USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 50
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
FRANK ROGERS was born at Crosswick, New Jersey, September 1, 1872, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Cafferty) Rogers. His father was for- merly a contractor and grader of roads. He was also the owner of a farm at Deal. Mr. Rogers has two brothers, John and Carroll, and two sisters, Louise and Susan.
Frank Rogers received his early education in the public schools of New Jersey. While he was quite young his family moved to Deal, and after completing his studies he obtained a position in a grist mill at Oakhurst. This connection lasted for four years. He then moved to Asbury Park, where for some time he was associated with George Coward in the livery business. From Asbury Park he went to Jersey City and obtained employment with James Hunt as a clerk in a butcher store. On November 7, 1902, he was appointed a mem- ber of the Deal police force. Accordingly he gave up his work at Jersey City and settled at Deal, where he now lives. In 1903 he became chief of police at Deal, an office he still holds. When Mr. Rogers was first appointed to the police force by Mayor Hogencamp, there were only four policemen at Deal, but now the force consists of ten men under Mr. Rogers' command. He is the oldest member of the force.
Mr. Rogers attends the Episcopal church. In
Grandin fume ยท
393
BIOGRAPHICAL
politics he is a Democrat. He was a charter mem- ber of Deal Fire Company, No. 1, and was one of the organizers of Fire Company, No. 2, of which he was also a charter member. In 1919 Mr. Rogers served as chief of Fire Company, No. 2. He is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
Mr. Rogers married Emma Black, a daughter of Alexander and Margaret Black. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have four children: Gertrude, now Mrs. Speck; Irene; Frank, Jr .; and Elizabeth, who is named for her father's mother.
J. LEON STROTHERS-In a broadly significant way the younger men of Monmouth county, New Jersey, are representative of the cities in whose development they are taking a part. In Long Branch, J. Leon Strothers is esteemed a promising figure among the executives in this group. Mr. Strothers comes of an old Virginia family, and is a son of James Overton and Maidie Strothers, his father being a native of Clarksville, Virginia, and his mother of Charlottesville, in the same State. His paternal grandmother is still living, and is a resident of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. J. Leon Strothers was born in Clarksville, Vir- ginia, June 6, 1899, but the subsequent removal of the family to Long Branch, New Jersey, placed him in the schools of this city, where he received a thorough grounding in the essentials of educa- tion. Upon finishing the regular course, he entered the employ of the Sea Board Utilization Company, with which he has since been continuously iden- tified. In 1920 Mr. Strothers was appointed second assistant manager of the concern's plant, which he now holds. Active and alert, he is destined to go forward, and will undoubtedly achieve marked success.
Mr. Strothers married, on December 6, 1919, Gladys Harris, and they two children, one of whom is Maidie E. Mr. Strothers has two brothers and one sister: Harry Shaw, now of Ardmore, Pennsylvania; Jerry Wilber, now of Philadelphia; and Iola B., wife of E. Webster Horrell, of Bos- ton, Massachusetts.
GEORGE WILLIAM BRAY-Active in both in- dividual enterprise and public endeavor, George William Bray is one of the representative men of Red Bank, New Jersey. Mr. Bray was born in Phalanx, New Jersey, January 13, 1880, and is a son of James and Ida (Smith) Bray. His father was born in Phalanx, February 5, 1856, and his mother was born in Babylon, Long Island, but is now deceased. The elder Mr. Bray was a farmer by occupation, and served as a member of the Red Bank Cavalry. Politically he was a Republican, serving at various times as committeeman.
Acquiring a practical education in the public schools of Lincroft, New Jersey, Mr. Bray started out in the world at the age of fourteen years. His first work was in the capacity of clerk in a gro- cery store for John R. Conovers, and he remained with this merchant for a period of four years. In
the fall of 1898 Mr. Bray came to Red Bank and entered the employ of E. E. Morris, with whom he remained for four years. In 1902 he struck out for himself in the same line of business, his lo- cation being at No. 8 East Front street. For the first year James N. Bunnell was associated with Mr. Bray as a partner, but Mr. Bunnell with- drew from the firm at the end of that time, and for the past seventeen years Mr. Bray has conducted the business, with constantly increasing success.
Long prominent in the business life of the bor- ough, and a Republican by political affiliation, Mr. Bray was elected, not long since, to the office of assessor, entering upon his duties in August, 1920. During the World War he was active in all move- ments for the support of the American Expedi- tionary Forces.
Fraternally, Mr. Bray holds membership with the Royal Arcanum, in which order he held the office of regent for two years; and is a member of the Woodmen of the World. For about ten years he was a member of the Monmouth Boat Club, serving on the board of managers of that organization; and for five years was a member of the North Shrewsbury Ice Yacht Club. Mr. Bray is a mem- ber of the Baptist church of Red Bank, and has served on the board of finance for three years.
On November 1, 1905, Mr. Bray married Maud Applegate, who was born in Nutswamp, New Jer- sey, in 1886, and is a daughter of Allen P. and Georgiana Applegate.
GRANDIN V. JOHNSON-Even before college days Grandin V. Johnson became interested in the drug business, in fact his connection with the Dur- yee & Conover drug store in Freehold inspired his taking a professional course and preparing for a career as a pharmacist. This business he has fol- lowed closely, principally in Monmouth county communities, and has been very successful. He is a son of Austin P. Johnson, born December 24, 1851, in Farmingdale, New Jersey, and his wife, Mary E. (Chapman) Johnson, born in Howell, New Jersey, March 6, 1856, whom he married in Howell, Janu- ary 26, 1876. They were the parents of five chil- dren: Grandin V., whose career is herein traced; Harry N., born in Howell, July 26, 1879; Ella C., born in Freehold; Howard A., born in Freehold, June 5, 1889; Ella C., deceased.
Grandin V. Johnson was born in Howell, New Jersey, September 20, 1877, but Freehold, New Jer- sey, soon afterward became the family home, and there he was educated in the public schools. He was employed in the drug store of Duryee & Con- over after leaving school, and later, when he en- tered New York College of Pharmacy (now a part of Columbia University), he continued in the same employ during the three years at that institution. He was graduated from the College of Pharmacy, class of 1899, and somewhat later became manager of the Charles A. Pittenger drug store of English- town, New Jersey, holding that position three years. He then returned to Freehold and bought
394
MONMOUTH COUNTY
the Conover interest in the drug firm of Duryee & Conover, with which he had formerly been connect- ed, and for three years continued in business there as the junior member of the firm of Duryee & Johnson.
In 1906, having closed out his Freehold interests, Mr. Johnson opened a drug store in the Swartz building at the Highlands, remaining there three years, then erected a store on the opposite cor- ner in association with Dr. J. L. Opfermann. Later a similar store at the West End of the bridge, across the Shrewsbury at Highlands, was opened, this enterprise being in partnership with his brother, Harry N. Johnson, they forming in 1912 the G. V. Johnson Drug Company. That company's special line was summer beverages of varied kinds, they having stores in Highlands, Keansburg and Wildwood. In 1915 Mr. Johnson formed a partner- ship with George P. Lehitter and bought the Davidson Pharmacy, No. 570 Cookman avenue, As- bury Park, New Jersey, and as the Lehitter & Johnson Company operated that store until Octo- ber, 1920, when the business was sold to Dr. C. M. Trippe, of Asbury Park. In April, 1919, he sold his original drug store in Highlands to Fred P. Bedle.
With the sale of his stores in Highlands and As- bury Park, Mr. Johnson's interest in the drug busi- ness was largely extinguished, and his business operations have since been along real estate and banking lines, he being vice-president of the Sea Bright National Bank, Sea Bright, New Jersey. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been collector of taxes at Highlands for fourteen years. He is a member of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16, Free and Accepted Masons, Freehold, New Jersey; is a For- ester, and a member of the Dutch Reformed church of Freehold.
The foregoing reveals Mr. Johnson as a man 0. great activities and business ability, a strong, self- reliant character, not afraid to trust his own judg- ment or to follow where it leads.
REV. JOHN CHARLES FARRELL, B. A .- For nearly three years assistant at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank, Rev. Father Farrell is endorsing all public progress as well as carrying forward with zeal the duties of his sacred office.
Father Farrell is a son of James and Mary (Kenny) Farrell. James Farrell was born in Long- ford county, Ireland, and came to this country when very young, locating in Pennsylvania, and becoming a coal miner. He died at Parsons, Pennsylvania, in 1900, but his wife, who was born in Wilkes- Barre, is still living.
Father Farrell was born at Parsons, Pennsyl- vania, in January, 1894. He attended the public schools of his native town, and after one year at high school, he entered St. Charles College, at Ellicott, Maryland, September 10, 1908, and wes graduated June 13, 1913. On September 15, 1913, he entered St. Mary's Seminary, from which in- stitution he received his degree of Bachelor of
Arts in June, 1915. In September, 1915, be entered St. Joseph's Theological Seminary, at Yonkers, New York, from which institution he was ordained on September 1, 1918. He then came direct to Red Bank, New Jersey, having been appointed assistant to Rev. D. J. Duggan, pastor of St. James Church of this borough, and is still actively engaged in that capacity. In public affairs Father Farrell lends his influence to all progress, supporting no aggregation of sentiment without the approbation of his conscience. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and serves as chaplain of the order in Red Bank.
Father Farrell has four brothers living, one of whom is now a student at St. Francis College, Loretta, Pennsylvania. Another brother, James J. Farrell, died November 2, 1918, while serving with the American Expeditionary Forces. He was first sergeant of Battery B, 311th Field Artillery. An- other brother, Paul Farrell, served in the supply corps of the same regiment. Father Farrell's three sisters all reside in Parsons, Pennsylvania, one be- ing now Mrs. John J. McHugh.
THOMAS RATHBONE-Building up a prosper- ous business through the means of serving a daily need of the Keyport merchants and the general public, Thomas Rathbone is exemplifying, in Mon- mouth county, New Jersey, the breadth of oppor- tunity in the energetic application of business prin- ciples along practical lines of effort. Mr. Rath- bone comes of Scotch ancestry, several generations having lived in this country, and is a son of Chris- topher and Elizabeth Rathbone, of New York City. Mr. Rathbone, the elder, has long been engaged as a carpenter and builder, and more recently also has conducted an important automobile business in New York City.
Thomas Rathbone was born in New York City, July 19, 1895, and acquired a thorough grounding in the essentials of education at the public schools of his native city. His first business experience was with R. C. Williams, a prominent New York grocer, with whom he remained, however, only a comparatively short time. He then became identi- fied with Rathbone & Sons, of which concern his father is the head, his work in this connection being the boxing and crating of automobiles for foreign shipment. Later he went into the, garage business with his brother, Norman Rathbone, a sketch of whom follows, and was thus engaged until June of 1921. Withdrawing from this partnership at that time, Mr. Rathbone established his present business, which consists in local and long distance trucking. He handles large quantities of farm produce for the growers of the county, and also handles gro- ceries for Louis DeGraff & Sons, and for Seaman Brothers, transporting consignments to the shore as far south as Asbury Park, and he also has ex- ecuted commissions as far north as Springfield. Massachusetts. The business is steadily growing, and Mr. Rathbone is counted among the success- ful young men of Monmouth county.
Thomas Rathbone.
1
Thomas Rathbone .
.
Forman MEL, Patrone
395
.
BIOGRAPHICAL
A Republican by political affiliation, Mr. Rath- bone is not a seeker after public honors, devoting his entire time to his business. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World, and he is a member of the Scotch Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Rathbone married, in Keyport, on June 2, 1917, Edna Carhart, daughter of Ira and Phebe (Duryee) Carhart, and they have one son: Ira Carhart Rathbone, born September 25, 1920.
NORMAN RATHBONE-Among the enterpris- ing young men of Monmouth county, New Jersey, Norman Rathbone is a representative figure, carry- ing forward a practical business interest in a thor- oughly up-to-date and progressive manner. Mr. Rathbone comes of a family long active along in- dependent lines of industry, and is a son of Chris- topher and Elizabeth Rathbone. The elder Mr. Rathbone has for many years been active in New York City as carpenter and builder, and of recent years has also conducted a prosperous automobile business in that city.
Norman Rathbone was born in New York City, March 10, 1898, and received a grammar and high school education there. Since completing his stud- ies he has been engaged in the automobile busi- ness continuously, first in New York City, and later in Monmouth county. Here he established his present business just outside of Keyport on the Red Bank road, opening a modern garage. Unti! June of 1921, Mr. Rathbone was associated with his elder brother, Thomas Rathbone (see preceding sketch), but this partnership was at that time dis- solved. Norman Rathbone is now sole owner and proprietor of the Rathbone Garage. The business embraces the storage of automobiles, as well as repairing of all kinds, and the distribution of a very complete assortment of supplies and acces- sories for the use of motorists. Mr. Rathbone is sole agent for the Goodrich truck tires for Mon- mouth county, and his garage is also the Presto- Lite Battery service station for Keyport. He is do- ing a very extensive and constantly increasing busi- ness.
Although Mr. Rathbone finds scant leisure for outside interests, he keeps in touch with the gen- eral advance, and politically is an Independent Re- publican. Fraternally he holds membership in the Free and Accepted Masons, and his religious faith places his church membership with the Scotch Presbyterians.
Mr. Rathbone married, on December 25, 1921, in New York City, Gennett Rollar, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Taft) Rollar.
JAMES EDWARD JOHNSON-Along the coast of Monmouth county, New Jersey, the fishing in- dustry has long been a practical and an honored means of livelihood, and for some citizens of the coast communities has become the means of mark- ed and permanent success. Such is the case in the life history of James E. Johnson, of Belford, who until recently was one of the leading figures in
this section in the fishing industry. Mr. Johnson comes of a line of men prominent in every genera- tion in the useful occupations, and is a son of John N. and Katherine Johnson. His father was for many years a carpenter of Belford, and his work lives after him in many substantial structures here- abouts. He was a man of public spirit and a well known Republican.
James Edward Johnson was born in Belford, New Jersey, November 15, 1866, and received a thor- oughly practical education in the public schools of his native place. In early life he was identified with the grocery business, and for thirty years re- tained his interest in the store. From the outset of his career, however, he has been interested in the fishing industry, and for many years has handled a very extensive business, both wholesale and re- tail. For a number of years his son, Ira S. John- son, has been associated with him, but in Decem- ber of 1921 Mr. Johnson sold his entire interest in this connection, and has since devoted his time to real estate in Ocean City, New Jersey. He is a considerable stockholder in the Atlantic Highlands Bank, also in the First National Bank of Ocean City. For many years he has been a member of the United States Fishermen's Association.
In fraternal circles Mr. Johnson is widely known. He is a member of Monmouth Lodge, No. 172, Free and Accepted Masons of Atlantic Highlands, of which he is past master; is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Belford; the Patriotic Order Sons of America; and Bayside Council, No. 107, Junior Order United American Mechanics. He has for many years been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Belford.
Mr. Johnson married, in Red Bank, New Jersey, on September 15, 1889, Catharine Scott, daughter of Thomas L. and Marguerite A. (Dangler) Scott. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are parents of two sons: 1. James E., Jr., who was born July 3, 1890, and is now deceased. 2. Ira S., born September 15, 1899, who has been associated with his father in busi- ness for some years; he married, in Brooklyn, New York, on October 8, 1921, Emma E. Smith, daugh- ter of Andrew B. and Emma (Attlesey) Smith.
PAUL B. MOREHOUSE, who is carrying on a thriving business in the sale of used cars, is a member of a family long prominent in this State in various branches of industrial activity. His pater- nal grandparents, Aaron and Libbie Morehouse, are old residents of Atlantic Highlands, Monmouth county, New Jersey, and are both still living. Aaron Morehouse was identified with the early de- velopment of the sewing machine, and the inventor of the double stitch machine. He has always been a mechanic of marked ability, bearing a part in the progress of mechanics in many fields.
Frank A. Morehouse, son of Aaron and Libbie Morehouse, and father of Paul B. Morehouse, of Red Bank, New Jersey, was at one time a pros- perous real estate and insurance man of Atlantic Highlands, same State, and widely known in that
-
.
396
MONMOUTH COUNTY
vicinity; he removed to East Orange, New Jersey, and is now engaged in the lighterage business in New York City, his office at No. 17 Church street. He married Mabel A. Swan.
Paul B. Morehouse was born in Atlantic High- lands on February 28, 1896, and received his early education in the grammar schools of Atlantic High- lands and the Red Bank High School, thereafter attending Blair Academy, at Blairstown, New Jer- sey, and Trainer's Business College, Perth Am- boy, New Jersey. After completing his studies, Mr. Morehouse became interested in the automobile business, and placed himself in the employ of men whose activities would give him the most com- prehensive knowledge of this business, with the definite object in view of eventual independence in this field. This object he attained, when, locating in Red Bank, in 1919, he founded his present busi- ness in used cars. He has been very successful, and is doing a constantly increasing business.
FRANK HANCOCK COLE, since 1903, has con- ducted a photographic studio in Asbury Park, New Jersey, although during that period he has been associated with the well known seedhouse of Peter Henderson & Company. He is a veteran of two wars waged by the United States, the war of 1898 with Spain, and the war with Germany, 1917-18, holding a commission in both. He is a son of Frank O. and Ellen (Forrest) Cole, his father a veteran of the Civil War, serving from 1861 until 1865, entering the service a boy of fifteen. He lo- cated in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1872, opening a drug store. He was a department commander of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Frank H. Cole was born in Jersey City, New Jer- sey, December 28, 1876, and there completed public school courses of study with graduation from high school in 1894. He then began the study of law in Jersey City, which he abandoned two years later in favor of the real estate business. He continued in that line in Jersey City until 1902, when he formed an association with Peter Henderson & Company, of New York City, which yet exists, he now being their advertising manager. He is also proprietor of the photographic studio of Cole & Company, in Asbury Park, a business with which he has been identified since 1903. He is a director of the Merchants' National Bank of Asbury Park, and also has other business interests.
During the Spanish-American War, Mr. Cole en- tered the service, was commissioned first lieutenant of Company I, Fourth Regiment, New Jersey Na- tional Guard, and was in the United States service from June, 1898, until April, 1899. During the war with Germany in 1918, he was commissioned first lieutenant of the Signal Corps of the United States army. He is a past commander of Mckinley Camp, Spanish-American War Veterans; a mem- ber of the American Legion; and the Army and Navy Club; also the Association of National Ad- vertisers; the New York Advertising Club; ex- president of the Chamber of Commerce, at Asbury
Park; member of Asbury Park Lodge, No. 12 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; ex-pres dent of the Asbury Park Rotary Club; and men ber of the Asbury Park Wheelmen.
Lieutenant Cole married, in Jersey City, Septen ber 5, 1901, Sarah O. Smith, daughter of Willia J. Smith, and they have a son, Frank W. Cole, bor October 5, 1903.
MAURICE SCHWARTZ-Establishing himsel in one of the practical lines of business in Re Bank, after serving in France with the America Expeditionary Forces, Maurice Schwartz is Do1 taking his place among the successful business me of the borough. Mr. Schwartz is a son of Lomi Schwartz, a prominent citizen of Red Bank and : leading furniture dealer, whose life is reviewe elsewhere in this work.
Maurice Schwartz was born in Belmar, Mon mouth county, New Jersey, May 29, 1892. He ne ceived his education in the city of Brooklyn, New York, and after leaving school was associated wit his father in the furniture business until the fall o 1917. On October 2, 1917, he enlisted in Compar B, 311th Infantry, and was stationed first at Cam Dix, Wrightstown, New Jersey. He was transfer red, on November 11, 1917, to Company E, 307t Ammunition Train, at Camp Gordon, Georgia, the later was again transferred, on February 6, 1918 to the ordnance training school at Camp Heming Wisconsin. On April 6, 1918, he was returned t Camp Gordon, and assigned to the Ordnance Re pair Corps, then sailed for France on April 11 1918. He was there attached to the 82nd Divisior American Expeditionary Forces, and saw activ service throughout the summer and until the Arm .: tice. He was returned to the United States in May 1919, and was mustered out of the service on Ma; 28.
Returning to Red Bank, Mr. Schwartz entere upon his present business in 1920. He is represen tative in Monmouth county and a part of Middle sex county for the Traylor motor truck, and als handles the Traylor farm tractor. His commodiou salesrooms are on Maple avenue, off White stree in Red Bank, and he is doing a constantly increas ing business. Mr. Schwartz is a member of th Royal Arcanum, of the Veterans of Foreign War: and of the American Legion.
On November 2, 1919, Mr. Schwartz marrie Bessie Fisher, of Keyport, New Jersey, and they re side at No. 158 West Front street, Red Bank.
RAYMOND T. JOHNSON-In the distributio of coal in Long Branch, New Jersey, Mr. Johnso is prominently identified. He is a native of Lon Branch, and a son of Theodore and Lucretia (Va Note) Johnson, long residents of this city.
Mr. Johnson was born May 9, 1884, and receive his education in the public schools of this city After completing his studies he learned the trade o electrician, which he followed for a period of six teen years, becoming an expert in both inside worl
New. D. J. Duggan
.
.
397
BIOGRAPHICAL
such as motors, etc., and outside work, the laying of cables and other work of this class. In 1916 Mr. Johnson took over the coal yard which was estab- lished in 1909 by his father, and was known as Johnson & Company. He carried it forward very successfully, and in April, 1920, the concern was incorporated, Mr. Johnson and Harold W. Danzer organizing the Coast Coal Company. The person- nel of the concern is now as follows: President, Harold W. Danzer; vice-president, Milton J. Gold- stein; vice-president and manager, Raymond T. Johnson; treasurer, Frederick R. Cutcheon ;. secre- tary, Maurice D. Baurnohm. Under Mr. Johnson's management the business is going forward remark- ably. The company deals in coal, wholesale and retail, also in lime, brick and lumber, doing a very considerable business. They buy in car lots, hav- ing their own trestle and spur track, and keep three large motor trucks constantly busy.
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.