USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 15
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which has continued up to the present time. They first started in a small way in an old house which they renovated, at No. 153 Main street. Success attended their efforts almost from the start, and in 1913 their business had increased to such an ex- tent that it was necessary to seek larger quarters. They accordingly removed to their present loca- tion on Main street at the corner of Lake avenue, which is equipped with everything in the way of hardware and paints. The organization was incor- porated in 1917, with Christopher H. Snyder as president and treasurer, and C. Palmer Robins as secretary and general manager.
Mr. Robins is a Republican in politics and has for many years taken a keen interest in the affairs d the organization. He is a member of the Nep- tune township committee. He is prominent in the lecal fraternal organizations, being a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, As- bery Park Lodge, No. 128; Improved Order of Red Men, Tecumseh Lodge, No. 67; Junior Order of United American Mechanics; Knights of the Golden Eagle, Corinthian Castle, No. 47; and past fore- man of the Independent Hook and Ladder Com- pny, of which he has been a member since 1893. He also is a member of the Pennsylvania and At- laatic Seaboard Hardware Association; Asbury Park Wheelmen; and the Winchester Repeating Arms Club, of New York City.
C. Palmer Robins stands for progress at all times, and seeks his own success along lines of activity, which makes for public welfare. The pros- perity which has come to him, winning him recog- nition among the substantial and representative busi- ness men of this city, is but the merited reward of ably directed effort, and excellent executive ability.
CHARLES DUSENBURY PROUT, M. D .- Since 1916 Dr. Prout has been engaged in private prac- tice at Asbury Park, New Jersey, and the years which have intervened have brought him great wecess, which has already placed him among the leaders of his profession in this community.
Charles Dusenbury Prout was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, February 6, 1889, the only son of the late James and Margaret (Willis) Prout, the former, a native of New York City, where he died in February, 1889, and the latter, of Brooklyn, and now a resident of Asbury Park. As a child Dr. Prout attended the public schools of his native place, and after graduating from the local high school, en- tered Blair Academy at Blairstown, New Jersey, where he prepared himself for college, and from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1910. He then matriculated at Amherst College where he proved himself a most industrious and ut student with the class of 1914. He had decided to make the profession of medicine his career, and with this end in view, entered New York Medical College and Flower Hospital, subsequently gradu- ating with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In 1015, immediately after graduation, he entered Ann May Memorial Hospital, Spring Lake, New Jersey
and then returned to his native city, and established himself in private practice at his present location, No. 415 Sunset avenue. He has served the city as school physician since 1918, and is also a director of the Beneficial Loan Society of Trenton, New Jersey. In politics he is a Republican, and takes the interest in the local organization which is de- manded of every good citizen. Dr. Prout is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Institute of Homeopathy; the New Jersey State Medical Association; the Asbury Park Medi- cal Society, and the Asbury Park Golf and Country Club. In religion he is a Presbyterian and attends the First Church of this denomination in Asbury.
On October 20, 1915, at Asbury Park, New Jer- sey, Charles Dusenbury Prout was united in mar- riage, with Laura Ferguson, daughter of the late J. Stanley and Mary Elizabeth (Thorne) Ferguson, the former for many years a real estate dealer here, and also founder of the Asbury Coal Company. Dr. and Mrs. Prout are the parents of two chil- dren: Dorothy Elizabeth, born July 30, 1917; Charles Jr., born May 2, 1919. The family reside at No. 415 Sunset avenue. Dr. Prout in addition to his private practice, is attending physician at Spring Lake Hospital, where he lectures on children's dis- eases. He is a great lover of all out-of-door sports, and is particularly devoted to golf, at which recrea- tion he spends whatever time he can spare from his ever increasing professional duties.
LOUIS ISAAC TUMAN-Among the leading at- torneys of Asbury Park, New Jersey, is Louis Isaac Tuman, a native of Philadelphia, where his birth occurred June 1, 1888. He is the son of Joseph J. and Rebecca (Phillips) Tuman. Joseph J. Tuman was born in Vilna, Russia, but came to this coun- try when he was twelve years of age, locating in Philadelphia, where he attended school, subsequent- ly becoming engaged in the wholesale merchandise business at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later removing to Atlantic Highlands, where he has been in business since 1890, under the firm name of Joseph J. Tuman and Sons. To Mr. and Mrs. Tuman have been born four children: 1. Harriett, born May 14, 1886, married Harvey Van Brunt, of Matawan, New Jersey. 2. Louis Isaac, of further mention. 3. Jonas, born March 31, 1890; is a grad- uate of New York Law School, and is now, 1921, practicing his chosen profession at Atlantic High- lands, New Jersey. 4. David, born April 1, 1892, who is associated with his father.
Louis Isaac Tuman graduated from the Atlantic Highlands High School, in the class of 1905, and then entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which institution he won the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1909. Having in the meantime determined to adopt the law as a profession, he matriculated at New York Law School, and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1911, being ad- mitted to the New York bar on October 23, of that same year. Subsequently he located at No. 350 Broadway, in association with Irving C. Fox, with
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whom he remained six months, going thence to No. 99 Nassau street, where he continued in practice until coming to Asbury Park. Having been admit- ted to the bar of New Jersey on December 4, 1914, Mr. Tuman came to Asbury Park and associated himself with William E. Andrews, forming the law firm of Andrews and Tuman, specializing in general law practice. Mr. Tuman is director and counsel for the Seacoast Construction and Developing Com- pany; director of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce; and of the Atlantic Oil Company of New Jersey.
A Republican in politics, he takes a keen and active interest in party affairs, being secretary of the Asbury Park Republican Club and a member of the City Executive Committee. He affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Red Bank Lodge, No. 233; the Monmouth County Bar Association; and the Asbury Park Bar Association; and also holds membership in the Asbury Park Fishing Club.
On January 31, 1916, at New York City, Louis Isaac Tuman was united in marriage with Mildred Cohen, daughter of Harris Cohen, a merchant deal- ing in general merchandise at Washington, New Jer- sey. Mr. and Mrs. Tuman are the parents of two children: Lillian Isabelle, born December 13, 1917; and Harry B., born September 6, 1921. The family home is at No. 711 Second avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey. Mr. Tuman is interested in all out-of- door sports, and while in college was a track man and entered all of the meets.
ARTHUR A. SEGER-Prominent in mercantile, fraternal and sporting circles in Monmouth county, and indeed, throughout the State of New Jersey, Arthur A. Seger is one of the representative young men of the Jersey coast. He comes of an old New Jersey family, his grandfather, Thomas Allen Seger, having been born in Princeton, in 1839. He was very prominent in the lumber world, in New York City and elsewhere, throughout his active career. He resided for many years in Asbury Park, and for twenty years served the township as assessor. He died in 1913, at the age of seventy-four years, in Derby, Connecticut, his wife, Elizabeth Ann (God- frey) Seger, still surviving him.
John Fielder Seger, their son, and Mr. Seger's father, was born in New York City, September 20, 1860. Coming to Princeton as a boy, it was there that he received his education in the public schools, then as a young man returned to New York, where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. From boy- hood he had been spending his summers at Asbury Park, and in 1888 he came here to make his per- manent residence. Always an enthusiastic fisher- man, he started making fishing rods in 1893, at his home in Ocean Grove. These were unusually fine rods, and he soon had a steady demand for them among the sportsmen over a wide section, and this business gradually developed until now the Seger's have the largest sporting goods business on the
coast of New Jersey, it is understood. A store was opened in 1898, which was occupied until 1900, when the business had grown until it demanded larger quarters, and a much larger store was then occupied in the block at No. 705 Cookman avenue, which is owned by John F. Seger. This is still the location of the business, which in the interval, has prospered even beyond the expectation of its owners. John F. Seger has been a member of the Royal Arcanum for the past twenty-five years, and has been treas- urer for a long period, but is now retired from that office. He is a member of Asbury Park Lodge, No. 128, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has been a member and treasurer of the Asbury Park Fishing Club since its inception. Politically he endorses the Republican party, but holds inde- pendent views, and does not follow blindly an aggre- gation of public sentiment. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
On December 24, 1884, John F. Seger married Laura Hatch, and they are the parents of five children: Arthur A., whose name heads this re- view; Laura May, born in New York City, married Oscar Pettit, of West Grove, Asbury Park, New Jersey, and died November 24, 1919, leaving three children, Arthur, Agnes and Franklin; John Allen, of Ocean Grove; Edna Elizabeth, married William Leaver, of Asbury Park; and Viola, who died in childhood.
Arthur A. Seger was born in New York City, No- vember 29, 1885, and was educated in the public and high schools of Neptune township. With this thoroughly practical preparation for a successful career, he immediately entered his father's store as assistant, and becoming familiar with the busi- ness in every detail, eventually took over the full management of the store, and is now carrying it forward most successfully.
In the fraternal world Mr. Seger is widely known. He is a member of Asbury Lodge, No. 142, Free and Accepted Masons; of Standard Chapter, No. 35, Royal Arch Masons, of Long Branch, New Jersey; of Corson Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templar; and of Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Newark. He is a member of Asbury Park Lodge, No. 128, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of Tecumseh Lodge, No. 60, Improved Order of Red Men, of Asbury Park. He is a member of the Rotary Club, char- ter member of the Asbury Park Golf and Country Club, and the Fishing Club. Politically he is an independent Republican, but while broadly inter- ested in all advance, takes no leading part in public affairs, personal matters largely commanding his time.
On December 5, 1905, at Asbury Park, Mr. Seger married Josephine Stuphin, daughter of Joseph and Francis (Bills) Stuphin, and they have had three children, Arthur Allen, who died in childhood, and two who died in infancy. They have adopted Franklyn, the youngest child of Mr. Seger's de- ceased sister Laura M.
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EARL CALVIN WAGNER, M. D .- Nearly twelve years have elapsed since Dr. Wagner began private practice in Asbury Park, New Jersey, those years, 1909-1921, having returned him richly the honors of his, the oldest of professions. He has made a specialty of anesthesia, and is considered one of the most able and skillful in his line. Dr. Wagner is a native son of Erieville, New York, having been born there December 23, 1886. His father, Frank Wagner, is a native of Erieville, and is now a resi- dent of Georgetown, New York, and takes an active interest in the welfare and advancement of the town. He owns and runs a large dairy farm, and is also the possessor of fine cattle. He married Lora Andrews, and to them have been born three chil- dren: 1. Arthur A., assistant manager for the Jones Laughlin Steel Company of Pittsburgh, Penn- sylvania. 2. Earl Calvin, of further mention. 3. Mildred, who married Earl Brown, formerly with the Erie railroad, but now living retired in Erie- ville, where he owns a large farm.
Dr. Wagner spent his boyhood in his native place, and it was there that he attended school, graduating from the local high school with the class of 1903. Having decided to adopt medicine as his profession, he matriculated in the medical depart- ment of Syracuse University, where he was gradu- ated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, class of 1908. He then served one year as interne in St. Joseph's Hospital at Syracuse, and then came to Asbury Park, and established himself in the prac- tice of his chosen profession. Besides his private practice, Dr. Wagner is the anesthetist at Spring Lake Hospital.
Dr. Wagner enlisted in the Medical Corps of the United States Army in May, 1917, and from August 5, until October 17, he was stationed at the officers' training camp, at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, after which he was ordered to Camp Upton. Here he be- came attached to the Seventy-seventh Division and was there until April 6, 1918, when he sailed with his division to Liverpool, England. From Liverpool he was sent to Calais, France, and was under in- struction there until June 20, when he was trans- ferred to the Lorraine sector. From August 15, un- til September 15, he was with the Oise-Aisne offen- sive; from September 25, until November 11, he was with the Argonne-Meuse offensive. Dr. Wag- ner was then sent to the Chaumont area, where he remained until February 15, 1919, when he was sub- sequently ordered to Brest, and sailed for home on April 24, 1919, arriving May 6. He received his honorable discharge from the service on May 12, 1919, after which he returned to Asbury Park and resumed his practice. In December, 1918, Dr. Wag- ner was promoted to the rank of captain and from December 1, until his discharge, he was in com- mand of Field Hospital, No. 307. He is affiliated with the American Medical Association, the New Jersey State Medical Association, Monmouth County Medical Society, Beta Theta Pi, and Alpha Kappa Kappa fraternities of Syracuse University. He also holds membership in the Asbury Park Golf and
Country clubs, the Asbury Park Wheelmen, and is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of . Cautious Lodge, No. 726, at Georgetown, New York, and Goodwin Chapter, No. 36, Royal Arch Masons of Manasquan.
On February 28, 1912, at Asbury Park, New Jersey, Dr. Wagner was united in marriage with Ethelyn D. McMullen, a native of Asbury Park. They have no issue. Dr. and Mrs. Wagner reside at Asbury Park, New Jersey.
ANDREW TITUS VAN CLEVE-Among the leading business men of Ocean Grove, New Jersey, and one who has proven by his interest in the wel- fare of the community that he is ever ready to fur- ther any project which has the progress of Ocean Grove as its aim, is Andrew Titus Van Cleve.
Mr. Van Cleve was born at Huntington, West Virginia, January 28, 1871, the son of Henry and Cora (Titus) Van Cleve, the latter a native of Princeton, New Jersey, who died in 1875, at the age of thirty years. Henry Van Cleve was born at Greensboro, New Jersey, where he attended school and later engaged in farming until he re- moved to Huntington, West Virginia, where until his death he carried on a successful coal business. He died in 1906, at the age of seventy years. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Van Cleve were born three children: Andrew Titus, of further mention; Ella, wife of Clarke F. Reed, of Lawrenceville, New Jer- sey; and Cora.
Andrew Titus Van Cleve received his education in the public schools at Trenton, New Jersey, after which he engaged in farming for ten years for Louis C. Mount, of Penn's Neck, Mercer county, New Jersey. In 1890 he removed to Ocean Grove, and served an apprenticeship to the plumber's trade under Aaron Reed, remaining with the latter for seven years. He resigned to become superintendent of the Ocean Grove water and sewer department, and thus continued to fulfill his duties in a most creditable manner until 1901, when he resigned, having in the meantime decided to venture into business on his own account. With this end in view he purchased the business of J. E. Flitcroft, at No. 45 Pilgrim Pathway, which continued to be the scene of his business headquarters until 1911, when he removed to his present location, No. 108 Main street. In the intervening years Mr. Van Cleve has devoted himself untiringly to his business affairs, and as a result has attained his present successful standing in business circles.
The thorough business qualifications of Mr. Van Cleve have always been in good demand on boards of directors, and his public spirit has led him to accept many such trusts. He is a director of the Ocean Grove National Bank; director of the Nep- tune Mutual Building and Loan Association; and of the Monmouth County Plumbing Supply Company, at Long Branch. A staunch supporter of the Re- publican party, he has always taken an active in- terest in the affairs of the local organization. He is also extremely prominent in the Masonic order, and
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is affiliated with Asbury Park Lodge, No. 142, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is past master; Goodwin Chapter, No. 36, Royal Arch Masons; past commander, Corson Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templar; Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Jersey City Con- sistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, past noble grand of Neptune Lodge, No. 84; the Asbury Park Golf Club; National Plumbers' Association; and New Jersey State Plumbers' Asso- ciation; for thirty years a member of E. H. Stokes Fire Company, and past chief of Ocean Grove Fire Department.
At Ocean Grove, New Jersey, April 8, 1903, An- drew Titus Van Cleve was united in marriage with Mary A. Hurley, and they are the parents of one child, George Wendell, born February 16, 1908.
ALFRED A. JONES-Associated as he has been, from the period of its inception, with the Proctor- Jones Electrical Company, Mr. Jones' standing in the business world of Asbury Park and Monmouth county is too well assured to require description. As a citizen he is to be counted on for the support of all measures which he deems conducive to the general good.
Alfred Augustine Jones was born September 25, 1886, at Bradley Beach, New Jersey, and is a son of Augustus Teed and Anne Marie Jones. He at- tended local schools and finished his education at the Neptune Grammar School at Ocean Grove. When the time came for him to begin the active work of life Mr. Jones entered the service of the Hope Electrical Company of Asbury Park, remain- ing five years and acquiring a thorough knowledge of every detail of the business. In 1906, in associa- tion with Phineas Proctor and with his own brother, George Conover Jones (a biography of whom ap- pears elsewhere in this work) he assisted in the formation of the Proctor-Jones Electrical Com- pany, with which he has ever since been con- tinuously connected. He is a member of the Cham- ber of Commerce of Asbury Park, and affiliates with the Asbury Park Lodge, No. 142, Free and Accepted Masons, and the United Commercial Travelers' of America. Mr. Jones married, September 25, 1907, at Asbury Park, Martha Elizabeth, daughter of Ira and Ella (Keenan) Bresenham. The career of Alfred A. Jones is one that may be termed truly well-rounded, for it is that of a successful business man, a good citizen and a kind neighbor, inter- ested in community affairs as well as in the larger problems presented by national policies.
J. DUDLEY DE PEW RODGERS-Among the most aggressive of the younger members of the business circles of Bradley Beach and its vicinity must be included the citizen whose name forms the heading of this article. In the fraternal and social life of his home town Mr. Rodgers is well known and deservedly popular.
John B. Rodgers, grandfather of J. Dudley DePew
Rodgers. was one of the pioneer residents of Brad- ley Beach, and was a son of Captain John Rodgers, of Spring Lake. John B. Rodgers married Matilda Height, daughter of John Height, driver of the old stage-coach that ran across New Jersey.
Elias Johnson Rodgers, son of John B. and Ma- tilda (Height) Rodgers, married Anna Newhart, and died in 1913, at the comparatively early age of forty. His widow survives him.
J. Dudley DePew Rodgers, son of Elias Johnson and Anna (Newhart) Rodgers, was born June 6, 1896, in Philadelphia, and was an infant when brought by his parents to Bradley Beach. In the schools of that town he received his preliminary education, supplementing this by a course at the Mount Hermon Preparatory School. On returning home Mr. Rodgers entered the service of the Proc- tor-Jones Electrical Company at Asbury Park, re- maining with them two years, after which he spent several years in the service of the government. In 1919 he returned to Bradley Beach and the follow- ing year engaged in the electrical contracting busi- ness under the firm name of Bruton and Rodgers. The venture has thus far prospered, the business under skillful management, steadily increasing. In political principle Mr. Rodgers is a Republican and, while taking no part in the work of the organiza- tion, is always ready to do his share toward better- ment of community conditions. He affiliates with Lodge, No. 253, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Asbury Park.
Mr. Rodgers married, June 3, 1917, at Bradley Beach, Ethel Roberta Anderson, and they are the parents of one child: Donald Dudley DePew, born December 5, 1919, at Bradley Beach. J. Dudley De- Pew Rodgers is the son and grandson of men who, each in his turn, assisted in laying the foundation of the present prosperity of their home town, and he himself, as business man and citizen, is worthily helping to develop for it a successful future.
R. WESLEY MILLER-Among the representa- tive business men of Asbury Park, New Jersey, is R. Wesley Miller, a real estate dealer located at No. 718 Madison avenue. In everything pertaining to the welfare of the city, Mr. Miller has taken a keen and active interest and none of her vital inter- est lacks his public-spirited support. R. Wesley Miller was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, his birthplace being the town of Fagelsville. His father, Clinton S. Miller, was for many years en- gaged in the newspaper business at Jacksonville, Florida; he now resides at Williamstown, Pennsyl- vania. His mother, Alice (Fogel) Miller, was also a native of Fagelsville.
R. Wesley Miller was born December 1, 1881, get- ting his preliminary education in the public schools of his native place, later entering Temple Univer- sity at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in the class of 1899. He then matriculated at the Na- tional University at Washington, D. C., first in the law department where he remained for one year and then entered the dental department of
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Georgetown University, but a professional career was not to his liking so at the end of two years he left the university. During this time he was em- ployed by the Lanston Monotype Machine Com- pany at Philadelphia and upon terminating his studies he went south, locating in Houston, Texas, where he was associated with the "Houston Chron- icle," and at the same time became interested in the developing of Texas City. In 1913 he came to As- bary Park owing to the ill health of his wife, and located in the Asbury Park Trust building repre- senting the Lone Star Real Estate Company of Texas. Later he removed to his present location, No. 718 Mattison avenue, and in 1920 became a realtor, dealing in real estate, insurance and mort- gage loans. The flourishing condition of his busi- ness testifies to the sound judgment and untiring energy which he devotes to his affairs. He is a member of the Asbury Chamber of Commerce; the Real Estate Board of Asbury Park; charter mem- ber of the New Jersey Real Estate League; and the New Jersey Association of Underwriters. He is also affiliated with Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15, Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, D. C .; Psi Omega fraternity of Georgetown Uni- versity; and holds membership in the Asbury Park Golf Club and Asbury Park Wheelmen. In religion he is a Christian Scientist.
On October 15, 1912, at Houston, Texas, R. Wes- ley Miller was united in marriage with Zita O'Shaunessy, who died at Asbury Park, New Jersey, in 1916, leaving one child Jewel, born October 31, 1915. He married (second) Irene Allgore of Sea Side Park, New Jersey, and to them has been born one child, Geraldine Vivian, born August, 1920. The family reside at No. 1206 Third avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey.
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