USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 33
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Albert Ely Snyder, son of Frederick and Bar- bara (Fahner) Snyder, was born July 31, 1875, at Navesink, New Jersey, and received his education in schools of his native town. He worked for Richard Lufburrow in his grocery store at Middle- town, New Jersey, for twelve years, then went to Westfield, New Jersey, and established a sporting- goods store, which he conducted for two years, then sold out. He then went to Red Bank, New Jersey, where for two years he was district man- ager of the Order of Woodmen of the World, after which he was manager of George Bray's grocery for three years. In 1914 he came to Rumson and purchased the grocery business of George Bray. He his since, by his able management and just dealing, made the store one of the first of its class in the town. The principles of the Republican party are those to which Mr. Snyder gives his political allegi- ance, but he has never mingled actively in the work of the organization. He belongs to Monmouth Camp, No. 43, Woodmen of the World, of Red Bank, holding the office of district manager for Monmouth county and occupying a position of prominence in all branches of the order. He affili- ates also with Middletown Council, No. 153, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of Middle- town, New Jersey, and is a member of Monmouth Boat Club, of Red Bank, and treasurer of Oriole Athletic Association, of Red Bank.
Mr. Snyder has proved himself an able business man and a public-spirited citizen, and the future seems to hold for him a continuance of honorable prosperity.
albert. E Suyder
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DANIEL BENNETT-As postmaster and pro- prietor of a store in Belford, New Jersey, Daniel Bennett is counted among the leading citizens of the place, which has been his home for several years. Taking an active interest in everything per- taining to the welfare of this community. he read- ily gives his support to all measures calculated to promote public progress.
Daniel Bennett was born at Everett, New Jersey, November 12, 1855, the son of David H. and Kath- erine (Hyer) Bennett, both deceased. Daniel Ben- nett spent his childhood on his father's farm, and most of his time was given to aiding the elder man in his work about the place. His educational ad- vantages were exceedingly meagre, but Mr. Bennett is one of those characters who are keenly observant and he has learned much in the hard school of ex- perience, especially about that all-important sub- ject, his fellow-men. At the age of seventeen he began his apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade, and after three years established himself in this particular line at Centreville, New Jersey. He also bought a small farm at this time, and managed this, together with his blacksmith's business, at this loca- tion for twenty-five years. He then moved to Bel- ford, where he opened a blacksmith shop. After managing this for five years he tore it down and built in its place his present store, in which is in- stalled the local post office. In politics Mr. Bennett is a Democrat and has always taken the interest in his chosen party which is demanded of every good citizen.
At Port Monmouth, New Jersey, Daniel Bennett was united in marriage with Clara M. Corhort, daughter of Stephen and Harriett Corhort. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are the parents of two children: Erwin, who is engaged in the blacksmith business and is married to Daisy Thorne; Lila, the wife of Eugene J. Beals, of New York City.
HENRY T. ACKERMAN-It is safe to say that Do more aggressive business man is to be found in Keansburg and its vicinity than the citizen whose Dame stands at the head of this article. The con- Cern which Mr. Ackerman conducts is widely known as the Keansburg Trucking Company.
John Ackerman, father of Henry T. Ackerman, Was born in New York City, and for many years Was employed on the New Jersey Central railroad. The name of his wife was Catharine, and the fol- lowing children were born to them: Henry T., men- tioned below; Clayton, Lillian, Susan, Nana, George, and one who died in childhood. Mr. Ackerman died in 1920, at Plainfield, New Jersey, being then sev- enty-eight years old.
Henry T. Ackerman, son of John and Catharine Ackerman, was born July 20, 1876, at Richmond, Virginia, and was five years old when the family moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, where he was edu- cated and lived until attaining his majority. For ten years thereafter he was identified with the show business, playing in William Brady's produc- tions. After playing in "Foxy Grandpa" and the
"George Primrose Minstrels" the needs of a grow- ing family, combined with his desire to be with them, caused Mr. Ackerman to abandon the foot- lights and take up his abode in Keansburg. This was twelve years ago, and was the turning point in his career. He established, on a small scale, a trucking business which, under his far-sighted guidance and able management, has gradually de- veloped into an extensive auto trucking establish- ment with an equipment of trucks having a capacity of from two to three and a half tons. He has, also, nine horses and the usual flock of "flivver" trucks." The business commands high-class pa- tronage.
Mr. Ackerman married, June 20, 1899, Barbara Schlick, born in New York City, daughter of Andrew and Dora Schlick, and they are the parents of two sons and a daughter: Henry Mage, born in 1900; George, born in 1902; and Dorothy, born July, 1908. All three were born in Plainfield, New Jersey.
After a somewhat checkered career, Mr. Acker- man has achieved substantial independence, build- ing up a business which is a monument to his sa- gacity, astuteness and honorable dealing, and is daily increasing its well-founded and richly merited reputation.
THOMAS AUGUSTUS CRANMER-For the past twenty years Thomas A. Cranmer, of Long Branch, has been active in the world of construc- tion, bearing a part in the remarkable growth and improvement of the community, and thereby gain- ing his own success, as well as adding to the pros- perity and well-being of his fellow-citizens.
Mr. Cranmer was born in Barnegat, New Jersey, July 6, 1857, and is a son of Augustus and Sarah A. (Herbet) Cranmer, his father having also been a contractor and builder. As a lad Mr. Cranmer at- tended the public schools of his native place, then learned the trade of carpenter with Mr. Newcomb of Long Branch, after which he entered the employ of Mr. Stanton, a well known builder of that day, rising to the position of foreman while still in this connection.
In 1902 he started out for himself estab- lishing his business in Long Branch. He has erected very many of the finer residences in the city and vicinity, doing much of his own architectural work, drawing and designing. He has made a spe- cialty of cottages and homes for the people, and has also built a number of public buildings, notably among them the Grand Theatre. During the World War Mr. Cranmer acted as superintendent of con- struction at Sandy Hook, in placing the new battery guns in their wells, and in the course of this work had his foot crushed, suffering a very painful in- jury, from which he has since recovered. He is do- ing a very extensive business, and now employs ten or twelve men regularly.
Mr. Cranmer married Lillie C. Dennis, of Lake- hurst, New Jersey, and they have two children: Edna M., now Mrs. Gramann; and Lehman Augus- tus. The son enlisted in the United States navy
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for service in the World War, giving, in the cause of humanity, all that life really can hold. He was injured in February, 1917, and his mind is still cloud- ed as a result of the casualty. A young man of rare promise, this was particularly sad, and brought home to his wide circle of friends the sorrow which so few communities have escaped.
FRANK WIDENER HAMPTON-For many years active in the United States Ordnance Depart- ment, and now prominent in the business world of Long Branch, Frank W. Hampton is widely known. He is a son of Grandin and Louise (Van Brunt) Hampton, and his father served with honor in the Civil War.
Frank Widener Hampton was born in Ocean Grove, April 7, 1880, and received a practical educa- tion in Long Branch, being graduated from the high school in the class of 1897. His first employment was in New York City, in the office of a mineral water concern. In 1903 Mr. Hampton returned to Long Branch, and became attached to the ordnance department, at the Sandy Hook Proving Grounds, in the capacity of chief clerk. In February, 1918, he was commissioned captain in the ordnance de- partment, and was later promoted to major, and assigned to the chemical warfare service. In the course of his duties in this connection Mr. Hamp- ton was at various times in Washington, Baltimore, and Lakehurst, New Jersey. He was assistant com- mander of Amatol Arsenal, near Hammonton, New Jersey, and later, executive officer of the Aberdeen . Proving Grounds, in Maryland. He received his honorable discharge from the army on October 31, 1919, and from that time until July, 1921, he held the position of executive assistant at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. In July, 1921, he re- turned to Long Branch, and became associated in a secretarial capacity with the Joseph Goldstein De- partment Store, Incorporated.
Fraternally Mr. Hampton is a member of Long Branch Lodge, No. 78, Free and Accepted Masons, of Long Branch, of which he is past master, and of Standard Chapter, No. 35, Royal Arch Masons. He is also a member of the Masonic Club, and of the Past Masters' Association of Monmouth county. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Long Branch, and served as its trustee for three years.
Mr. Hampton married Jennie B. Leith, of Allen- wood, Monmouth county, who was educated in the Long Branch high schools, and they have one daugh- ter, Gertrude.
JESSE W. POTTER, for many years prominent in the business life of Monmouth Beach, has also long been identified with the general progress of the community, giving largely of his time and ener- gies to the public well-being. Mr. Potter is a son of Benjamin C. and Mary Elizabeth (West) Potter, his father for many years widely known in the fish- ing business, disposing of his fish through a retail store and also handling a wholesale trade which was very extensive.
Jesse W. Potter was born at Monmouth Beach, January 14, 1874, and received his education in the public schools of Long Branch City, also attending the high school there until 1889. His first employ- ment was as salesman for the grocery firm of Knapp & West, of Sea Bright, and following his association with that concern he was employed for a time in New York City. Returning to Sea Bright, Mr. Pot- ter took over his father's business at the death of the latter, and was long active in the business, car- rying forward both the wholesale and retail branches under the firm name of McWood & Potter, with store and office at the little community known as Galilee.
In the public life of Monmouth Beach Mr. Potter has long been prominent, serving as the first bor- ough clerk upon the inauguration of the new form of government in 1906. He continued in this office until 1917, then in the fall of 1920 was elected as- sessor. He is now also street supervisor, and is handling the problems of this office with the capable energy which has marked all his public service as well as the progress of his individual enterprises. Fraternally Mr. Potter holds membership in the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He is a member of the Monmouth Beach Fire Company, which he serves as secretary, and is a member of the Long Branch Ice Boat and Yacht Club. His re- ligious convictions place his membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Potter married Laura B. McWood, and they have one son: John Benjamin, who was employed for two years with the Eatontown Bank, and is now receiving teller at the White Plains County Trust Company.
CHARLES WESTLEY MAJOR - While the business career of Charles W. Major has been one of continued success in the bicycle, motor cycle and automobile business, he is equally to be commended for his track record as a motor cycle "speed king," for from 1908 until 1914 his name was a familiar one at the motor cycle racing meets and he placed many wins to his credit. He raced at all important tracks from coast to coast, and completed a most honorable record and one in which he may take a just pride. This racing period was not at the ex- pense of his business, but in addition to it, in fact his recreation, for he has always been a worker and the business which he now owns has been built up by hard work and intelligent management. He is a grandson of Charles and Jemina (Clayton) Major, and a son of Isaac and Mary L. (Mariner) Major, his father a former farmer of Farmingdale, New Jersey, but after selling his farm engaged as a carpenter. Isaac and Mary L. Major were the parents of three sons: Charles W., Stanley S., and William J.
Charles W. Major was born at Farmingdale, New Jersey, January 25, 1889. When a boy, his parents moved to Ocean Grove, New Jersey, which has ever since been his home. He was educated in the public schools, finishing at Neptune High School, and when school years were over he took a position
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with Van Dyke, the electrical contractor. Later the young man started in business for himself, open- ing a bicycle shop, small at first and limited in equipment, but he persevered until he had overcome all obstacles and had gained a business worth while. In 1912 he further enlarged by adding motor cycles to his line, he having in the meantime established his own reputation as a daring motor cycle racing man, defeating all comers at the athletic grounds for the past four years. At an Asbury Park motor cycle championship race, Mr. Major acted as track manager. The program of events was as follows: "Three mile race for twin cylinders; five mile race for twin cylinders; ten mile race for ported twin cylinders; ten mile twin ported cylinder race be- tween Major, riding Excelsior, and Gebhardt, riding Indian, for Maryland-New Jersey championship; five mile stock twin race for amateur championship of Asbury Park; two heats, free for all; five mile single cylinder stock race for local riders, two heats; three mile race for side cars with passenger; two mile event for bicycles; five mile bicycle event for championship of Monmouth county, free for all, three heats; pursuit race for time." Mr. Major rode, professionally, a motor cycle for six years all over the State, in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, and Daytona, Florida, and lost one race in his entire career by accident. He continued in bicycle and motor cycle building and repairing until 1915, then, having retired from the racing game, he opened up an electrical shop on Main street, Asbury Park. There he developed such an extensive busi- ness that he bought a large beach front garage, which he conducts in connection with his Main street electrical shop. He specializes in building automobiles. He has been very successful in his various undertakings, and is one of the highly re- garded young business men of his city. He is a member of Asbury Park Lodge, No. 128, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in politics is an Independent.
Mr. Major married, in New York City, October 5, 1921, Nellie A. Twitmire, of Allenhurst, daughter of Alton A. and Mary (O'Connor) Twitmire, of Allenhurst, the former named now living retired at Allenhurst.
WILLIAM E. ARROWSMITH-A veteran un- dertaker of Monmouth county, New Jersey, long successful in this profession, William E. Arrow- smith, of Matawan, is also prominent in various branches of activity, and holds a leading position in the community.
The Arrowsmith family is known as the oldest family in Matawan, and has always borne an honor- ed name. Thomas H. Arrowsmith, his father, was born in Matawan township in the year 1823, and died in 1915, in the place of his birth, having attained the ripe old age of ninety-two years. He was the first undertaker in Monmouth county, and was the first to build a hearse in this county, for use in connection with his mortuary work. He mar- ried Ann Eliza Bedle, who was born in New York
City, and died in Matawan, in 1907. They were the parents of five children: Mary Elizabeth, born in Matawan; Henry, who died in December, 1921; Ed- win, who served with honor in the Civil War, and died in Salsbury Prison (Confederate) North Caro- lina; Thomas, who died in infancy; and William E., whose name heads this review.
William E. Arrowsmith was born in Matawan, New Jersey, April 2, 1852, and was educated at Glenwood Institute, in his native town. After com- pleting his studies he assisted his father in the undertaking business, and after becoming familiar with the work, was associated with his father for many years, continuing with him until the death of the pioneer in this profession, and has since carried the business forward personally. His long experience, and his policy of keeping in touch with every advance along this line of endeavor, have placed him among the leaders in mortuary affairs in this part of the State.
In the public life of his native township, Mr. Arrowsmith has long been active. He served for a considerable period with Washington Engine Com- pany, No. 1, of the Matawan Fire Department, also with Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1. He has served as a member of the Borough Council, and the water board, of which he was chairman, and endorses the principles of the Republican party. He served in Company A, of the famous 7th Regi- ment, New York National Guard, and looks back with deep pleasure upon a personal friendship with the late ex-President, Colonel Roosevelt. Frater- nally, Mr. Arrowsmith holds membership in the Free and Accepted Masons, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which latter order he has held the office of noble grand several times, and is widely known in the order in this section, having been district deputy for two terms. He is single, and has long been a member of the First Presby- terian Church.
ADAM LEONARD HUYLAR-One of the active and well known business men of Keyport, New Jersey, is Mr. Huylar, who is conducting a success- ful bicycle business in this borough. Mr. Huylar is a son of William Snyder and Dora (Solomon) Huylar, formerly of Newark, New Jersey, the elder Mr. Huylar being a painter and paper hanger.
Adam Leonard Huylar was born in Newark, New Jersey, August 25, 1884, and received his education in the public schools of Keyport, where his parents had meanwhile removed. His first employment was on a farm in Morris county, New Jersey, where he remained for four years. Then he entered the painting and paper hanging business in Keyport, continuing along this line of effort for about three years. He then purchased the bicycle business heretofore conducted by Alfred Tracy, in Keyport. This was in 1910, and Mr. Huylar has since con- ducted this business with ever-increasing success.
Politically, Mr. Huylar is an Independent, and fraternally is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World. He is a member of the Calvary Methodist
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Episcopal Church. On January 17, 1906, Mr. Huy- lar married Grace Rosetta Havens, daughter of Lorenzo D. and Margaret (Carhart) Havens.
WALTER WILLIAMS, a business man of At- lantic Highlands, New Jersey, is a scion of a famliy numbered among the original settlers of Monmouth county in that State. He was born August 11, 1882, in Jersey City, New Jersey, son of George Williams, a shoe salesman, and his wife, Augusta (Grese) Williams, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Williams at- tended the public schools of Jersey City, and at an early age apprenticed himself to learn the plumbing business with J. J. Mulligan, in Atlantic Highlands. Until 1915 Mr. Williams followed this occupation, working as a journeyman plumber, and the latter year found him established in a business of his own on Bayview avenue, Atlantic Highlands, where he has continued to the present time. Mr. Williams is independent in his political views.
Mr. Williams married, April 7, 1915, at Atlantic Highlands, Isabel Oakes, born there, June 8, 1889, daughter of Edward and Catherine (Viering) Oakes, and their children are: Edward Oakes, born June 21, 1916, and Catherine, born May 31, 1917. With his family Mr. Williams attends the Episcopal church, and aids in its support.
LUKE BERNARD MELEE-Long prominent in the hotel business in Monmouth county, Mr. Melee is also well known in fraternal circles. He is a son of Walter Everett and Margaret (Herold) Melee, both born in Ireland, the father in 1837 and the mother in 1833.
Mr. Melee was born in Vanderburg, Monmouth county, New Jersey, August 18, 1860, and received his education in the public schools of Vanderburg and Holmdel. After leaving school he was engaged for a few years as a farmer, then entered the hotel business at Port Monmouth, also in this county, in 1898, where he remained for two years. Coming to Keyport in 1900, he established himself here, also in the same line of business, and has continued ever since, being now the proprietor of the Monmouth Hotel. Politically Mr. Melee supports the Demo- cratic party, but has never sought political prefer- ment. Fraternally he holds membership with the Improved Order of Red Men, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church.
On December 25, 1888, Mr. Melee married, at New Monmouth, this county, Lizzie Carroll, daugh- ter of Daniel and Margaret (McMahon) Carroll, both her parents having been born in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Melee have four children: Edna Bor- romeo, born in Port Monmouth, December 5, 1891; James Lester Dominick, born in Port Monmouth, May 21, 1893; Walter Edward, born October 1, 1898; and Agnes Marian, born in Keyport, June 16, 1903.
RALPH LIMON BRAY was born at Long Branch, May 1, 1872, and is a son of Joseph A. and
Harriett R. (Slocum) Bray. He has one brother, Forest Edward Bray, who is an auditor for the New Jersey and Long Branch railroad, and one sister, Hattie Emma, who is now Mrs. Fisher. Joseph A. Bray, Mr. Bray's father, was a mechanic and shipbuilder. He died in 1908.
Mr. Bray received his early education in the public schools of Long Branch, and entered upon a business career immediately after his graduation. His first position was in the service of William H. Durnell, a dealer in pianos. In Mr. Durnell's establishment, he became an expert repairer and tuner of pianos, and had a long and valuable experi- ence as a piano salesman. This connection con- tinued for ten years, and was of the greatest value to Mr. Bray. When Mr. Durnell died, Mr. Bray established himself as an independent dealer, open- ing a shop on Broadway for the sale of sewing machines and pianos. He subsequently moved to Norwood avenue, where he specializes in the rent- ing of pianos. He also acts as agent for the New Home sewing machine, and the White sewing machine. Although pianos are his specialty, he has a prosperous general business, and is well- known in Long Branch and its vicinity.
Mr. Bray attends St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Mason of the third degree, and belongs to the Golden Eagles, and the Red Men. In politics, he is a Republican, but reserves the right to vote for the best man, regardless of party affiliations.
Ralph Limon Bray married Nettie May Northam, of Long Branch, August 26, 1906. Mrs. Bray is a daughter of George A. and Anna (Darby) Northam. Mr. and Mrs. Bray have one daughter, Gertrude Lena Bray, who like her mother, is an active mem- ber of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Bray was past ma- tron of that order.
DAVID HENDRIE COSBY-Among the young men of Monmouth county who are carrying forward significant operations of a business nature is David H. Cosby, active in real estate in New Monmouth and surrounding towns. Mr. Cosby is a son of Samuel and Margaret (MacMichael) Cosby, both his parents having been born in New York City. The father, who is now deceased, was engaged in the hay, grain and feed business.
Mr. Cosby was born in New York City, December 2, 1893. He received a practical education in the public schools of that city. After completing his studies he became a resident of Keansburg, New Jersey, and became interested in real estate develop- ment and housing. In 1911 he assisted W. L. Hart, of that place, in the planning and construction of one hundred and fifty houses. He then became prominent in newspaper work there, first acting as reporter on the Keansburg "Beacon," the only daily newspaper published in Keansburg, then in 1913 ac- cepted the office of editor and manager of this sheet, in which capacity he served until 1920. At that time he entered the real estate and insurance business for himself, and is operating largely in
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this part of Monmouth county. In Port Monmouth he has developed large tracts of land, selling no less than six hundred building lots, and is now building one hundred and two houses there. He is secretary and director of the Keansburg Home Construction Company.
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