USA > New Jersey > Memorial cyclopedia of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 33
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
In matters of public health and parks, Mr. Lee took an active interest. He be- came a member of the board of health in 1901 and led a campaign for mosquito ex- termination. By reason of resultant agi- tation in 1903 the common council of the city of Trenton commenced the plan of the purchase of the Delaware river front, Mr. Lee being secretary of the special commit-
tee on the acquisition of park lands. So active was he in the pursuit of plans for beautifying that section of the city, that the suggestion was made to name the park in his honor. His mother has had plans drawn for a shelter and playhouse for the children of Trenton to be erected in the park as a memorial to her husband and her son, these plans calling for a beautiful and artistic structure which will be an adornment to the park.
Mr. Lee was a thirty-second degree Ma- son ; a member of the New Jersey Histori- cal Society; recording secretary of the Princeton Historical Society ; member of the Burlington County, Monmouth County and Salem County ( New Jersey) Historical societies. and of the Bucks County ( Penn- sylvania ) Historical Society; correspond- ing secretary of the New Jersey Sons of the Revolution for ten years ; at one time a member of the board of managers of the Revolutionary Memorial Society, and active in the attempts to preserve Washington's headquarters in Rocky Hill and Somerville ; for a time secretary and president of the State Schools Alumni Association, of which he was one of the organizers : mem- ber of the American Dialect Society; the New Jersey Society of Pennsylvania and of the State and Mercer County Bar asso- ciations. From December, 1892, he was a member of the Board of Managers of the New Jersey State. Charities Aid Society, and a member of its law committee. In April. 1895, Mr. Lee was appointed one of a special committee to examine the penal laws of New Jersey and other States, and to report necessary and beneficial changes. Much beneficial legislation resulted from the reports of this body. He was secre- tary to the commission to compile the pub- lic statutes of New Jersey, and was in charge of New Jersey's historical exhibit at the Jamestown Ter-Centennial Exposi- tion, and was also historian to the execu- tive committee of the Washington's Cross- ing committee. He was a member and ves-
207
-
@
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
tryman for a number of years of Vincen- town Trinity Episcopal Church.
Mr. Lee married, in Vincentown, New Jersey, June 12, 1894, Sara Stretch Eayre, born in Junction City, Kansas, only child of Captain George Stretch and Marie Burr (Bryan) Eayre, and a descendant in both paternal and maternal lines from some of the most prominent families in the country. Child : Rhoda, born November 5, 1898.
Of Mr. Lee it may be said that he was a man of large and symmetrical mentality, an orator of great personal magnetism, and invariably a power in his community. Log- ic, clear and forcible, sarcasm, quiet but scathing, and wit of rapierlike keenness were wielded by him with a masterly skill. His penetrating thought often added wis- dom to public movements, and he ever took an interest in those matters which tended to improve the public welfare. Mr. Lee was a man of serious aims, far-sighted in busi- ness, broad in views, cherishing generous ideals, entertaining in society, and finding his friends among young and old, rich and poor. These are the traits which shone in his character and made him an object of universal esteem and a representative of those interests which have conserved the progress of the State.
HOLLINSHEAD, Charles Sterling, Leading Insurance Actuary.
New Jersey the State of his birth, life- long residence, and death, it was as an of- ficial of a great Pennsylvania corporation that the active life of Charles Sterling Hol- linshead was passed. His entrance into the field of insurance was a natural event in his life's course, his father having been for more than a quarter of a century secretary of the Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, and in that business he rose rapidly to the high position for which his capabilities and talents qualified him, re- tiring from the presidency of the Union In- surance Company in 1906, after a long term
spent in its service. The following pages speak of his busy and useful career, of the love and esteem in which he was held by his associates and friends, and of the ac- complishments of his life. His memory is preserved in the hearts of many, both in Philadelphia, his place of business, and Merchantville, New Jersey, his home for nearly forty-five years. Known in the one place as the forceful man of affairs, a lead- er of men, he was as well loved and respect- ed in the latter as the public spirited citi- zen, interested .and a participant in the ac- tivities of his town.
Charles Sterling Hollinshead, son of Joseph H. and Margaret W. Hollinshead, was born in New Jersey, January 10, 1850, and obtained his general education in the schools of his native State and of Phila- delphia, completing his studies in the insti- tutions of the latter city. He was but a youth when his early training began in the business that became his life work, his first position being in the offices of the Insur- ance Company of the State of Pennsyl- vania, a corporation his father long served in the office of secretary. His training with this concern was thorough and complete, and he subsequently branched out into in- dependent operations as an associate of the general agency firm of Duy & Hollinshead, his connection with the Union Insurance Company beginning at the time he attained his majority. Even at this early period of his life he had attracted the favorable atten- tion of those in positions of influence in the world of insurance, and in the position of fire manager of the Union Company he ful- filled the high expectations of his superiors in office. Although he had excellent oppor- tunities for advancement in the agent's line, subsequent events proved the wisdom of his change.
As fire manager of the Union Insurance Company, Mr. Hollinshead applied himself with the vigor and enthusiasm of youth to the improvement and upbuilding of that branch of the company's interests, and
208
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
spared himself not at all in his earnest ef- forts. His first move was to acquaint him- self with every part of his organization, making personal friends of many of his subordinates, and securing their loyal friendship and the assurance of their aid at every turn. Upon this secure founda- tion of allegiance he developed his branch of the company's business to an extent that won him the grateful commendation of the officers of the company and wide notice among insurance men. His work was an important factor in enabling the Union In- surance Company to maintain a condition of solvency and honorable position during the years that marked the disastrous fail- ure and compulsory retirement of many companies.
The close of the year 1888 saw a well planned movement for the reorganization of the company, which provided for the Union Insurance Company's retirement from the marine branch of the business, making fire insurance its sole activity. The first meeting of the board of directors in January, 1889, after the reorganization, was for the election of officers, and Charles Sterling Hollinshead was chosen to fill the office of president, becoming the ninth pres- ident of the Union Insurance Company since its founding. Young in years and experience, he was yet old in the lessons that are learned through weighty respon- sibility and the management of important affairs, and none who had worked with him or who had come into touch with his department felt any fears for the Union Company under his leadership. Amid the maze of unusual conditions that existed af- ter the reorganization he retained in ad- mirable manner his clearness of judgment, his calm mental balance, and at no time was the credit or standing of the Company in jeopardy. He had assumed vast obliga- tions, and in their discharge he showed bus- iness talent of exceptional order and exe- cutive ability granted only to the few.
Mr. Hollinshead remained in the office of president of the Union Insurance Com- pany until February, 1906, when he retir- ed from his long connection with that cor- poration. The years he spent in its ser- vice, most successful from a business view- point, were likewise most agreeable in the pleasant associations and the lasting friend- ships formed. The occasion of the twenty- fifth anniversary of his service, October 14, 1897, was marked by a testimonial banquet held in the Hotel Walton, Philadelphia, when Mr. Hollinshead was the recipient of a solid silver dinner service, the joint gift of the board of directors, office staff, and special agents of the Union Insurance Com- pany. No less sincere and earnest was the regret felt and expressed by all of his as- sociates at the time of his resignation from the presidency. The following report was spread on the minutes of the Union Fire Insurance Company, and a copy was tend- ered Mr. Hollinshead :
Philadelphia, February 13, 1906.
Mr. Charles S. Hollinshead having resigned as president and director of the Union Fire In- surance Comapny of Philadelphia, thus severing a connection of thirty-four years, eighteen of which were passed as its executive head:
The members of the board of directors de- sire to place on record an expression of their high appreciation of his integrity, ability, and personai qualities which have so much attached him to the members of the Board of the Union Insurance Company through the many years of liis service ;
And to express our regret at the occasion of his retirement.
Respectfully submitted, CARROLL NEIDE, Chairman, B. FRANK HART, CHARLES TETE, JR. Committee.
That his services were productive of ben- efit to the entire business as well as to that of the Union Company, is testified by a let- ter addressed to him by the Corporate Underwriters of Philadelphia, soon after his retirement, a copy of which was prepar- ed in beautiful form and presented to him:
11-14
209
1
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
Philadelphia, February 26, 1906. Charles S. Hollinshead, Esq.,
Philadelphia.
DEAR SIR :
At a meeting of the Corporate Underwriters of Philadelphia called to take suitable action up- on your retirement from the presidency of the Union Fire Insurance Company, the undersign- ed were appointed a committee to give voice to the sentiments of respect and esteem in which you are held by your associates.
This pleasing duty is only made difficult by the very many things which could be said in expression of appreciation of the high position which you have maintained during the years you have been at the head of the Company.
The difficulties which you have been forced to meet are such as have been rarely success- fully overcome by any underwriter in the his- tory of the business, and your intelligent and manful struggle with the conditions which have confronted you has had the sympathy and chal- lenged the admiration not only of your asso- ciates in Philadelphia but of underwriters throughout the entire country.
Throughout all these difficulties you have maintained for yourself and the Company the highest standard of good faith and good under- writing practice and notwithstanding the absorb- ing difficulties of your corporate position, you have freely given your time in the interest of the business at large.
All these things are fully appreciated by your associates, who feel that the honor and credit of Philadelphia Fire Insurance Companies have been promoted by the excellent work which you have accomplished.
Trusting that your connection with the busi- riess may not be entirely severed by the recent change which has come about, and assuring you of the confidence and good will of all your as -.. sociates,
We Remain,
Very Truly Yours, TATNALL PAULDING, R. DALE BENSON, CHARLES R. PECK.
The withdrawal of Mr. Hollinshead from the presidency of the Union Fire In- surance Company did not mark his abso- lute retirement from business, although this came in 1908, the two intervening years passed as manager of the fire under- writing department of the Franklin Fire
Insurance Company. From 1908 until his death, December 5, 1912, he was free from official business connection, enjoying well earned leisure in his long time home, Mer- chantville, New Jersey. The period of his life prior to his acceptance of the presi- dency of the Union Fire Insurance Com- pany was but one of preparation ; the two years of his active life after his retirement from that office were but filled with duties that made the laying aside of his official burdens more easy ; the work that stands as his life attainment is that which he ac- complished in the capacity of chief execu- tive of the Union Company. Just how worthy that was may be known in full de- gree only to those who stood shoulder to shoulder with him in times of adversity and financial danger, but the above quoted words convey some idea of its importance to the unexperienced in such affairs.
In the life of the Merchantville com- munity he ever took a prominent part, ex- tending his interest and activity to the po- litical situation in county and State, always as a supporter of the Republican party. For several years he was a member of the Mer- chantville Borough Council, as a member of this body aiding in the enactment of or- dinances safe-guarding the natural beauties and advantages of the town and protecting its interests and citizenship. He was appre- ciated by his neighbors and fellow citizens as he was by those who knew him only as the business man, and in the associations of his home and town was the source of the strength and courage that made him a power in the insurance world.
Charles Sterling Hollinshead married Margaret S. Errickson, and was the father of four children. Francis A., Marie L., Sterling E., and Emily J.
BENTLEY, Peter, Sr.,
The late Peter Bentley Sr., during an un- usually long and active career, was held in
210
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
high honor for his legal abilities, his mark- ed usefulness in community affairs, and his sterling nobility of personal character.
He was born in the village of Half Moon, Saratoga county, New York, in 1805. His parents were Christopher and Eleanor (Althouse) Bentley ; the father was of English descent, and his mother came from an early Dutch family of New York City. He was reared on a farm, and his school advantages were meagre, but his ambition led him to a self-education which proved an excellent equipment. At the age of twenty years he took employment in the printing house of Yates & McIntyre, in New York City. He was even then predis- posed to the law, and during his five years' continuance with the firm ardently exerted himself to preparation for his chosen call- ing. In 1830 he entered the office of Sam- uel Cassidy, then one of the foremost law- yers in New Jersey, and made such pro- gress in his studies and developed such a genuine talent for the profession that he soon came to be entrusted with the greater part of his tutor's business in the justices' courts. He was admitted to the bar as an attorney at the May term, 1834, and as a counsellor in September, 1839. By this time he was finally established in his pro- fession, and he erected a building for of- fice purposes. During his professional ca- reer he was connected with some of the most notable litigation of the day, and of far-reaching importance. In 1842, as attor- ney for the selectmen of Jersey City, he was engaged in the celebrated Dummer case, in which was decided the doctrine of dedication by maps. Another case of vast importance was the Bell case, in which Mrs. Bell laid claim to the tract of land under water under title of descent, and re- affirmed by special grant of the New Jer- sey Legislature. These titles were contest- ed by another on the ground that, as he held uncontested title to the bordering shore property, the submerged extension of the same was of right his own, and he
constructed a pier. This cause celebre, be- gun in 1843, was not finally adjudicat- ed until nearly a quarter of a century later, when Mr. Bentley achieved an entire victory in securing for his client, Mrs. Bell, the maintenance of the claim. He subsequently administered upon Mrs. Bell's riparian lands, which he disposed of to her great ad- vantage. - These lands are now a portion of the valuable Jersey City railway terminal. Many very important trusts were confided to Mr. Bentley, and his judgment was great- ly relied upon. From the first he held to the conviction that real estate investments were safer and more profitable than any other. He enjoyed in highest degree the confidence of people of Holland descent, and he was the agent for a great number of the best families in the investment of money upon real estate, and he settled many large estates, all to the great advan- tage of the parties in interest.
Throughout his life, Mr. Bentley took an active part in community affairs, and he exerted a marked influence in the devel- opment of both his city and county. He took a leading part in formulating the char- ters and other legal instruments upon which were based the county of Hudson and its principal municipalities. He made large investments in real estate, and was a pioneer in local improvements, especially in the Bergen Hill section, which he opened up and beautified, and where he erected an almost palatial residence. He guarded with jealous care the interests of the taxpaying public, to protect them against unnecessary taxation and municipal advantages. At one time many years' accumulations of unpaid taxes had imposed unjust burdens upon paying property owners, and he conceived the idea of a commission of leading citi- zens who should make an equitable re-ad- justment. In 1873 he procured the enact- ment of a law to that end; a commission was appointed, with former Supreme Court Justice Haines as chairman, and which gave a satisfactory solution to the
211
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
most formidable problem which had con- fronted the community.
In 1833, while yet a law student, Mr. Bentley was elected clerk of the board of selectmen of Jersey City, and he was elect- ed to the mayoralty in 1843, acquitting him- self with characteristic ability and fidelity in both these places. He was repeatedly solicited to accept higher political honors, but he was wedded to his profession and the interests of his city. He was one of the organizers of the Mechanics' & Trad- ers' Bank in 1853, and was its president for several years. For some years prior to and at the time of his death, he was a trustee and counsel of the Provident In- stitution for Savings of Jersey City, vice- president of the Jersey City Savings Bank, director and treasurer of the Jersey City Gas Company, and treasurer of the Jersey City and Bergen Plank Road Company.
A Democrat in early life, he left the party in 1848 upon the issue of slavery, and was one of the leaders in forming the Free Soil party in New Jersey. He allied himself with the Republican party at its or- ganization in 1856, and was thereafter one of its most steadfast adherents, and, dur- ing the Civil War, a most determined sup- porter of the Union cause. He had a charm- ing personality. As a biographer spoke of him, "he was a rare gentleman, peculiarly attached to his wife and children, gracious and hospitable in his home, sincere and .. earnest in his religious faith, and so honest and honorable in all the affairs of his life that the faintest breath was never raised to question his integrity."
He died at his home in Jersey City, Sep- tember 26, 1875, being at the time the old- est practitioner of the bar of that city, with a record of some forty-two years of pro- fessional service. The courts of Hudson took an adjournment in honor of his mem -. ory, and a committee reported appropriate resolutions, in his recognition "as one who stood eminent in his professional life and character, always devoted to the interests
of his clients; having a clear perception of the right, and a happy faculty of adjusting disputes and effecting settlements among men, and, in the long course of his profes- sional life, leaving a spotless record."
Mr. Bentley married, October 13, 1842, Margaret E. Holmes, of Jersey City, and they had two children-Peter Bentley (2d) and Rosaline Bentley.
PARSONS, Ellwood,
Staunch and Trusted Citizen.
The Parsons family, for seven genera- tions associated with the affairs of Bucks and Philadelphia counties, Pennsylvania, is of ancient English residence and is prob- ably of Norman origin, tracing to the time of the Crusaders, the early form of the name being Pierreson, son of Pierre. The earliest record of the name in English her- aldry is in the "Visitation to Hereford in 1286," when Sir John Parsons, of Cud- dingham, is awarded armorial bearings comprising a leopard's head between three crosses, indicating that the original grantee was a Crusader.
Authentic records name George Parsons, of Middlezoy, Somersetshire, England, born about 1540, as ancestor of Ellwood Parsons, of this chronicle. George Par- sons was the father of a son John, and four daughters. Toward the close of the seventeenth century several representatives of the Somersetshire family of Parsons, who had become converts to the faith of George Fox, found their way to Pennsyl- vania, among them a John Parsons, great- grandson of George Parsons, previously mentioned, grandson of John, and son of John Parsons, and with him the American record of this line begins.
John Parsons, the American ancestor of the branch of the Parsons family claiming Ellwood Parsons as member, was born at Middlezoy, Somersetshire, England, about 1630, and in early manhood allied himself with the believers in the faith of George
212
------
-
-
Ellwood Porsus
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
Fox, suffering persecution for this allegi- ance. In 1670 he was fined, with other members of Middlezoy Meeting, for refus- ing to pay tithes, and five years afterward was placed in prison for the same offence. He was one of seven Quakers impris- oned for holding religious meetings after the manner of their faith, who in 1684 ad- dressed an eloquent petition to the judges of the assizes, complaining against the in- justice of their detention. He and his wife Florence signed a certificate for their son John, from the Meeting at Middlezoy to Friends in Philadelphia, dated 7 mo. (Sep- tember) 4, 1681. This son John returned to Middlezoy in 1685, married Ann Powell, and with her, his brother Thomas and his sister Jane Tyler and her family returned to Pennsylvania in the same year. This party was accompanied by the parents of John and Thomas Parsons. John and Flor- ence Parsons.
Thomas, son of John and Florence Par- sons, of Middlezoy, Somersetshire, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was born about 1663. Like his father he was a member of the Society of Friends, and in 1683 was imprisoned, with others, at Ilchester, Coun- ty Somerset, for attending a conventicle Thomas (2), son of Thomas and Jane (Culling) Parsons, was born in Philadel- phia, about 1688, resided in the vicinity of his birthplace until after the death of his father, then moved to Virginia. He was named executor of his father's will, but was "absent" at the time of its proof. June 17, 1721. By the terms of the will he was devised the mill property in Oxford town- ship, but his father conveyed the estate af- ter drawing up his testament. The three children of Thomas (2) were baptized at Abington Presbyterian Church, the last one on September 8, 1722. held at Gregory-Stoke, where the Quarter- ly Meeting of Friends was usually held. He married, in 1685, Jeane or Jane Cull- ing, daughter of John Culling, of Babcary Parish, Somersetshire, Ilchester Meeting. of Friends consenting to their marriage . July 29, 1685. Thomas Parsons must have- made immediate preparations to accompany other members of his family to Philadel- phia, and there, with his wife, witnessed a marriage at the Friends Meeting House on April 8, 1686. Many of the early settlers of Philadelphia found it impossible to se- cure house accommodations for their famil- Abraham, son of Thomas (2) Parsons, was baptized at Abington Presbyterian Church, March 5. 1720-1. the date on which his elder brother, Isaac, was baptiz- ed. He married Joanna, daughter of ies, and Thomas Parsons was one of those who for a time dwelt in a cave on the bank of the Delaware, near the foot of Arch street. Thomas Parsons and his brother John were carpenters and joiners, and James and Margaret Ayres, of Lower Dub-
owned one of the first wind mills "upon the Bank before the front Lott of Joseph Growden," which they sold to Richard Townsend, who on February 22, 1689-90, obtained a grant of "one hundred foot of bank before the Proprietor's son's Lott that lies on the south side of said Grow- den's Lott to sett the Mill upon." Thomas Parsons resided for a time on land he own- ed at Third and Walnut streets, Philadel- phia, afterward moving to Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where both he and his broth- er John had land grants, with allottments of Liberty lots in Philadelphia. His wife, Jane Culling, died in Bucks county, and he again married in June, 1704, at Falls Monthly Meeting, his second wife being Mary Hinds. Soon afterward he settled in Oxford township, near Frankford, Phila- delphia, where he owned and operated a mill for a number of years. in January, 1720, selling it to Jacob and Isaac Leech. Thomas Parsons was also the owner of five hundred acres of land in Salem county, New Jersey, and eight hundred acres on Duck creek, Kent county, Delaware. He died at his home in Oxford township in June, 1721.
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.