a member of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a Mason. He also belongs to the Asbury Park Golf Club and to the Kiwanis Club.
Mr. Brooks married Elizabeth C. Covert at As- bury Park. Mrs. Brooks is a daughter of Daniel C. and Jennie Covert. Her father was engaged in the real estate business. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have two children: Ilda Covert, and Marie Elizabeth.
ELLWOOD DOUGLASS-With the trend of all his experience and training toward the field in which he is now carrying forward his life work, Ellwood Douglass, of Freehold, New Jersey, is fill- ing a position broadly significant to the agricultural interests of Monmouth county. Mr. Douglass is a son of Shangar and Mary R. (Schellenger) Doug- lass, his father having been a lifelong farmer, and very active in the advance of farming communi- ties in his county.
Ellwood Douglass was born in Cold Spring, Cape May county, New Jersey, November 14, 1889, and received his early education in the public schools near his home. After completing the common school course, he worked with his father on the farm until he was twenty-four years of age. Meanwhile the young man's interest followed the line of activity in which circumstances had placed him, but he was not satisfied with the plodder's portion. Taking two winter courses in agriculture at Rutgers College, he later took a course at Cor- nell University, then worked on a farm in New York State for a period of one year, in the capa- city of farm manager. Thereafter coming to Atlantic county, New Jersey, Mr. Douglass acted as county agricultural agent for two and a half years, after which he came to Monmouth county to fill the same position. Through his work in this connection, has been built up one of the most effi- cient organizations in the State. This organization has made its influence felt in all lines of agricul- ture throughout the county, and many of its fea- tures have been adopted in other sections.
Mr. Douglass is a member of the New Jersey State Potato Association, of the Horticultural Society, of the county, state and national Grange, and of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has served on the official board of the church for six years.
Mr. Douglass married Edna R. Weeks, daughter of J. F. and Emily (Swain) Weeks, and they have three children: Cora L., Mildred A. and Leslie H.
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LOUIS MENDEL-One of the most interesting places in Red Bank, in connection with the com- mercial and art world, is the studio of Louis Mendel, at No. 50 Broad street, his work in the realm of art being such as to place him among the leading artists of the coast.
Early evidencing a marked taste for art, and more than ordinary talent, Mr. Mendel's parents encouraged him to prepare for a career in this field of endeavor. He was reared and educated in the art centers of Europe, and received four years' training of photography, under the most competent supervision. Thereafter entering the Polytechnic School of Vienna, Austria, he studied chemistry, in its relation to photography, and thus laid a scientide foundation for his present 'striking success in this branch of art. Following his college days, Mr. Mendel toured Europe, financing his own travels by work in his chosen field, and visiting in his itinerary, besides many points in Austria- Hungary, Saxony, Bohemia, the Balkan states, Italy, Monaco and Egypt, and spending a con- aiderable time in France, at Paris and Nancy. In 1908 he returned to Canada, and after a time opened a studio at Peterborough, Ontario, where he became one of the most prominent men in his profession. His standing was appraised by the wide interest which his work attracted, the "St. Louis and Canadian Photographer," in the year . 1908, devoting its entire February issue to his work. He was most highly esteemed by the people of Peterborough, and with the enthusiasm of every progressive community, they took universal interest and personal pride in the successes of their fellow- townsman. In 1912 Mr. Mendel came to the United States and located in New York City, where he was actively identified with the leading studios of that city. Desiring greater leisure for creative work, while still continuing in the field of photo- graphy, he sought a location in a smaller com- munity, choosing Red Bank. Here he purchased the studio of Joseph Dickopf, long a prominent photo- grapher in Red Bank. Making important additions and improvements in the studio and its equipment, Mr. Mendel took up his work here. He is an acknowledged master of portraiture in photography, also in water color and in oils. He does con- siderable outside work as well, both in photography and with the brush, and commands the most ex- clusive commercial work. Mr. Mendel has exhibit- ed at salons in England, Belgium and the United States, as well as in the Dominion of Canada, and at Toronto won the gold medal.
Mr. Mendel's success in one branch of the fine arts has not precluded versatility. He is a musi- cian of more than ordinary attainments, both as a teacher and in orchestral work, his favorite instru- ment being the cello. He is, however, a skilled performer on fourteen different instruments.
Fraternally Mr. Mendel holds membership in the Free and Accepted Masons. He is a member of the American Photographers' Association, and of the Middle Atlantic States' Photographers' Asso- ciation. While a resident of Ontario he served for
nine years in the Canadian army, as a member of the 57th Infantry Regiment. Peterborough Rangers On October 23, 1920, Mr. Mendel married Frances J. Leonard, daughter of William J. and F. M. (Clark) Leonard, of Leonardo, New Jersey.
CORNELIUS ACKERSON-The Ackersons are of Dutch ancestry, the founder coming from Hol- land and settling in Rockland county, New York. where his son, Garret Ackerson was born, married Dorcas Springsteen, and later moved to Warwick Orange county, New York. He served in the War for Independence and attained the rank of captain. Captain Ackerson had children: John, Garret. James, Cornelius, of further mention; Jane, Betsey and Mary.
Cornelius Ackerson, son of Garret and Dorcas (Springsteen) Ackerson, was born in Warwick He married Sarah Townsend, daughter of Elijah Townsend, of Dutchess county, New York, and moved to a farm, which he bought, in Holmdel township, Monmouth county, New Jersey. Children: John T .; William W .; Marie A., married Joseph Hoff; Henry Elijah, of further mention; Am Eliza, married Joseph H. Gibson.
Henry Elijah Ackerson, son of Cornelius and Sarah (Townsend) Ackerson, was born in Orange county, New York, July 24, 1821, and died at his farm at Holmdel, New Jersey, in 1909. He was brought by his parents to the farm in Holmdel. Monmouth county, New Jersey, at an early age, and there spent the remainder of his life. After arriving at legal age he rented the home farm on the share plan and so continued its operation until the death of his father. The estate was divided among the children, but Cornelius, who had known no other home or business bought out the other heirs and became sole owner of the farm and there spent his life. In 1865 he organized the Farmers Transportation Company, owning the steamer "Holmdel," and for five years he commanded that vessel, making daily trips between Keyport and New York. He was treasurer of the company, an office he long filled. He lived to the age of eighty-eight years.
Captain Ackerson married (first) in 1840, Mary Heyer, daughter of William Heyer, and they were the parents of three children: Sarah, married Daniel I. Stillwell; Cornelius, of further mention; Mar- garet, married George H. Melville. Captain Ack- erson married (second) Ida V. M. Hendrickson. and they were the parents of a daughter. Elizabeth S., and a son, William M. The family were mem- bers of the Dutch Reformed church. Captain Ack- erson was an ardent Democrat, but took little part in public affairs, giving his entire attention to his farm.
Cornelius (2) Ackerson, son of Captain Henry E. and Mary (Heyer) Ackerson, was born at Hazlet. New Jersey, September 11, 1852. He there at- tended the public schools, and later was a student at Keyport public school and at Packard's Business College, New York City. After leaving school he engaged in farming at the old homestead farm at
Comeluna Acercan.
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Hazlet, and for sixteen years there continued. Later he became the owner of the farm and it was his property until his decease, it having de- scended to him through his grandfather, Cornelius Ackerson, his father, Captain Henry E. Ackerson, he being of the third generation of Ackerson owners.
In 1889 Mr. Ackerson assisted in organizing the People's National Bank of Keyport, which opened for business in April, 1890. At that time he moved from the farm to Keyport, which was his home thereafter. He was a member of the first board of directors of the bank, but resigned to ac- cept appointment as assistant cashier. In July, 1900, he was promoted to the cashier's desk, which he retained up to the time of his death. In addi- tion to his intimate connection with the People's National Bank, Mr. Ackerson was for thirteen years, 1908-1921, treasurer of Keyport Board of Water Commissioners. He was one of the organi- zers of the present water system, and was secretary of the committee, which outlined the present system of sewers for Keyport. For thirteen years he was a member of the Board of Education and its chairman. In politics Mr. Ackerson was a Demo- crat. He was a member and an elder of the Keyport Dutch Reformed Church, also its treasurer, and was a member of the Royal Arcanum and a past regent of the order.
Mr. Ackerson married, at Hazlet, New Jersey, February 3, 1875, Anna Bray Stilwell, daughter of John S. and Frances (Murphy) Stilwell, her par- ents both born at Hazlet. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ackerson: Henry Elijah, (2), born in Hazlet, October. 15, 1880, and Cecil Stilwell, born in Hazlet, October 28, 1886.
Mr. Ackerson's public service was of great value. He brought to it trained business ability and an earnest desire to be useful. The water and sewer systems and the public schools were his chief concerns, but he was closely allied with every movement in the interest of the public good. His service was freely rendered, and he was known as one of Keyport's public-spirited, progressive citi- zens, who could always be relied upon to "lend a hand." Mr. Ackerson died June 23, 1921, and his remains are interred in Holmdel Cemetery.
FORMAN T. BAILEY-Since 1914 Forman T. Bailey has been a member of the New Jersey bar, located in Asbury Park, and since February 1, 1920, a member of the law firm of Durand, Ivins & Carton. He is one of the young members of the Monmouth bar, but has made rapid advance- ment and the future holds for him naught but promise. He is a son of Captain George and Annie M. (Godfrey) Bailey, of Manasquan, New Jersey, grandson of William H. and Mary (Green) Bailey, of Manasquan, great-grandson of Peter Bailey, carpenter and builder of Manasquan, and great-great-grandson of John Bailey, who married a Miss Curtis, and resided at the old Curtis home- stead at Manasquan.
William H. Bailey (grandfather) was born in
1812, and spent his early manhood years as a sailor, becoming captain of a vessel in the coast- ing trade, and became the owner of considerable vessel property. He was the owner of a farm in Wall township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, and finally abandoned the sea, managed his farm, and also became a member of the firm of Bran- nen & Bailey, lumber and stone dealers of Man- asquan. Brannen & Bailey built the first school house in Manasquan, and Captain Bailey was one of the influential men of the village, a pillar of the Presbyterian church, and an ardent Democrat. He married Mary Green, and they were the par- ents of four sons: George, Forman O., John and Henry, all of whom followed the sea and became masters.
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