USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 43
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Late in 1882 Mr. King purchased a farm in Vine- land and for several years thereafter was engaged in improving farms in various parts of the county, subsequently selling these estates at a profit.
In 1892 Mr. King bought property and built a home in Avon-by-the-Sea, with the intention of mak- ing that his permanent abode. Until 1894 he was engaged in the bicycle business, building the first garage in Avon and conducting it in conjunction with his business. In April, 1920, he retired.
In politics Mr. King is a Democrat. He belongs to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, No. 94, of Belmar, New Jersey.
Mr. King married, September 9, 1877, at West Long Branch, Georgianna, daughter of James War- ner and Mary Anna (Lucker) Emmons, and they are the parents of three daughters: Sarah Beatrice, born September 8, 1879, at Asbury Park, married Edward Simpkins; Mary Bertha, born April 18, 1882, at Asbury Park; Emma Elizabeth, born December 19, 1899, at Black's Mills, New Jersey.
After a somewhat varied career in which every change had been a stepping-stone to something bet- ter, Mr. King, having acquired a competence and at the same time having built up a reputation for ability and fair dealing, has placed himself on the list of the retired business men of his community.
MONROE SHAFTO-Nearly three-fourths of a century ago, March 22, 1847, Monroe Shafto first saw the light; his birthplace, the old Shafto home- stead in Shrewsbury township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, a farm which he now owns. This Shafto homestead bears little relation in size to the original tract granted by the Indians, which con- tained two thousand acres. That tract granted to an original ancestor of Scotch-English blood dwin- dled as it was divided among the heirs in each generation until most of it was passed out of the family. The farm which Monroe Shafto now owns contains one hundred acres, some of it in timber. He is a grandson of Anthony Shafto, and a son of John Shafto, born in Shrewsbury township, Mon- mouth county, May 25, 1803, died May 4, 1858. He married Mary Ely, of the ancient Ely family, born in Shrewsbury township, Monmouth county, Novem- ber 13, 1808, died December 6, 1897. John Ely was a farmer of the old homestead, and a man of strong character.
Monroe Shafto was born at the home farm in Shrewsbury township, Monmouth county, New Jer- sey, March 22, 1847, and there yet resides (1921). He attended the district school and until reaching legal age was his father's farm assistant. He then
left home, went west to Stark county, Illinois, and there spent four years engaged in farming. He then returned to the Shrewsbury township homestead, and there has continuously remained, having long been its owner. He is a Republican in politics and for seven years was township road commissioner. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a man highly esteemed and respected.
Monroe Shafto married in Wall township, Mon- mouth county, November 8, 1886, Atlanta Williams White, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Herbert) White. Mr. and Mrs. Shafto are the parents of nine children, all born at the homestead: Cyrus W., born January 23, 1888; Leon Monroe, born October 23, 1889; Jessie K., born February 22, 1891, died August 1, 1919; Minerva Lavinia, born October 3, 1892; Leola May, born November 2, 1894; Mary Edna, born August 18, 1896; Atlanta Ely, born October 13, 1898; Thomas K., born September 28, 1900; Helen Augusta, born January 12, 1904.
WILLIAM BORDEN JEFFREY-For many years Borden Jeffrey was engaged in the fishing in- dustry at Elberon, New Jersey, where he is now liv- ing retired, being succeeded by his son, William Borden Jeffrey, who was born in Elberon, March 15, 1884. The lad was educated in Ocean Town- ship schools and later attended grammar school in Long Branch, where he finished his school attend- ance. He became associated with his father in the fishing business at an early age, and when the latter retired, the son, William B. Jeffrey, succeeded him. The Jeffrey fishery is an important one, and fishing has long been a family industry.
William Borden Jeffrey is a Republican in poli- tics, and for three terms was clerk of Ocean town- ship, Monmouth county, New Jersey. He has also served on the board of education, and is a member of the official board of Oakhurst Methodist Episco- pal Church. He is a member of Washington Lodge No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons; Oakhurst Lodge No. 85, Junior Order United American Mechanics; and Camp No. 116, Patriotic Order Sons of America.
Mr. Jeffrey married in Elberon, New Jersey, Jan- uary 12, 1907, Gertrude Fahland, daughter of Theo- dore and Wanda Fahland. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey are the parents of three children: Beatrice Fahland, Edna, an Lloyd Borden. The family home is in Elberon.
GEORGE EDGAR VAN NOTE was born at Oceanville, now Oakhurst, New Jersey, May 29, 1865, and is a son of Theodore and Sarah Anna (Longstreet) Van Note. Theodore Van Note was a farmer in his youth, but gave up farming to be- come a sailor. He spent some time on vessels en- gaged in the coastwise trade, but after a while grew tired of the sea and settled at Oakhurst, where he established a blacksmith's shop.
George E. Van Note received his early education in the public schools. At the age of sixteen, he began to learn the trade of a blacksmith in his father's shop. After completing his training and
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JeDaniel. H. Taylor
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acquiring some practical experience, he set up in business for himself at Elberon, confining his work to horse shoeing. Later cn, he engaged in the busi- ness of horse shoeing at Elberon during the sum- mer months, and had a shop on Fifty-sixth street, New York City. He still continues his business at Elberon, but has closed the New York shop. He specializes in horse shoeing and his work is chiefly private.
Mr. Van Note is a member of the Oakhurst Meth- odist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Repub- lican. He is now serving his third three-year term as chairman of the Town Council of Oakhurst, in Ocean township. He also serves on the Oakhurst Board of Health, is a member of the Oakhurst Fire Company and an honorary member of the Deal Fire Company. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, the Red Men, the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America.
He married Caroline W. Harvey, a daughter of John W. and Lydia (King) Harvey. Mr. and Mrs. Van Note have four children: Viola, Horace E., Florence and Mildred. Horace E. Van Note is an electrician and served in the United States navy during the World War.
WILLIAM WEBSTER SWAN-Without doubt William Webster Swan is numbered among the lead- ing representative citizens of Navesink, New Jer- sey, being postmaster and proprietor of a grocery store there (1921).
William Webster Swan was born in Navesink, New Jersey, July 14, 1882, the son of Webster and Frances H. (Williams) Swan. Webster Swan was born in Navesink in 1840, and died there in 1911. He lived his entire life-time in his native place and at the time of his death held the office of postmaster there. Mrs. Swan still lives in Navesink. The son William, with whom we are here concerned, attend- ed the public schools of his native place until he had completed the grammar course with the class of 1900, and then entered the Long Branch High School, graduating from there four years later. He then matriculated at Polytechnic Institute, Brook- lyn, and subsequently attended the University of Chicago, where he completed a course in engineer- ing. His first position along professional lines was with Wonam, Sanger & Bates, and the J. G. White Construction Company, of New York City. He re- mained here until the death of his father, when he resigned and returned to Navesink to take his fath- er's position there as postmaster, and at the same time succeeded to the management of the latter's grocery business.
In everything pertaining to the welfare and ad- vancement of Navesink, William Webster Swan has always taken an active part, giving his aid and sup- port to every movement which in his judgment tended to further public progress. He is auditor and stockholder of the Atlantic Highlands Building and Loan Association, a stockholder in the Atlantic Highlands National Bank and a member of the local board of education. Politically Mr. Swan is an In-
dependent, voting for the man irrespective of party. He affiliates with Monmouth Lodge No. 172, Free and Accepted Masons, of Atlantic Highlands, and is also a member of the Navesink Library Association. Mr. Swan served as chairman of the Liberty Loan drives for Navesink and vicinity, during the World War, and was also active in Red Cross work.
William Webster Swan is shaping his career in accordance with the honorable traditions of the stock from which he came. Through his business activities and his life as a citizen he has made him- self one of the men who count in his community, and everything indicates that the years to come will bring him larger opportunities of service, resulting in successes more noteworthy and more fruitful than those of the past.
OSCAR A. KEMMERER was born at Hartford, Connecticut, on September 26, 1872, and is a son of Herman J. and Mary (Filer) Kemmerer. His father, who was born in Germany, came to the United States and settled at Hartford, where he established himself in business as a cigar manufacturer. Mr. Kemmerer's mother was also born in Germany. His parents are both dead. He had five sisters, of whom two are now living, and three brothers, of whom one is still living.
Mr. Kemmerer came to New York while he was still quite young and became a resident of Brooklyn, where he attended the public schools. After having completed his studies, Mr. Kemmerer found employ- ment in the butcher business, in which he spent many years. In 1906, however, he established him- self in business as an independent fruit dealer and carried on a small grocery trade in addition. He spent three or four years in this manner, and then, in 1910, moved to Highlands, New Jersey, and spent two years working in the fruiterer's business. At length, with every qualification of training and ex- perience, Mr. Kemmerer established himself in busi- ness as the proprietor of a high-class wholesale and retail fruit store. This business he still conducts, and he has acquired an enviable reputation among the business men of the town.
Mr. Kemmerer is a member of the Dutch Re- formed church. In politics he is a Republican. He was a member of the Sons of Veterans for five years, and belonged to Camp No. 20, at Greenpoint, Brook- lyn, in 1896. He is one of the delegates of Butchers' Union, No. 342, New York City .
Mr. Kemmerer married, at Brooklyn, New York, November 27, 1894, Annie Schmidt, who was born in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Kemmerer have no children.
DANIEL HENDRICKSON TAYLOR-For many years active in different Monmouth county interests, Daniel H. Taylor, of Marlboro township, is also one of the leading farmers of his community.
Mr. Taylor comes of an old New Jersey family, his great-grandparents being David and Martha (Ashton) Taylor, who came from England and set- tled in New Jersey. They were the parents of John
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Ashton Taylor, a farmer of Middletown, New Jer- sey, born in 1778, and died March 25, 1852. John Ashton Taylor married Anne West, a descendant of Dr. Joseph Wing, of Philadelphia, whose daughter Anne married a West. Daniel Hendrickson Taylor, the subject of this review, has in his possession the silver mounted cane, or staff, bearing date of 1699, which belonged to Dr. Wing. Anne (West) Taylor was born April 11, 1789, and died October 5, 1827.
David(2) Taylor, son of John Ashton and Anne (West) Taylor, was born May 27, 1819, and died July 14, 1868. He married Lavinia Hendrickson, and they were the parents of six children: Samuel, born in Red Bank, New Jersey, in 1850, now deceased; Phoebe A., deceased, wife of Alfred L. Wall, of Crosswicks, New Jersey; Daniel Hendrickson, of whom extended mention follows; John, deceased; Lavinia, the wife of Addison Chamberlain; and David.
Daniel Hendrickson Taylor, son of David (2) and Lavinia' (Hendrickson) Taylor, was born in the Old Hotel, on the river bank, in Red Bank, near the Nevins home, September 5, 1853. This historic old tavern was later separated into two parts and used for dwellings. As a boy Mr. Taylor attended the schools of Upper Freehold township, where the fam- ily had removed in his childhood. The death of the father when Daniel was in the tenth year of his age left the older boys with large responsibilities on their young shoulders. The mother purchased a farm, and there the boys conducted extensive farm- ing operations. Later Mr. Taylor farmed for his greatuncle, Edwin West, at Wolf's Hill farm (so named because a wolf was killed there near Eaton- town). Then for four years he farmed for himself, and at the end of that time sold out, letting $1500.00 worth of goods, implements, etc., and the labor of four years, go for $500.00. Going to Asbury Park in 1878, Mr. Taylor bought a lot of James A. Brad- ley, where he built a stable and engaged in the livery business. Following this line of activity for several years, he prospered largely, then invested in a patent sewer trap, and lost his all. Thereafter he worked for $1.50 per day until he was again on his feet. He engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Asbury Park, and was very active there for a time. He purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land from the King estate, being associated with partners in this deal, which was divided into lots and sold. This property is in Neptune township, opposite Ocean Grove, and is very valuable. In 1891 Mr. Taylor purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Marlboro township, has since made this farm his home, and has conducted general farming, operating with gratifying success.
On November 3, 1880, Mr. Taylor married Mary Emma Cook, of Oceanport, New Jersey. Mrs. Tay- lor also comes of an old and prominent family, be- ing a granddaughter of William Cook, whose wife, Mary Chadwick, was a daughter of Captain Chad- wick, of Revolutionary fame. William and Mary (Chadwick) Cook were the parents of Albert Sidney Cook, of Long Branch, born January 13, 1826, and
died August 16, 1865. He married Caroline C. Hampton, who was born March 6, 1831, and died May 26, 1908, daughter of Moses Hampton, who died in 1844. Albert Sidney and Caroline C. (Hampton) Cook were the parents of Mary Emma Cook, who became the wife of Daniel Hendrickson Taylor.
When Mr. Taylor left Asbury Park and bought his present farm he was broken in purse, having lost his money through endorsing other people's paper. He bought the farm very cheaply, as it was in a greatly impoverished condition and practically worthless, except for the possibilities it offered for a course of rebuilding and upbuilding. This Mr. Taylor furnished, and the farm is fertile and very productive.
Mr. Taylor is a director of the Monmouth County Farmers' Cooperative Association and Master of Liberty Grange No. 99, Patrons of Husbandry. In Asbury Park he was a charter member of the Vol- unteer Fire Company, No. 2, and in politics is inde- pendent.
GEORGE W. WILKINS-Enterprising and pro- gressive, and interested in every phase of public progress, George W. Wilkins, of Keansburg, is one of the leading barbers of this town. Mr. Wilkins is a son of John Thomas and Isabel (Herbert) Wil- kins, and his father was for many years a commis- sion merchant at Long Branch, New Jersey, with a branch house at Bridgeport, Connecticut.
George W. Wilkins was born June 8, 1880, at Colts Neck, in this county, and acquired a thor- oughly practical education in the grammar and high schools of Long Branch, finishing at the age of nineteen years. Becoming associated with his father in business, Mr. Wilkins continued along this line for about nine years. He then branched out for himself, and started out as a barber, in Keansburg. This was in 1906, and he has since conducted a very prosperous business here, winning his way to the confidence and esteem of the people.
Fraternally, Mr. Wilkins is a member of the Pa- triotic Order Sons of America, and politically sup- ports the Republican party, but has never sought political preferment.
Mr. Wilkins married, in 1917, in Keansburg, Emma Arnold, daughter of Steven and Martha Arnold.
HENRY SCHWEIZER, who was for a time well known in Keansburg, New Jersey, as one of the leading butchers of the vicinity, is a son of Gottlieb and Carolina Schweizer, both born in Germany. Gottlieb Schweizer, who was a painter and decora- tor, was born in March, 1850, and died in 1899. The mother was born in 1855.
Henry Schweizer was born in Nurtingen, Ger- many, May 17, 1883, and received his education in the public schools of his native town. In 1899, when sixteen years of age, he came to the United States and located in New York City, where he worked in different butcher shops for about six years. He then started in business for himself in New York City,
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later, in 1907, removing to Staten Island. There he he was well known in this vicinity, and cordially also was in business for himself, remaining for liked among all the people. He was a man of quiet, home-loving tastes, taking little part in the affairs of the day besides his franchise as a citi- zen; and in political affairs supported the Repub- lican party. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. about four years. In 1911 he removed to Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he was in business for about six years, thereafter coming to Keansburg and estab- lishing the business which later turned out to be one of the leading markets in the town. On Sep- tember 1, 1921, he sold out his market and opened a furniture (new and second hand) store on Main street, and up to date this venture has proved suc- cessful. Mr. Schweizer was a member of the Bor- ough Council of Keansburg for one year.
Fraternally, he holds membership in the principal orders. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Stapleton, Staten Island; the Staten Is- land Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the Tall Cedars of Lebanon; and Red Bank Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Keansburg.
On November 15, 1905, Mr. Schweizer married Anna Katherine Fey, who was born in New York City, April 27, 1888, and is a daughter of Jacob and Katherine (Dreher) Fey. Her father was born in Germany in 1864, and died July 20, 1911. Her mother was also born in Germany, October 3, 1861, and is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Schweizer have two children: Frederick Henry, born August 29, 1906, in New York City; and Elsa Caroline, born Febru- ary 3, 1911, in Staten Island.
MICHAEL FARRY-Among the many men who have spent long and useful lives in the agricultural districts of Monmouth county, and whose names are now only a memory, was Michael Farry, whose genial manner and genuine kindliness of heart are still well remembered among his many friends. He was a son of Sylvester and Lydia (Hurley) Farry. The father was born in Ireland and came to the United States in his youth, settling in this county and following farming in the Poplar dis- trict of Ocean township all his life. He was a man of those sturdy qualities, which make for community prosperity as well as personal success. They were the parents of eight children: William, Rebecca, Catherine, Phoebe, Sylvester, Jr., Henry, Peter, Michael.
Michael Farry was born in the Poplar district of Ocean township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, December 3, 1823, and died at the family home in Ocean township, near Wayside, February 21, 1900, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. As a child Mr. Farry was educated in the district schools of the day and time, acquiring a practical preparation for the responsibilities of life. Accustomed from childhood to assisting with the work of the farm, he always gave the opportunities along this line considerable attention, and was known as one of the leading farmers of the township. In connec- tion with his farm work, he early began doing carpenter work, and as time passed was identified with the erection of many frame dwellings in this section, as well as other structures of various kinds. Active until nearly the time of his death,
On February 21, 1845, Mr. Farry married, in Farmingdale, New Jersey, Cathrine Hall, who was born in Farmingdale, and was a daughter of John and Lydia (Morriss) Hall. They were the parents of ten children: John Henry, Angeline, Mary Levina, Emmeline, Hannah Maria, Adelle Mary, Elizabeth Catherine, Rosalinda Deborah, Ella, and Lydia Adalaide. Mrs. Farry survives her husband, and resides in Neptune township, near Asbury Park, New Jersey.
HENRY C. TILTON-Among the progressive, present day men who are making Monmouth coun- ty one of the garden spots of the coast, is Henry C. Tilton, a prominent farmer of Holmdel. Mr. Tilton belongs to a well known family in this section, and is a son of Sylvester and Cornelia (Johnson) Tilton. They were the parents of four children: C. Edward, a resident of Holmdel; Mar- tha, wife of Loyal Bohanan, of Brooklyn, New York; Dora, wife of Minor Brown, of Marlboro township, whose life is reviewed elsewhere in this work; and Henry C., the subject of this sketch.
Henry C. Tilton was born in Holmdel, New Jersey, December 28, 1880, and received his early education in the public schools of his native place,. completing his studies at the Asbury Park High School. Reared on the farm and interested in its activities, Mr. Tilton as a boy assisted about the place in his spare hours; after finishing his school course he was associated with his father on the farm for about a year and a half. Then going to New York City he was employed in the Washington Market for about six months, when his father died. Returning to the farm of one hundred and thirteen acres, which his mother pur- chased, Mr. Tilton took over the management of this place, which was a part of the John A. Bowne estate. He carried on this farm for a number of years, after which, for four years, he had charge of a squab farm at Wickatunk. He also conducted farming operations in Middletown and Holmdel. In 1921 Mr. Tilton leased the Con- over place, of ninety acres, from the present own- er, Abbott Worthley, and in connection with the handling of this farm in his own interest, acts as manager of the Bradevelt interests of Mr. Worth- ley, which comprise the growing of potatoes and farm produce on a large scale.
Mr. Tilton is a member of the Long Branch Lodge, No. 742, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically he supports the Democratic party, and is a member of the Holmdel Reformed Church.
On November 26, 1901, Mr. Tilton married Flor- ence May Conover, of Wickatunk, daughter of
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Charles E., and Ella (Farry) Conover. Mrs. Til- ton is the eldest of their four children, the others being Elizabeth, Helen and Henry L. Conover. Mr. and Mrs. Tilton have six children: Eleanor, Ruth, Mary, William S., Helen and Henry C., Jr.
WILLIAM HENRY POTTER-Making a life occupation of farming, and finding broad success in his chosen vocation, William Henry Potter stands among the prominent men of Monmouth county in this field of endeavor. Mr. Potter is a son of David Allen and Anna Eliza (Franklin) Potter. His father, who was born in Farmingdale, is a farmer by occupation, also. His mother, too, was born in Farmingdale, New Jersey.
William H. Potter was born in Eatontown, this county, July 30, 1883, and his education was re- ceived in the public schools of Poplar and Tinton- falls, New Jersey. His first employment was be- gun at the age of sixteen years, when he became associated with his father in the milk business, continuing for three years as assistant, then for three years was in partnership with his father. Thereafter he went to work at farming, continu- ing for seven years, then went back home and was again in the milk business with his father for about five years. At the end of that time he took over the Henry Hendrickson farm, at Middletown township, which he carried on for about four years. He then purchased the fine farm of sixty-eight acres, upon which he is now located, and where he is developing a very exten- sive business. He does a little general farming, but produces potatoes and fruit on a large scale, and markets in the large city.
Politically Mr. Potter supports the Democratic party, but while he is interested in every phase of public progress, he never aspired to political honors.
Mr. Potter married (first), at Asbury Park, New Jersey, Violet Edwards, of Long Island, in August, 1904. She died at Eatontown, November 8, 1911. He married (second), at Asbury Park, September 6, 1914, Mary Tapper, daughter of John Tapper, who was born in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Potter have one son, William Henry, Jr., born in Holmdel township, August 23, 1917.
HENRY RAYMOND APPLEGATE- Well - known in various parts of Monmouth county, Hen- ry R. Applegate is considered one of the substan- tial citizens of Wall township, where he is a suc- cessful . farmer. Mr. Applegate's family has long resided in this county. Sydney Applegate, Mr. Applegate's father, was born near Trenton, New Jersey, in 1833, and died in Middletown, New Jer- sey, in 1911. He came to Middletown township as a young man, and spent the remaining years of his life there. He married Charlotte Akinson, of Middletown, and they were the parents of six children.
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