USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume III > Part 57
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Alfred D. Fourett, son of Robert S. and Mar garet (Davis) Fourett, was born May 20, 1879, in New Brunswick, Middlesex county, New Jersey, and
received his education in the public schools of his native city. When his school days were over he was employed until his nineteenth year in farming in Middlesex county. On June 18, 1898, Mr. Fourett enlisted in Company . A, Fourth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, in which he served as a private throughout the Spanish-American War, re- ceiving an honorable discharge, April 6, 1899.
On his return to Monmouth county, Mr. Fourett located in Asbury Park, where for ten years he was engaged as a contractor and builder. In 1920 he engaged in the real estate business, specializing in farm property, and has been very successful, handling through his agency some of the largest farms in Monmouth county. In politics Mr. Fourett is strictly independent. He is affiliated with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics; Lodge, No. 128, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and the Knights of the Golden Eagle, No. 78, of Spotswood, New Jersey, having in the last- named organization passed all the chairs.
Mr. Fourett married, October 2, 1899, at Asbury Park, New Jersey, Florence Corrita Brown, daugh- ter of Horace and Elizabeth (Williams) Brown, of Jamesburg, New Jersey, and they are the parents of the following children: Helen Elizabeth, born in Jamesburg, New Jersey; Gladys; Florence; and Alfred, all born in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Mr. Fourett has maintained, as a soldier, the military traditions of his family, and is now main- taining their traditions of good citizenship by aid- ing in the development of interests of his com- munity.
ALFRED HARDY-Long well and favorably known in the industrial world of Monmouth county, Alfred Hardy, of Morganville, New Jersey, has also for many years been broadly useful in the public life of the section.
Mr. Hardy is a son of Henry Hardy, who was born in England, September 14, 1820, and came to the United States as a young man, settling in this county, where he died September 3, 1892. He married Elizabeth Grisley, who was born in Feb- ruary, 1815, and died April 21, 1863, and they were the parents of seven children: Henry, of Marl- boro, New Jersey; John W., deceased; George, de- ceased; Samuel, a farmer of Scobeyville, New Jer- sy; Thomas E., an undertaker of Manasquan, New Jersey; Alfred, whose name heads this review; and Jane, wife of Charles H. Layton, of Freehold town- ship, also in this State and county.
Alfred Hardy was born in Marlboro township, February 28, 1857. He received his education in the public schools of his native place. After finsh- ing his studies, the young man took up farming, which he followed for a short time, then began work at the trade of blacksmith with James H. King, of Marlboro township. This was in 1874, and two years later he went to Bradevelt, also in this county, where he became associated with R. R. Sutphen. In 1879 he went to Asbury Park, and for
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about a year was associated with J. W. Sutphen, of that city, along the same line of business, then in 1880 started out for himself, with a shop at Holmdel. About a year later Mr. Hardy removed to Bradevelt, still in business for himself, then the following year, 1882, again removed his shop, this time to his present headquarters in Morganville. Here he purchased the shop of John C. Dill, carry- ing forward the business for some years alone, then taking into partnership his son, William Ray- mond Hardy, who continued in this business until his death, which occurred May 14, 1912. In June, 1920, his son-in-law, Peter G. Frawley, bought out his son's interest, and the partnership still con- tinues as Hardy & Company. He has long held a leading position in his line of business, and is one of the successful men of the day in this com- munity.
Mr. Hardy was a member of the board of educa- tion of Marlboro township for a period of thirty- five years, and for twenty-eight years of this time was its president. For seven years he was a free- holder, and for six years was president of the town- ship committee, and also served on the registration board. He is a charter member, and for six years has been president of the Independent Volunteer Fire Company, of Morganville, where he resides. He is a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church of Keyport, New Jersey.
In 1881, Mr. Hardy married Ella Halaran, and they are the parents of three children: Mary Eliz- abeth, now Mrs. Peter G. Frawley; William Ray- mond, deceased; and Allen, also deceased. William Raymond Hardy was a young man of rare promise, and his early death was not only a source of deep- est grief to his immediate family, but to the com- munity as well. He was a staunch supporter of the Republican party and served the township of Marl- boro as assessor for two years. He was a devout member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. On October 27, 1909, he married Winnie A. Foland, and is now survived by his wife and their three children: Ave Maria, born May 24, 1914; Alfred William, born August 28, 1918; and Thomas Ray- mond, born March 29, 1920.
CHESTER ASHER WOLCOTT, a native son of Monmouth county, New Jersey, was born near Eatontown, September 9, 1893, the son of Douglass Asher and Effie (Aumack) Wolcott. Douglass A. Wolcott was born at Manasquan, New Jersey, Aug- ust 19, 1876, and became an electrical worker. He helped to build the Monmouth County Electric railroad, and later was assistant superintendent in its operations. Later he was engaged as chief elec- trician by Stern Brothers at their store in New York City, and there continues (1922). Mrs. Effie (Aumack) Wolcott was born in New Jersey, daugh- ter of Samuel Aumack, who drove the first engine that ever passed over the old New Jersey Southern railroad, which ran from Sandy Hook across the State to the Delaware river at Bayside. Mr. and
Mrs. Douglass A. Wolcott also are the parents of two daughters: May, who married James Halter- man, a farmer living near the Delaware Water Gap; and Viola, who is in the office employ of the Ru- dolph Werner Music Company of New York City.
Charles A. Wolcott was educated in Eatontown public schools. After leaving school he entered the employ of Sabbath & White, plumbers, of Red Bank, New Jersey, and with that firm and also with Cook & Oakley he learned the plumber's trade, and con- tinued a journeyman until 1914. During that time he also completed a course in sanitary engineering through the American Correspondence School of Chicago, Illinois. In 1914 he established in busi- ness under his own name at the corner of Main and Lewis streets, Eatontown.
Mr. Wolcott is interested with his father in the ownership of a farm near the Delaware Water Gap, cultivated by Hames Halterman, his brother- in-law. A lover of music, Mr. Wolcott is a member of an orchestra, and although he performs on sev- eral instruments, his preference is for the violin. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church; Junior Order of United American Mechanics; and of the Exempt Firemen's Association.
Mr. Wolcott married Charlotte Arranco, Sep- tember 15, 1912. They have three children, all born at Eatontown: Thomas, born January 26, 1914; Marie Virginia, born February 12, 1916; and Chester Asher, Jr., born May 28, 1918.
HAROLD WINFIELD HOLCOMBE was born at Hightstown, New Jersey, and is a son of Harold D. Holcombe, an interior decorator of Hightstown and Pennington, who died in 1897, and Lillian (Pullen) Holcombe, whose birthplace was Penning- ton. Of his two sisters one, Helen D., now Mrs. Harry Perrine, is a resident of Red Hook, New York, and the other, Anita, who was the wife of Clifford Conover, lived at Primeville, New Jersey, until the time of her death.
His father's people were well represented in the field of medicine and surgery. Charles Haight Holcombe, the noted X-ray specialist, who died in 1920 as a result of exposure to the dangers con- nected with his work, was Mr. Holcombe's uncle. On his mother's side, Mr. Holcombe is related to the families of Pullen and Baird, who were pioneer nurserymen in the United States.
Mr. Holcombe received his early education in the public schools of Fairplay, Trenton, and Hights- town. He proceeded to Brown's Preparatory School at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Drexel In- stitute. He is a member of Washington Lodge, No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons, and is unmarried.
Mr. Holcombe combines the business of import- ing crude rubber with that of directing one of the finest farms in Monmouth county. As a gentleman farmer he specializes in fruit tree nurseries and the raising of fine dairy cattle. He is the owner of two hundred and fifty acres of Monmouth county land, and has a herd of valuable Guernsey and Hol-
William / Hardy
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stein cattle. Winfield S. Pullen, his uncle, is asso- ciated with him in the nursery business. As a man- of-affairs, Mr. Holcombe is well known in New York. He is the president and largest stockholder of the Importers' and Dealers' Company of No. 200 Broadway, New York; the president and largest stockholder of the Ceylon Rubber Company, of Akron, Ohio, of which he is also a director; the principal stockholder and a director of Hohl and Jaffee, Inc., of New York City; a director of the Rubber Trade Association of New York, a member of the Board of Trade of New York City, and of the Merchants' Association of New York City.
MATHEW MORTENSON-In mercantile circles in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, Mr. Mortenson holds a position of prominence and is considered one of the successful men of the day. A native of New Jersey, he is a son of Martin and Anna (Jacob- sen) Mortenson, and his father is a machinist by occupation.
Mathew Mortenson was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, September 23, 1887. He received his early education in the public schools of that city, then, in preparation for his business career, attend- ed the Newark Technical School, from which he was graduated in due course. He has since been engaged in the coal and feed business at Atlantic Highlands, and is handling a large and constantly increasing business, the foundations of his success being quality of product and efficiency in service. He is one of the progressive and forward-looking citizens of Atlantic Highlands, a Republican by political convictions, and has served the people for the past three years as president of the Board of Health. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church, and endorses all advance movements of the community.
Mr. Mortenson married, in Perth Amboy, on No- vember 20, 1910, Alice Nelson, of that city, daughter of John Nelson, and they are the parents of four children: Verna, born November 26, 1912; Esther, born March 6, 1914; Martin, born March 10, 1916; and Irene, born November 6, 1918.
EDWARD CONOVER TAYLOR, of Chapel Hill Farm, where he specializes in the raising of white Leghorn chickens, was born in Middletown, New Jersey, August 25, 1877, son of Henry Clay and Emeline (Conover) Taylor, both deceased. Edward C. Taylor has three sisters living: Katherine Louisa; Rachel Conover, and Adelle Dillingham Hendrickson, of New York City.
As a boy he attended the public schools of Mid- dletown, and then entered Bordentown Military Academy, whence he was graduated in 1894. After completing his studies, he secured a position with the Fidelity Casualty Company, continuing thus until the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, in 1898, when he joined the volunteer forces, becom- ing a non-commissioned officer, serving until the termination of the war. He then returned to his former position, but after a time resigned and be-
came chief auditor for the United States Casualty Company, later resigning to accept a position with the Ocean Guarantee Company, an English corpor- ation, as chief auditor. In 1909 he was commis- sioned first lieutenant in the United States army, and was assigned to duty as instructor of military science at Stamford Military Academy, where he remained for one year and a half, at the end of which time he retired and became office manager for Belden & Hancock, No. 97 William street, New York City. His next employment was with the Hearst International Library as office manager, but a little later he resigned and returned to Mid- dletown, where he resumed charge of his father's farm known as the Taylor homestead, and here he remained until the outbreak of war with Germany, when he was called for duty and assigned as an in- structor at Camp Lee, later being transferred to Spartansburg as instructor of anti-aircraft machine guns. In July, 1918, he requested foreign service and was transferred to the Third Pioneer Infantry, with whom as first lieutenant he sailed for France. He entered the Argonne sector at Souilly, Septem- ber 26, and with the headquarters troops advanced through Dombasle. He was then detached with four hundred men and made sector commander at Chattancourt-Montzeville, and on November 11, 1918, was sent to Laneuveille. From here he was sent to St. Nazaire, Company No. 9, and served as adjutant until October, 1919, when he sailed for home, as senior officer of the New Jersey contin- gent. He was honorably discharged at Camp Dix, October 20, 1919. In April, 1921, he sold the Tay- lor homestead farm and purchased the Chapel Hill farm where, as stated, he specializes in poultry raising.
In politics he is a Republican, and affiliates with the Masonic order, being a member of Quincy Lodge, No. 230, Free and Accepted Masons, and of Middletown Chapter, No. 19, Royal Arch Masons. He is a member of the Reformed church.
On April 7, 1904, Edward Conover Taylor was united in marriage with Fern Calloway, a native of Ellwood, Indiana, born June 3, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are the parents of five children: Jane, born July 25, 1907; Emeline, born March 19, 1912; Ed- ward Forman, born January 4, 1914; Francis, born May 9, 1915; and Eleanor Remsen, born June 15, 1921.
The property alluded to in the foregoing as the Taylor homestead was settled upon by Edward Taylor in 1692. He died in 1710, and was succeed- ed in the ownership of the farm by his son, George Taylor, who died in Middletown in 1758. On May 1, 1789, George Taylor and his wife Helena deeded the farm to their son, Edward Taylor, but that deed was never recorded. Edward Taylor died January 18, 1783, and was succeeded by his son, George Taylor, who died March 4, 1799. The ownership of the homestead then passed to his son, Edward Taylor, who died in 1855. A fourth Edward Taylor then became the owner, Dr. Edward Taylor, who held the property free and clean of all encum-
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brances until his death, August 25, 1885. During his life the area of the farm was diminished by reason of condemnation proceedings by the New York & Long Branch Railroad Company needing the land for railroad use. Dr. Taylor bequeathed the farm to his son, Henry Clay Taylor; his widow, Catharine L. Taylor, to have a life interest. She died December 11, 1889. At the death of Henry C. Taylor the property came to his son, Edward Conover Taylor, who in April, 1921, sold the farm which had been in the Taylor name since 1692, de- scending from father to son in direct line from Edward Taylor. The farm lies near the borough of Middletown, Monmouth county, New Jersey, and when deeded by George and Helena Taylor, May 1, 1739, to their son, Edward Taylor, contained 202 acres in ten parcels as named in the deed.
MONROE WYCKOFF-Bearing one of the old New Jersey names, and individually giving that name wide prominence in his native State, Monroe Wyckoff, long of Manasquan, is identified with vari- ous business and public enterprises which are sig- nificant forces in the general advance of the com- munity. Mr. Wyckoff is a son of David Baird and Elizabeth (Perrine) Wyckoff. The elder Mr. Wyckoff was throughout his lifetime a prominent farmer, miller and general merchant in Middlesex county, and a leader in public life, serving two terms in the State Assembly.
Monroe Wyckoff was born on the old family homestead, near Wyckoff's Mills, Middlesex county, New Jersey, May 16, 1861. Coming to Manasquan as a boy, he received his education in the schools at Cranbury, New Jersey, then as a young man en- tered business. His first venture was at the age of twenty, when he established a grain business. This has developed into one of the largest whole- sale and retail enterprises in its field along the entire coast of New Jersey. But this is by no means the only achievement of Mr. Wyckoff. In 1906 he built the Wyckoff race track at Manasquan, and in the same year presented to the borough one of the finest streets it contains, which bears the name of Wyckoff avenue, after the donor, who laid out and built it. He was a member of the com- mittee who succeeded in securing for Manasquan, from the county appropriations, the new cement road which is one of the most practical improve- ments of recent years. Mr. Wyckoff built, on the main street of Manasquan, a modern three-story cement building, upon the ground floor of which he has opened an up-to-date cafeteria. He also owns a farm in Freehold township, products of which are used to provide vegetables and beef for his grocery store and meat market.
In political affairs Mr. Wyckoff has always sup- ported the Democratic party, and has served as councilman for nine years, but the honors of politi- cal life hold no attraction for him, he even declin- ing to accept the nomination for mayor. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of Manasquan,
and his religious convictions place his membership with the Presbyterian church.
In August, 1882, Mr. Wyckoff married, at Hights- town, New Jersey, Ella Savage, daughter of Alex- ander and Sarah Savage, and they are the parents of three children; David Baird, who died in in- fancy; Leroy, now State inspector of motor vehicles; and Fred, all born at Manasquan, where the family has long resided.
THOMAS B. BARHAM, for many years actively engaged in business as a plumber of Long Branch, has been connected with the construction operations of this section, and has won a high position in his field of endeavor.
Mr. Barham is a son of James D. Barham, who was born in London, England, July 24, 1824, and was educated in England and Ireland. He was em- ployed for a number of years in his native country in a gas plant, and became an expert in this work, also through special study became a good chemist. Coming to the United States, he located in Long Branch, New Jersey, and built the gas works for the bath houses then owned by a Mr. Green (1861), but a year later this plant was burned to the ground. He then became connected with the gas works for the Mansion House, later for the Metro- politan Hotel. James D. Barham was a natural mechanic and ingenious to a marked degree, so when business conditions made such a move advis- able, he branched out in a different field of work, and in 1869 established a plumbing business under the firm name of Barham & Company, his part- ner being William Curr. They did much important work, including the contract for laying the pipes and erecting the lights on Ocean and Bath avenues in 1871. They also carried out contracts for many famous men whose sea shore residences were locat- ed here, including General Ulysses S. Grant, Joha Fitz Porter, General Lee, and George W. Childs. In 1889 Mr. Barham dissolved partnership with Mr. Curr, and started business alone, with his son as manager.
Thomas B. Barham was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, October 10, 1862. His education was re- ceived in the grammar and high schools of Long Branch, and he was reared in this community. In July, 1876, he began work with his father, at the trade of plumber, continuing until he was twenty- four years of age, and becoming thoroughly experi- enced in the business. Then starting in business for himself along this line, in Manasquan, Mr. Barham continued there for three years very successfully, but his father requiring a manager, he returned to Long Branch and was associated with the elder Mr. Barham for a period of ten years. In 1899, striking out for himself again, Thomas B. Barham establish- ed a plumbing business in the West End of Long Branch, under his own name, then later received his son in partnership, the firm name then becom- ing Thomas B. Barham & Son. Mr. Barham is an expert in his field, and has done the plumbing work
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John & Francisco, M.G.
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in some of the finest residences in this section, es- pecially in the more exclusive districts of Elberon, and he stands among the successful men of the day in Monmouth county.
In the public responsibilities of the community Mr. Barham has long borne a part. He is master plumber examiner for the city of Long Branch, and was one of the organizers of the Master Plumbers' Association of Long Branch, and has served the association as president. Politically he is an ar- dent Republican, a strong advocate of the party's principles, and has served on the county executive committee. He attends the Episcopal church of Long Branch.
In September, 1883, Mr. Barham married, at Long Branch, Carrie L. Herbert, and they are the parents of seven children: Lillian, now Mrs. Dalton; Thomas H., associated with his father in business; Harry; May C .; Hazel P .; H. LeRoy; and Edwin S.
BRUCE A. SEYMOUR, business man of Allen- hurst, New Jersey, was born at Asbury Park, same State, February 12, 1892, son of Ernest J. and Emma B. (Barnes) Seymour. His father was in the cigar business at Belmar, New Jersey, for twenty-one years, and is now engaged in the hotel and restaurant business at Allenhurst.
The early education of Bruce A. Seymour was ob- tained in the. public and high schools of Asbury Park, and at a business college in that city. He then began to learn the electrical business, and in following this trade, Mr. Seymour has worked in cities throughout the United States, also in the West Indies and Porto Rico. Through working in garages at various times, Mr. Seymour learned the business of automobile repairing, and has supple- mented his practical experience with study along those lines. He opened a garage at Asbury Park, and after three years removed to Allenhurst, where in association with his father he opened the Allen- hurst Garage, where general repairing is done, auto- mobiles are stored, and cars also are bought and sold. A special feature of the repair work is the expert electrical repairing, Mr. Seymour being very skilled in this particular line.
During the World War, 1917-18, Mr. Seymour was chief inspector of pile driving, stationed at Hog Island for one year, and one year at the Newark port. In politics he holds independent views, and fraternally is affiliated with the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Allenhurst Fire Company, and of the Professional Automobile Engineers of New York.
Mr. Seymour married, at Brooklyn, New York, Florence Weeks, and they are the parents of a daughter, Ada Doris. With his family, Mr. Sey- mour attends the Episcopal church at Asbury Park, and for five years was a member of the choir of this church.
JOHN DE FRANCISCO was born in Brooklyn, New York, December 3, 1892, a son of Matthew and Magdalene (Martini) De Francisco, and grandson of
the late Dr. John Nicholas Martini, of Naples, Italy. His father moved to Staten Island, New York, while he was quite young, and Mr. De Fran- cisco received his early education in the public schools in the vicinity of his home.
After his preliminary studies were completed, he obtained a position in a drug store as a clerk. This business experience, and a natural taste for medi- cine and pharmacy combined, led him to enter the pharmacy department of the University of New Jersey, still continuing, however, his work at the drug store. He graduated on May 28, 1913, with the degree of Ph.G. In a highly commendable effort to increase his knowledge of pharmaceutical business, he went into business for himself, opening a drug store in Newark, New Jersey. Later he sold his drug store, and he then entered a drug store in Yonkers, New York. After working in Yonkers for several months, he returned to New Jersey and settled in Long Branch, in March, 1916, working one year for the late William J. Brokaw. In June, 1919, Mr. De Francisco opened a drug store on Norwood avenue, where he is now (1922) in business for himself. While continuing his studies these past few years, Mr. De Fran- cisco expects to gain his higher degree shortly. Mr. De Francisco is a Catholic, and a member of the Holy Trinity Church at Long Branch. He is a Re- publican in politics.
Mr. De Francisco married, in June, 1922, Amalia Maggiore, of Monongah, West Virginia, sister of the Rev. Father Raymond Henry Maggiore, also of the latter place, and of Captain R. Maggiore and of Lieutenant Ernest Maggiore, both of Naples, Italy.
EDWARD WEINHEIMER was born in New York City on March 1, 1892, and is a son of Jacob and Philomena (Newhardt) Weinheimer. His father, who was born in New York City, follows the trade of a butcher; his mother, who was also born in New York City, is now dead. Mr. Wein- heimer has three brothers and two sisters.
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