USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 2
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 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68
In the year 1841, Mr. Lake removed with his family to Cleveland, Ohio and in 1845 he removed to the city of New York, commencing the banking business in Wall street, and in 1846 became a mem- ber of the New York Stock Exchange Board, and re- mained a member thereof until his death. During his connection with the Board he experienced both prosperity and reverses. It might truly be said of him, that he made two or three fortunes in Wall street, if he could have known the right time to retire. He was ever conscientious in regard to keeping within the legitimate bounds of business. One who knew him well from the beginning to the close of his business in Wall street, said of him at his departure, "Mr. Lake was transparent as glass, yet solid as marble." But he is gone! and the places that once knew him will know him no more, forever. He died suddenly, on Tuesday evening, March 26, 1867, of paralysis, at his residence, No. 38 East 29th street, in the 67th year of his age.
Such was the announcement of the daily morn- ing papers:
We hear that Mr. Joseph S. Lake died suddenly, on last Tuesday, of apoplexy, in New York City. Mr. Lake, some years since, was a political and financial power in the State of Ohio. Belonging, in those days, to the Democratic party, Mr. Lake was, perhaps, the most influential politician in Ohio. He was not an office-seeking politician, but he wielded an influence over the politics and legislation of the State of Ohio that was well nigh omnipotent in the party to which he belonged. He was largely interested in the banking business at Wooster twenty-five of thirty years ago, and no man's name
.
John Templeton
183
BIOGRAPHICAL
in the State was more prominent in financial circles than his. Since he left Cleveland he has been re- siding in the city of New York, more retired from public notice. He was a man of great energy of character-having a remarkable character for con- trolling men; his personal sympathies were warm, he was genial, and his generous hospitality was proverbial. His death will be a severe blow to his family, and deeply regretted by large numbers who formerly knew him, when in the height of his pros- perity and power. ("Cleveland Herald").
In the winter of 1854, Mr. Lake being in Galves- ton, Texas, he became interested in "the one thing needful," and gave his heart to his Saviour, and was immersed in the Gulf of Mexico by the Rev. James Huchins, pastor of the First Baptist church in Galveston. He lived and died a consistent mem- ber of the Baptist faith, a pious believer in Christ, and when the call came he was ready. The chariot had come, and he went up without a farewell! while his wife and son stood, as it were, stunned beside him
JOHN TEMPLETON-For nearly forty years one of the prominent names of Keyport, New Jer- sey, was that of John Templeton, merchant and man of affairs, progressive citizen and a man of broad personal sympathies, such a man, indeed, as the world needs, and misses sadly when he is no more seen among those with whose daily life he has been familiar. He was a son of James Templeton, who was born in the town of Weir, Scotland, and later came to the Western World as a young man, set- tling in Canada, where he became the owner of a large tannery. He married Margaret Muttelwan, daughter of Walter Muttelwan, also born in the town of Weir, and they were the parents of six sons and one daughter.
John Templeton was born in Perth, Canada, De- cember 20, 1849, and died in Keyport, New Jersey, July 26, 1915. Educated in Canada, and acquiring some business experience in that country, he came to this country at the age of twenty-five years, set- tling in Keyport, where the remainder of his life was spent. Upon first arriving here Mr. Templeton es- tablished a modest business in dry and fancy goods. This was in 1876, and the business steadily grew and developed, until it became one of the popular shopping places of the community. Mr. Templeton carried it forward until his death, his activity in this line, however, never leading him to forget the many relationships which he seemed proud to bear to the general welfare and the progress of public affairs. He was always accessible to those in need, whether a humble individual or a cause sponsored by the leading people of the day. But his share in the benevolences of his time will remain largely a closed book, for it was not his habit to reveal to the public the good deeds in which he delighted. Mr. Templeton took a deep interest in all public advance, for many years was a member of the Chemical Engine Company, and for a considerable time served as its captain. Before coming to this country he served in the militia in Canada. Early becoming a citizen of his adopted country, he there- after consistently supported the Republican party,
but never accepted public honors. His tireless en- ergy made him a valued acquisition in any move- ment, but he always left leadership to others, pre- ferring the inconspicuous opportunities of service to mankind. He was long a member of the Keyport Board of Trade, and fraternally he held member- ship in the Royal Arcanum, of which he was a charter member. One of his favorite recreative in- terests was his membership in the Business Men's Bowling Club. He was a man of deep religious convictions, and carried his principles into his every- day life, worshipping regularly with the Reformed church.
Mr. Templeton married, in Tarrytown, New York, on August 23, 1876, Eveleen Strickland, daughter of Jonathan and Lydia (Bertrand) Strickland, her father a real estate man of Brooklyn, New York, and long active in building and construction work. Mr. and Mrs. Templeton were the parents of six children, of whom three are deceased. Those now surviving are: Ethelyn G., wife of Wallace A. Jack; Clarence R., a member of The New York Stock Exchange, and of the firm of Wade, Templeton & Company; and Herbert J., a traveling salesman.
Seven years have passed since Mr. Templeton was a familiar figure on the streets of Keyport, yet he is remembered as one of the most highly esteem- ed citizens of this community, and his memory is cherished by a host of friends, who feel that their lives are richer and better for having known him.
HENRY HUDSON BENNETT, M. D .- The carl- iest record of the Bennett family dates from the reign of Edward the Third, during the ninth year of whose reign William Bennett had the king's pro- tection, which he held from December 12 until the following Christmas, while he was undertaking some special service with William de Montacute. His son, John Bennett, was returned from the ancient fam- ily seat in Berkshire, when he made oath in 1433 for the due observance of the laws. Fuller, in his "Worthies in Berkshire," says that at All Hallows Church, Wallingford, Berkshire, (now entirely pulled down) there was a monument with this inscription: "This is the monument of Thomas Benet, of Clop- cote, Esq., who had issue Thomas Benet, Knight, Citizen and Alderman of London, his third son, who gave twenty pounds yearly forever to fifteen peo- ple in the town of Wallingford." From this period the family wrote themselves as Bennett rather than Benet and Bennet. The line of the present Earl of Tankerville, as well as that of his father's, have followed the custom by dropping the last "t" in the surname. This will account for the modern peerage books publishing a long line of noble barons as "Sir Charles Bennet."
Thomas Benet, last named, married Anne Mo- lines, daughter of - Molines, of Mackney, Oxon, and was succeeded in the ancient family estates at Clopcot by a son Richard, the father of Thomas Bennett, who became sheriff of London, 1594, and Lord Mayor of London, 1603. His was the first grant of arms to the name, it being certified in
184
MONMOUTH COUNTY
1603 by Sir William Camden. Arms as follows: Arms Gules, a bezant between three demi-lions argent.
Crest-Out of a mural coronet or a lion's head gules, charged on the neck with a bezant.
To this Sir John Bennett, first Baron Ossulston, added supporters namely: Two lions argent ducal- ly crowned or, each charged on the shoulder with a torteaux. (Supporters are used only by the titled line).
Of the many emigrants who came to this coun- try and helped settle the colonies the Bennetts were among the number, and the progeny of this family has played a prominent part in American life and affairs from the earliest days. Bennetts have play- ed parts of prominence in the affairs of State, in business, industrial and commercial life, and in the professions. The stock is a virile, adventurous one, and the strength which characterized the pioneer has been transmitted through each generation.
Hudson Bennett, direct descendant of Sir Thomas Bennett, and father of Dr. Henry Hudson Bennett, was born at Freehold, New Jersey, April 1, 1825, and died March 10, 1906. He spent his entire life- time in his native place, where he engaged in farm- ing on an extensive scale. His death occurred in the same house in which he was born. He mar- ried Cornelia A. Sickles, a native of Holmdel, where her birth occurred May 1, 1829. Mrs. Ben- nett died in 1910 at Freehold, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were the parents of two chil- dren: Anna J., wife of William H. Forman, a lawyer of Freehold, and of old Revolutionary stock, to whom was born one child, Florence C. Forman; Henry Hudson, of further mention.
Henry Hudson Bennett was born at Freehold, New Jersey, March 22, 1857. His early education was obtained in the public schools of his native place and at the Freehold Institute. Having in the meantime determined to adopt medicine as his profession, and with this end in view, he accordingly entered the medical department of Columbia Uni- versity, from which he was subsequently gradu- ated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in the class of 1881. The following two years he was actively engaged in the practice of his chosen pro- fession at Atlantic City, and for the following eight months he was abroad with Washington Seligman as the latter's private physician. Returning to this country, he resumed his general practice, locating in New York City, and thus continued successfully until coming to his present home at Loch Arbor, New Jersey. Dr. Bennett, while located in New York City, was an assistant to Dr. Zemanski, in charge of the outdoor department of Bellevue Hos- pital. He visited the Charity Hospital with Dr. Thomas Burchard, and for twelve years was iden- tified with the North Western Dispensary. He is a member of the Volunteer Medical Service Corps, and medical examiner for the New York Life and Mutual Life Insurance companies.
Dr. Bennett married (first) Minnie S. Carpenter, of Glen Cove, New York. He married (second), at
Florida, February 13, 1921, Mrs. Louise M. Will- iams, of New York.
ALVIN WALLING-One of the oldest and most highly honored names of Monmouth county is that of Walling. Coming originally from Holland to the New Netherlands, the pioneers of this family soon sought the rich farming regions of this section, and acquiring land from the Indians, established the homestead near what is now the thriving town of Keyport. Generation after generation of this fam- ily kept near to nature, increasing their property holdings, and constantly bearing a share in the ever vital work of production, and meeting the needs of the various centers of population which sprung up around them. The family has been represented in many phases of public life and responsibility, direct ancestors of Alvin Walling serving in the Revolution and in the War of 1812, and an uncle in the Civil War.
William W. Walling, father of Alvin Walling, was born at the old homestead, and died June 2, 1915. He, like all the heads of the Walling households, followed farming throughout his lifetime. Active thus in the trying times of the Civil War, and re- alizing the need of food production, he awaited the draft, and eventually drew a blank each time, thus being enabled to continue activities at home. In po- litical affiliation he was a Democrat, but never sought public honors. A brother of Alexina Walling, Garrett Walling, who served in the Civil War, died of fever contracted from polluted water which he drank while in the service. A cousin, Washington Walling, was at one time chief of police of New York City. William W. Walling married Alexina Walling, of another branch of the family, and were the parents of six sons and six daughters, of whom two sons and three daughters are now deceased. Those living are: Ella, wife of George Uhrig, a carpenter; Adaline, wife of Wyckoff Walling, a farmer; Ida, single, and a resident of Keyport; Samuel, a farmer of Holmdel township; John D .; and Garrett; the last two reside on the homestead farm with Alvin, whose name heads this review. The mother died January 24, 1907.
Alvin Walling, son of William W. and Alexina (Walling) Walling, was born in Holmdel township, near Keyport, New Jersey, August 6, 1878. He was educated in the public schools of his native town- ship. After finishing his school studies he assisted his father on the farm until the age of twenty-two years, when he struck out for himself, conducting a farm on shares for about five years. He then de- cided to set aside the family traditions and enter some other field of endeavor. He secured employ- ment with the McAlester Steamboat Company, in the capacity of fireman, which position he filled for one year, then acted as oiler for the same company for two years. Meanwhile he worked as hotel fire- man during the winters. The life of the farm, how- ever, still held its appeal for Mr. Walling, and after these three years of other activity he returned to the home place and continued with his father until
.
alvin. Walling.
.
.
.
.
Q. B. Halter.D
185
BIOGRAPHICAL
the death of the latter, in 1915. Then being one of ten heirs, Alvin Walling purchased the rights of the others and now owns the homestead farm, where he conducts extensive agricultural operations, with the assistance of the two brothers who reside with him as above noted.
Always a Democrat in political matters, Mr. Wall- ing cares little for a leading position in public af- fairs, but served as road supervisor for four years (1916-20). He is well known fraternally, holding membership in the Junior Order of United Ameri- can Mechanics, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the Bap- tist church.
Mr. Walling married, July 23, 1902, at Mechanics- ville, now Keyport, Maud Uhrig, daughter of John and Mary Uhrig, and they are the parents of one son, Alvin, Jr., born November 23, 1903, who is now associated with his father on the farm.
OTTO R. HOLTERS, JR., M. D .- Among the younger professional men who carried forward the general advance in Long Branch was numbered Dr. Holters, who was formerly resident surgeon of the Monmouth Memorial Hospital at Long Branch.
Dr. Holters was born in New York City, March 17, 1896, and is a son of Otto R., Sr. and Mary (Dworsock) Holters, of that city. Receiving his early education in public and high schools of his na- education in the public and high schools of his na- tive city, he entered the medical department of the New York University, at Bellevue Hospital, and was graduated in March, 1919, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Passing the New York State Board examinations shortly afterwards, Dr. Holters entered St. Vincent's Hospital, in New York City, as an interne, and so continued for two years, pass- ing through the various grades of service to that of house surgeon. Meanwhile, during his second year in college, he had been active in the same capacity at the Italian Hospital, New York City, with which he was connected for a year and a half. Passing the New Jersey State Board in 1920, Dr. Holters came to Long Branch to accept the position of resident surgeon at the Monmouth Memorial Hos- pital, where he has served for eighteen months, and where his comprehensive experience and natural ability counted for the progress of the institution. Dr. Holters is a member of the American Medical Association, and the Omega Upsilon Phi and the Delta Sigma Phi fraternities. His present residence is Asbury Park, New Jersey.
WILLIAM ALVIN GEHLHAUS, who for many years has been identified with the business life of Monmouth county, is one of the leading real estate agents of Keansburg and vicinity, and holds im- portant offices in a number of the most progressive corporations of the county. Mr. Gehlhaus is a son of Charles Henry and Caroline (Sonenschein) Gehl- haus, who were born in Germany. The father came to the United States in 1864, and for years was actively engaged as a baker and brick manufacturer. William Alvin Gehlhaus was born May 13, 1871, at
Matawan, New Jersey. He received his early edu- cation in the public schools of that borough. He later attended the Glenwood Institute, of Matawan, and also the Stewart-Hammond Business College at Trenton, New Jersey. After completing his studies, Mr. Gehlhaus assisted his father in the bakery busi- ness, also in the brick yards, and was thus engaged until 1893, when he purchased a bakery business in Atlantic Highlands, following this business for twelve years. At the end of that time he sold the bakery to his brothers, and entered the real estate business. With headquarters at Keansburg, Mr. Gehlhaus has since been constantly active in the de- velopment of Keansburg, Atlantic Highlands and adjacent towns. In connection with this interest Mr. Gehlhaus is half owner and president of the Keansburg Steamboat Company, is president of the New Point Comfort Beach Company, also of the Keansburg and Middletown water companies. He is president of the Mardean Developing Company, and was one of the organizers of the Keansburg Na- tional Bank, of which he is a director. Politically Mr. Gehlhaus supports the Democratic party, and fraternally he holds membership with the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Woodmen of the World. He attends the Presbyterian church of Atlantic Highlands.
In 1898 Mr. Gehlhaus married (first) Lillian New- man, of Long Branch, New Jersey, who died in 1900, leaving no children. On April 1, 1903, Mr. Gehlhaus married (second) Isabel Smith, of Atlan- tic Highlands, daughter of Forman and Sarah (Mor- ton) Smith, both of whom were born in Chapel Hill, New Jersey. They have two children: Henry Frederick, born in Atlantic Highlands, January 8, 1905; and Lillian, also born in Atlantic Highlands, August 12, 1908.
EDWIN MATTHEW BEERS-For many years identified with the business life of Keyport and vicinity, Edwin M. Beers has now retired from ac- tive participation in business interests, and is con- ducting more or less extensive agricultural opera- tions on his farm in Keyport. Mr. Beers comes of an old New Jersey family, his pioneer ancestors settling here when this country was ruled by a king. The original family homestead which they acquired is still in the possession of the direct descendants, as is also the deed of the property as originally ex- ecuted, which is treasured as a priceless relic. Mr. Beers is a son of Nathan Beers, now deceased, who was born in Holmdel, New Jersey, and followed farming all his life. He was a staunch Democrat, and a member of the Baptist church. He married Harriet Coney, who was born in Genesee county, New York, and they were the parents of six chil- dren, as follows: Emma E., now Mrs. Holmes; Anna A., deceased; May; Edwin M., of further men- tion; Lillian H., now Mrs. Smith; and Jesse N.
Edwin Matthew Beers was born in Holmdel town- ship, New Jersey, December 23, 1865. Receiving his early education at the township schools, he com- pleted his preparations for the future with a course at Glenwood Institute, Matawan, New Jersey. Al-
186
MONMOUTH COUNTY
ways interested in the work of the farm, he was active in this field of endeavor for a time, assisting his father about the home place. Later going into the grocery business in Keyport, he was thus en- gaged for about ten years, and during the latter part of that period became interested in a livery stable. The growth of this business was so marked that he eventually gave his entire attention to it, developing a very extensive interest, in which he was finally engaged for eighteen years. When it be- came evident that the motor vehicle was per- manently to supersede the regime of the horse, he disposed of his business interests and retired to the farm, to enjoy the well-earned fruits of success. A lifelong resident of this section of Monmouth county, Mr. Beers has supported the Republican party since his majority, and for some years has served on the Election Board. He has long been a member of the Keyport Social Club, and his re- ligious faith places his membership with the Baptist church.
Mr. Beers married, in Red Bank, New Jersey, on November 5, 1890, Theresa May Whiting, who was born in Red Bank, a daughter of George A. and Theresa A. (Patterson) Whiting, her father being a prominent undertaker of Red Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Beers are the parents of five children: Edwin Remsen, a graduate of the Keyport graded school and Coleman's Business College; Edna May, edu- cated in the Keyport schools and the Library School, now the wife of Jack Maxwell; Olive Uarda, a graduate of the Trenton Normal School, now the wife of William G. Johnson; Dorothy Guinevere, a graduate of the Trenton Normal School, and now active as a teacher; and Marjorie Theresa, now a student at Keyport High School. The family home is at No. 178 Broad street, Keyport.
HARVEY JOHNSON, now engaged in the oil business in Belford, Monmouth county, New Jersey, was born there January 28, 1861, son of John N. and Catherine (Bennett) Johnson. His father and mother were born in Holmdel, New Jersey. John N. Johnson was a carpenter by trade, and after his son Harvey had reached the age of fourteen he began teaching him the same trade. Harvey John- son became a skilled workman, and for twenty- five years followed his trade in and around Bel- ford. In 1906, he established his present oil busi- ness and has found it profitable. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Order of United American Mechanics, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, Patriotic Order Sons of America, is a Republican in poli- tics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Johnson married, at Belford, January 8, 1882, Julia Frances Compton, born in Belford, February 23, 1864, daughter of Captain Cornelius and Hester (Dennis) Compton, also born in Belford. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of four children: Nor- man, born in Belford, New Jersey, December 26; 1883; Sadie L., born in Belford in 1885, died' De-
cember 9, 1901; Leola, born at Point Pleasant, N. Jersey, in 1893; George Harvey, born June 26, 18! at Belford.
ALBERT LOUIS EMIL STRASSBURGER, s of Richard and Wilhelmena (Zoeltch) Strassburg was born at Meridan, Connecticut, July 10, 18' He was taken to New Brunswick, New Jersey, his parents a short time later, and he attended schc in the latter city. Subsequently, after attending t local high school, he entered the New Jersey Bu ness College at Newark. After completing 1 studies at the latter institution, he secured a po tion as custodian of the Jarvie Memorial Libra at Bloomfield, New Jersey, and remained there 1 ten years, when he resigned and came to Oce Grove, where on October 12, 1912, he establish himself in the grocery business. Two years lat on December 10, 1914, his brother, Paul Juli Strassburger, mentioned elsewhere in this work, w admitted into the business, which partnership co tinued until 1915, when Albert L. E. severed 1 connections with this enterprise and purchas Stokes Hall Hotel, which is located at No. 28 Oce Pathway. Since becoming owner of this hostel he has enlarged it from thirty-nine rooms to fiff six guest rooms, twenty-five of which have h and cold water and some with bath. He is a dir tor of the Ocean Grove Hotel Association; a me: ber of the Chamber of Commerce; and trustee the Royal Arcanum Hospital Bed Fund for t State of New Jersey.
Besides his hotel business, Mr. Strassburger to up another line of business. On January 1, 1921, associated himself with Nelson S. Parker, who 1916 established himself in business at No. 515 Su merfield avenue, Asbury Park, as an insurance € pert. On September 1, 1921, Mr. Strassburger to over the entire business on his own account a established himself in offices in the Asbury Pa Trust Company's building, specializing in insurance
A Democrat in politics, he has always taken keen and active part in the local affairs of t organization since coming to Ocean Grove, and 1914 was a candidate for the General Assemb He was also a candidate for the Neptune Townal Board of Education, and in 1917 was a member the Democratic County Committee of Monmot county. During the World War, Mr. Strassburg volunteered his services and was placed in char of the outgoing material from the General O1 nance Depot at South Amboy, holding the office assistant chief inspector. He holds the thirty-sı ond degree in the Masonic order, Ancient Accept Scottish Rite, his membership being in Asbury Pa Lodge, No. 142, Free and Accepted Masons; Sta dard Chapter, No. 35, Royal Arch Masons; Cors Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templar; and Salas Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the M: tic Shrine. He is also affiliated with the Order Eastern Star, Twin City Chapter, of the State New Jersey; Ashler Club of Master Masons Washington, D. C .; Royal Arcanum, of which was two years regent of Coast City Council, N
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.