USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 32
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In politics, Mr. Johnson is a Democrat, and served in the Civilian Guard at Sandy Hook, Ord- nance Department. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Freehold, and is unmarried.
BENJAMIN SPRUIL DANSKIN -- One of the well known names of Monmouth county is that of Danskin, and Benjamin Spruil Danskin is taking a leading position in the progressive group of younger men who are carrying forward the commercial and social progress of this section. Mr. Danskin is a son of James Finley and Jean (Denniston) Danskin, both of whom came from Scotland. The elder Mr. Danskin was one of the foremost business men of Asbury Park and Bradley Beach, and for many years carried on a large bakery business, the bake-shops being at Bond and Summerfield avenues, on Main street and on Springwood avenue. James Finley Danskin was killed in a railroad accident at Bel- mar, in the year 1901, removing from this com- munity one of its best citizens and one of its ablest business men. The five children who, with the mother, survived him, are Jean, James, John, Ben- jamin S., and Norman.
Benjamin Spruil Danskin was born in New York city, October 2, 1895, and coming to Asbury Park, with the family, as a child of four years, it was here that he began his education in the public schools, completing his studies in the Asbury Park High School. Then Mr. Danskin entered the employ of
the New York Telephone Company, at their Asbury Park offices, where he was engaged in the commer- cial department for a period of eleven years. It was there that the World War found him. In January, 1918, he resigned his position to enter the service, but after several unsuccessful attempts became em- ployed by the Government at the Morgan, N. J. shell plant. On May 28th, he entered the Military service at Camp Dix, N. J., and was transferred, on July 18 of the same year, to the officers' training school at Camp Lee, Virginia, where he was commis- sioned second lieutenant of infantry. In October, 1918, Mr. Danskin was returned to Camp Dix, whence he was discharged from the service on Jan- uary 1, 1919, with the rank of second lieutenant. Re- turning to his desk at the office of the telephone company, Mr. Danskin remained with that concern until 1921. On April 4 of that year, he came to Spring Lake, to become associated with Horatio Clayton in the real estate and insurance business. He is still connected with Mr. Clayton, and is also interested, as a partner, in the Indian Lady Hill Spring Water Company, of Asbury Park.
In the public life of the community Mr. Danskin feels a deep interest, and supports the Republican party, but has never yet taken a leading position in its ranks. He is a member of Asbury Park Post, No. 24, American Legion, and serves on the execu- tive committee of the post. He is a member of As- bury Lodge, No. 142, Free and Accepted Masons; Goodwin chapter, No. 56, Royal Arch Masons, of Manasquan; and of Asbury Park Forest, Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He is also a member of the Wheel- men Club of Asbury Park.
On September 2, 1917, Mr. Danskin married Nora Elizabeth Jackson, daughter of Lyle and Lillian (Dangler) Jackson, and they have one son, James Clyde, born October 7, 1919, in Asbury Park.
ARCHIBALD HEIGHT - Among the leading business men of Allenhurst, and in fact of Mon- mouth county, his extensive business covering over a wide area, is Archibald Height, of the firm of Archie Height & Brother, contracting plumbers of Allenhurst.
Elias Height, grandfather of Archibald Height, was born in New Bedford, New Jersey, in 1798, and died in 1882. Before the railroads ran through New Jersey, he owned stages running from Red Bank docks to Manasquan and from Shark River Station to Manasquan, carrying mail and passengers to the various points therein. The first station out of Red Bank was via Shrewsbury, the Halfway House now known as the Wayside, thence to the Trap Tavern at Hamilton, and from there making stops at Bail- ey's Corner Tavern at Bailey's Corner and the Squan House at Manasquan. He was also the only veterin- ary in Monmouth county, and horses were brough from miles around for treatment. He marrie Matilda Alger, and to them were born the followir children: Charles, deceased, who was in charge . the Sea Girt camp, and a resident of Manasqua Hartshorn, deceased, was a celebrated sharpshoo'
ARCHIBALD HEIGHT AND FAMILY
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and dog trainer, and lived at Allaire, New Jersey; Hiram, deceased, was proprietor of the tavern at Lower Squankum and also a veterinarian; Robert, was for many years proprietor of Bailey's Corner Tavern, but has been living retired at Avon since 1906; Thomas B., of further mention; Matilda, de- ceased, was the wife of John B. Rogers, of Bradley Beach.
Thomas B. Height, son of Elias and Matilda (Al- ger) Height, and father of Archibald Height, of fur- ther mention, was born November 6, 1883, and died at Hamilton, New Jersey, July 26, 1897. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was a young man and enlisted in the Union army, becoming a member of Company K, 29th New Jersey Regiment of Volun- teer Infantry. He served as a drummer boy. It is interesting to note that the drum is now in the possession of Archibald Height. After the war Thomas B. Height went to New York City and learned the mason's trade with John Tucker. He then went to Asbury Park, where he worked for Stephen Van Cleve, and later for Amos Tilton, masen contractors. With a thorough practical knowledge of the business, he then removed to Spring Lake, New Jersey, where he established him- self in this particular line of business and thus con- tinved until his death. He was a very active mem- ber of the Methodist church at Hamilton. He mar- ried Sarah Elizabeth Davison at Hopewell, Wall township, and they became the parents of fourteen children, nine of whom still survive, as follows: Lillian, wife of Frederick De Groot, of Asbury Park; Archibald, of further mention; Irving a resident of Asbury Park; Fred, a resident of Ocean Grove, New Jersey; T. Harrison, a resident of West Grove and a partner in the business of Archie Height & Brother; Myrtle C., wife of Carl Stauch, of Phila- delphia; Florence E., wife of Jacob Beutell, of Ocean Grove; Daisy Belle; Earl W., a resident of Ocean Grove.
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Archibald Height, son of Thomas B. and Sarah Elizabeth (Davison) Height, was born at Hamilton, New Jersey, May 23, 1875. He obtained his edu- cation in the public schools of his native place. At the age of seventeen years he finished school and began his apprenticeship to the plumber's trade, starting with D. T. Reed, at Spring Lake, with whom he remained two years, and completing with George Turner, of Asbury Park, staying with the latter for a period of four years. His first employer after completing his apprenticeship was J. E. Fletcroft, of Allenhurst, and there he remained for seven years as foreman, during which time the plumbing for the Allenhurst Club was done. At the end of these seven years Mr. Height bought the business and has since continued as the owner, together with his brother, whom he admitted as a partner, and the firm name changed to its present one. The work is largely contract and of the highest grade, cover- ing territory from Long Branch to Manasquan and extending far back into the country. Many of the finest residences in Allenhurst and vicinity have been installed with heating and plumbing fixtures by
the firm, among them being the late Karl Roebling's residence at Spring Lake; W. R. Jones' residence at Deal Beach; and at Shadow Lawn, which was the summer White House during the year 1916. The firm does a business of $50,000 yearly, and carries a force of fifteen men besides its office force.
In politics Mr. Height is an Independent, pro- ferring to cast his vote for the person regardless of party issue. He is affiliated with the Improved Order of Red Men, Tecumseh Tribe, of Asbury Park; president of the Hamilton Cemetery Associa- tion; ex-president of Allenhurst Fire Company, No. 1., and a life member of the Firemen's Relief Asso- ciation. He, like his father, attends the Methodist Episcopal church at Hamilton, and is very active in its affairs, being president of its board of trus- tees.
On September 12, 1897, at Asbury Park, New Jersey, Archibald Height was united in marriage with Catherine Simpler, of Keyport, New Jersey, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Simpler. Mr. and Mrs. Height are the parents of a daughter, Edith Frances Height.
Unostentatious in his activities, Archibald Height is a man of most progressive endeavor, always seek- ing a channel through which the material and moral welfare of the community may be advanced. An astute business man of fine judgment and aggres- sive methods, he is intensely public-spirited, and a business life of many years, including much pioneer work successfully accomplished, is the summary of the record of Mr. Height.
CARL ALBERT GESSWEIN, M. D .- One of the prominent physicians of Monmouth county, New Jersey, Dr. Gesswein is filling various offices of the public trust in connection with the health and well- being of the community, and is also prominent in fraternal circles.
Dr. Gesswein is a son of Gustave Gesswein, who was born in Germany, September 14, 1850, and came to this country in his youth. He was for many years superintendent of the Mosler Safe Works, at Hamilton, Ohio, but is now a resident of Matawan, New Jersey, and serves the public in the capacity of justice of the peace. He married Mary Dorn, who was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, February 8, 1857.
Dr. Gesswein was born in Canton, Ohio, May 80, 1881, and received his early education in the public schools of that city. Entering the University of Illinois in 1898, he spent two years in classical study, then took the four years' course of the College of Physicians and Surgeons connected with the same university, and was graduated in 1904, with the de- gree of Doctor of Medicine. In October, 1905, Dr. Gesswein opened an office at Plainfield, New Jersey, where he practiced until December, 1916. He then came to Matawan, and has since carried on the general practice of medicine here, with constantly increasing success. In connection with his private practice he serves as a member of the Board of
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Health of both Matawan and Holmdel, and is med- ical inspector of the Holmdel schools, also township physician of Holmdel. He is a member of the County and State Medical societies, and of the American Medical Association.
In political affairs Dr. Gesswein endorses the Democratic party in matters of national import, but is not invariably opposed to a worthy candidate in local elections, even if advanced by other parties. During the World War he assisted widely in relief work with the Red Cross, giving first aid instruc- tion. Fraternally, he holds membership in Matawan Lodge, No. 192, Free and Accepted Masons; in Jerusalem Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Plain- field, New Jersey; of Corson Commandery, Knights Templar, of Asbury Park; and of Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Newark. He is a member of the Presbyterian church.
On June 14, 1905, Dr. Gesswein married in Hamil- ton, Ohio, Bessie Morrow, who was born October 15, 1880, and is a daughter of John and Addie (Hud- son) Morrow.
MILTON TILTON VOORHEES was born at Pleasant Grove, Freehold, New Jersey, on February 11, 1877, and is a son of William and Mary (Hurley) Voorhees. His father, who was a farmer and was also engaged in the baking business at Freehold, died on February 21, 1918. Mr. Voorhees has five brothers, George H. Voorhees, Austin H. Voorhees, Edward Voorhees, William V. Voorhees, and Her- bert Voorhees.
Mr. Voorhees received his early education in the public schools of Freehold. After completing his studies, he associated himself with his father in the baking business. He remained in this business for three years and then enlisted in the United States Army for service in the Spanish-American War. He served as a member of the Third New Jersey Com- pany-from Freehold. This company was previous- ly known as Company E. He was stationed at Athens, Georgia, and received his discharge on February 11, 1898.
In April, 1898, Mr. Voorhees came to Spring Lake, New Jersey, and established himself in the baking business as an independent dealer. He met with complete success in his new venture and con- tinued his business at the same place for eight years. In 1906 he built a new and modern building and still conducts the business there. He has built up a large and prosperous trade and is generally re- garded as a capable and upright business man. He carries on both a wholesale and retail trade in bak- ery goods, and is well liked by all his associates in the business world.
Mr. Voorhees is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. In politics, he is a Democrat. He is a Mason, and belongs to Wall Lodge, Goodwin Chapter, No. 73, Manasquan. He also belongs to Asbury Park Forest, Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Mr. Voorhees is also a member of the Order of Golden Eagles, at Spring Lake.
He married Mary E. Clark at Freehold on Sep- tember 27, 1899. Mrs. Voorhees is a daughter of Charles and Mary (Murray) Clark. Mr. and Mrs. Voorhees have one son, Edward Milton Voorhees.
FRANK DURAND, JR .- Among the younger generation of business men in Spring Lake, New Jer- sey, is Frank Durand, Jr., a member of the firm of Durand & Brown, real estate and insurance. Al- though having been active in the business world but a comparatively short time he has already shown his ability to succeed, the business with which he is identified having consistently grown, due, in no small measure, to the capable judgment of Mr. Durand.
Frank Durand, Jr., was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, March 9, 1895, the son of Frank Dur- and. The boyhood of Frank, Jr., was spent in his native place where he attended the local schools, graduating from the Asbury Park High School with the class of 1913. He then spent one year at Rut- gers College and subsequently matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania where he remained dur ing 1915-1916. On July 12, 1917, he enlisted in the United States navy and was sent to Newport, Rhode Island, where he remained until May 20, 1918, doing harbor patrol duty. He was then made an ensigz and assigned to the United States ship, Minneapolis doing escort duty across to France. His next as signment was to submarine chaser No. 49, and still later he was transferred to chaser No. 414, during which time he did convoy duty. On July 11, 1919 he was assigned to inactive duty and returned im- mediately to his home. He then went to Spring Lake and on November 1, 1920, formed a partner ship with Herbert P. Brown, mentioned elsewhere in this work, and established a real estate and in- surance business with headquarters at No. 1215 Third avenue.
Mr. Durand is a Republican in politics, and clerk of the Borough of Sea Girt. He affiliates with As- bury Park Lodge, No. 128, Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks, and with Beta Theta Pi frater- ity of the University of Rutgers. In religion he is a Presbyterian, attending the first church of this denomination at Manasquan. He also holds mem. bership in the Asbury Park Golf Club and is inter ested in all out-of-door sports.
EVERETT W. BENNETT, active in various branches of business endeavor, is one of Eatontown'ı representative young men today. He is a son of William H. and Lillian (King) Bennett, his father having been born in Red Bank, October 5, 1869, anc his mother in Brooklyn, New York, in 1870.
Mr. Bennett was born in Long Branch, New Jer sey, April 29, 1891, and received his education in the public schools of Schodack Landing, New York Variously employed as a youth, he early entered the business of interior decorating, opening his ow establishment in Bradley Beach, in this county; thei in 1916, he opened a place in Long Branch, along the same lines. He has since continued the two in
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terests, handling many contracts among the finer residences and public buildings throughout this en- tire section, and attaining a prominent position in this field. On the first day of November, 1920, Mr. Bennett extended his operations by the opening of an automobile business in Red Bank, also a branch of this line in Eatontown, thus materially broaden- ing the scope of his activity. He is carrying all these interests forward successfully.
In the public affairs of the county Mr. Bennett takes only the interest of the progressive citizen, and politically he is Independent. Fraternally he holds membership in the Loyal Order of Moose, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Bennett married, June 25, 1910, at Asbury Park, Catherine M. West, daughter of Harry and Mary L. (Smith) West. Mr. West is connected with county road construction. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have two children: Ruth Anna, born April 16, 1911; and Arnold Everett, born May 15, 1913. The family resides in Eatontown.
NELSON F. BARNES Of the young men of New Jersey who have gone out into the world and are meeting large responsibilities, Nelson F. Barnes, of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, is a note- worthy example. Mr. Barnes is a son of the late Hon. Frank J. Barnes, who was born in Harriman, New York, February 1, 1875. He went to Alaska in the early gold rush and died there. He was for years manager of the track department of the Hudson County Trolley Company. He married Alice M. Manning, who survives him and resides in At- lantic Highlands.
Nelson F. Barnes was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, but the removal of the family to Atlantic Highlands placed him in the schools of that corz- munity, and he was graduated from the high school in due course of time. His first employment was in the electrical contracting business, and he soon established his own concern, handling contracte in- dependently. He has done much work in this vicin- ity of considerable importance, including the elec- trical work at the weather bureau in Sandy Hook, and the Leonards High School, operating under the firm name of the Nelson F. Barnes Company. In 1919 Mr. Barnes went to the Philippine Idlands, and is now superintendent: of electrical distribution of the Manila Electric Company.
In the jobke Efe of the State and Nation M ?. Barnes early took a deep incerest. by; her that far accepted no public alice, and politicaly is an Is- dependent. Fraternally, he bolds membership iz the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Red Bank, New Jersey.
M. A. THORP-One of the more recent indes- trial enterprises of Red Bank, New Jersey, which promise of a successtal fatare, is the rustic farmi- ture business of which M. A. There is the curez.
Laura (Peacock) Thorp, long residents of that town, but more recently of Red Bank. Gaining & practical education in the public schools of Red Bank, Mr. Thorp, as a young man, was first em- ployed in the furniture business, continuing in this field of endeavor until 1916, when he entered the employ of the Du Pont people, manufacturers of ammunitions, and continued with them until after the signing of the Armistice at the end of the World War. He was then employed for a time in New York City by I. D. Noll & Company, security underwriters. The furniture business and its oppor- tunities, however, still held the interest of Mr. Thorp, and believing he saw an opening in the manufacture of specialties for the furniture trade, he came to Red Bank, and in January, 1921, began the manufacture of rustic furniture of original and artistic designs. His output consists largely of porch and lawn furniture, and his market includes some of the most important retail concerns in New York City, among them Macy's and Stern Brothers, and he also supplies Bamberger, of Newark, New Jersey, and various houses of that class. He has made a most promising start, and his friends are confident of his success in the future.
Mr. Thorp married, in 1905, Marietta Mayne, of Wilmington, Delaware. They amliate with the Methodist Episcopal church, although Mr. Thorp was reared a Quaker.
FRANCIS S. BRAND was born at Bailey's Cor- ner, Wall township, New Jersey, on March 26, 1848, and is a son of Robert and Susiana (West) Brand, his father a farmer.
While Mr. Brand was still quite young, his fans- ily moved to Popular, Shrewsbury township, and bere he received bis early education in the district school. After completing his studies, Mr. Brand worked on his father's farm, and during the summer months be obtained employment on a steamboat running from Ben Bank, New Jersey, to New York.
Sometime later, however, be decided to learn the trade of a carpenter and obtained employment at the Edwards Planing Mill, situated on Broadway, Long Branch, where be worked on masbes, blinds, and door, and acquired a thorough knowledge of the various branches of carpentry. Ative spending the years in this work, be trablushed himself, in 115, I basket, with several contracting and siding work Albrech be is now seventy three years of age, Mr. Brand sil carrive on his business a character the well as credit to many younger man. i'her a young man Mr. Brand touche bissel! architectural craving The knowledge he thu acquired bas shrgys kan of the greatest pt- enabled more than once to enlarge his business
Mr. Brand in the Fruityerine dounch on Thist avant, Long Branch For this he drew the plans and spavati the actual butthống through all is
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fine brick schoolhouses of Monmouth county.
Mr. Brand is a member of Saint Luke's Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. He has served as a member of the West Long Branch Council ever since the organization of the borough. He is a member of Lodge 78, Free and Accepted Masons; and belongs to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, Hollywood Lodge, No. 29.
Mr. Brand married, in 1871, Louisa Smith, and they have three children: John G., Susie, and Clara.
CHARLES CHRISTIAN SCHOCK-A lifelong resident of Matawan, New Jersey, and interested since boyhood in the business of which he is now the head, Charles C. Schock, of this place, is one of the solid business men of Monmouth county. Mr. Schock is a son of Matthias and Rosa (Straub) Schock, his father having been a native of Ger- many and a butcher by occupation, and his mother a native of New York city. The elder Mr. Schock is now deceased.
Charles Christian Schock was born in Matawan, New Jersey, September 17, 1880, and was educated in the public schools of the town. After completing his studies he assisted his mother in the dry goods store which she had conducted since his father's death. In 1915 Mr. Schock took over the full man- agement of the business, relieving his mother of the responsibility, and has since conducted the busi- Ress very successfully, meeting the requirements of the local trade in a most satisfactory way. He handles a very complete line of dry goods, shoes and general merchandise. Politically Mr. Schock is an Independent, and has never aspired to any public office. He attends the Presbyterian church.
On February 3, 1915, Mr. Schock married Helen Louise Terhune, daughter of James L. and Mary Anna (White) Terhune, of Matawan, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Schock have one son, Charles Chris- tian, Jr., born in Matawan, November 30. 1919.
FLOYD HOWARD STONE, a merchant of Bel- ford, New Jersey, is the owner of one of the lead- ing fish markets of that town, and is among its progressive young business men. He was born here January 26, 1895, son of Edward H. Stone of Riverhead, Long Island, a fisherman, and Annie E. (Conklin) Stone of Flatbush, Long Island, one of a family of ten children. Mr. Stone was edu- cated in the public and high schools of Belford and subsequently was employed in a saw mill at Atlantic Highlands for three years. The call of the sea being naturally strong within him, Mr. Stone then sailed as captain of several fishing boats, following this line of work for eight years. He was also em- ployed for a time on steam boats and in the fall of 1921 located permanently in his native town where he opened the fish market he now conducts. In politics, he is a Republican and is a member of the Methodist church. Fraternally he is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the Sons and Daughters of Liberty.
He married, July 2, 1916, at New Monmouth, New Jersey, Estella Anderson, born at Keansburg, New Jersey, daughter of Joel Anderson, a fisherman, and Mary (McCauley) Anderson.
ALBERT ELY SNYDER-In the comparatively few years during which Mr. Snyder has been a resident of Rumson he has built up for himself an honorable reputation both as business man and cit- izen. He is well liked socially, and in fraternal circles is a figure of prominence.
Frederick Snyder, father of Albert Ely Snyder, was a native of France, and came as a boy to the United States, settling in Monmouth county, New Jersey, and becoming one of the pioneers of Nave- sink. His trade was that of a carpenter. During the Civil War he enlisted from Freehold, Monmouth county, in the Twenty-ninth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, and served for nine months with the Army of the Potomac. He was a Republican in poli- ties, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Re- public, of Atlantic Highlands. He married Barbara Fahner, born in France, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Fahner, and the following children were born to them: William, George, Edward, Albert Ely, mentioned below; Elizabeth, Mary C .; three boys and one girl died in infancy; and Frederick, Jr., killed in an accident. Mr. Snyder died in May, 1920, at Navesink, where he had lived for sixty years.
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