USA > New Jersey > The New Jersey coast in three centuries; history of the New Jersey coast with genealogical and historic-biographical appendix, Vol. II > Part 31
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schoolroom education, and what scholastic value he acquired was gained in fragments of time taken from his leisure, and from hours when others slept. Yet he became a diligent reader, a deep thinker, and a close ob- server, and he developed to such a degree that he finally received the degrees of Doctor of Laws and Doctor of Divinity.
Always engaged in labor, he accustomed himself not only to the per- formance of all the burdensome duties belonging to himself, but he often took up the work of others, and this he maintained until the last. Despite the passing of years, and the expostulations of his physicians, who pro- tested against his over-exertion, and the judgment of the association that he should be provided with an assistant, he still persisted in the perform- ance of his tasks unaided. Finally overtaxed nature asserted herself, and he surrendered his spirit to his Maker, July 16, 1897, in the eighty-first year of his age.
In personal appearance he was of dark complexion, with black hair and eyes. He had a frank, open countenance, which possessed the power of portrayal of the fact or sentiment to which his lips gave utterance. His bearing was at once dignified and genial. He was courtesy personified, alike in the presence of friend or opponent. His voice was full and mu- sical, capable of such modulation as to easily fill the great auditorium thronged with its ten thousand people, and his audiences were always deeply impressed by his magnetic power. He was greater than most men of his class in that he possessed ability to combine all necessary agencies and individuals, and ally them with himself to the accomplishment of his pur- poses. He has left imperishably upon Ocean Grove the impress of his wonderful personality, and that great institution, known to all the world, remains an enduring monument to his name and life work.
THE REEVES FAMILY.
The name of Reeves has been long and prominently connected with the history of Cape May county, but the account of the establishment of the family in New Jersey is uncertain. It is believed, however, that the first of the name who settled in Cape May county were three brothers,- Adonijah, Abraham and Abijah, -- who came from Cumberland county in the year 1772. On the Ist of April, 1777, Adonijah Reeves married Miss Molly Gollifer, who died on the 17th of April, following, and on the 21st of February, 1781, he wedded Mary Bellengy. Two son, Aaron and James, were born to them. The mother died November 30, 1789, and Adonijah Reeves was married a third time, his last union being with Drusilla Hand, the wedding taking place November 18, 1790. They had a son and two daughters,-Jeremiah, Polly and Ruth. Adonijah Reeves died February 8, 1798, and his children subsequently died, leaving no descendants.
Abijah Reeves, another of the three brothers mentioned above, was
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born in Cumberland county, New Jersey, in 1750, and came to Cape May county about 1772. He did not marry until his fiftieth year, when he wedded Miss Mercy Hand, of Cape May county. They had four sons and two daughters: Abraham, David, Andrew H., Joshua H., Sarah and Mercy. The last named died in infancy. The father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was also a member of Captain Joshua Townsend's company of militia in the war of 1812. The company consisted of brave and hardy men, inured to toil and fearless of danger. The stories of the hardships they endured now seem almost incredible, but were then stern reality, and the country will ever owe to them a deep debt of gratitude. Abijah Reeves died in 1822, at the age of seventy-two, and his wife passed away in 1847, at the age of seventy-four. Both were buried in the Cold Spring graveyard.
Abraham Reeves, the eldest son of Abijah and Mercy Reeves, was born in Lower township, Cape May county, October 23, 1802, and at the age of twenty-five was married to Miss Eliza Widdefield, with whom he lived happily until the 6th of November, 1845, when they were separated by the death of the wife. On the 3d of November, 1853, he married Miss Mariah James, a most estimable lady, of Dennisville, New Jersey, with whom he lived until the time of his death. He was a man of fine physique, six feet in height and of robust frame. He also possessed a lively and humorous disposition and in this respect never grew old. He was the embodiment of that "merry heart" which is a "continual feast." He was fond of young society, and young people delighted to have him with them, for he entered into their games and amusements with almost child-like zeal and enthusiasm. He was familiarly and lovingly known throughout the county as "Uncle Abe," being so called by young and old. He was gen- erons and obliging to a fault, often contributing of his time and money to the comfort and relief of the sick and needy. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, of broad mind and public spirit, possessed a re- tentive memory and was a great reader, being especially fond of history and biography. His early opportunities for acquiring an education were very limited, both for want of means and of available schools, he attend- ing school but little and for only three months, when he would study arithmetic. Notwithstanding his limited advantages, his scholarly attain- ments were not inconsiderable, and this, together with his sound judg- ment and strict integrity, caused his advice and services to be frequently sought by his fellow citizens. At the time of his death, although he was eighty-two years of age, he was serving his second term as lay judge of the court of common pleas of his county. He was also judge of elections in Lower township and served as such for twenty consecutive years. He was Sunday-school superintendent and ruling elder in the Cold Spring Presbyterian church, of which he was a consistent member, regularly at- tending its services for more than forty years. He was also the chairman of the Cape May Bible Society, of the Cape May County Sunday-school Association, of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Debating Society and of the Mechanics' Building & Loan Association. He served also as a chosen
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freeholder, township committeeman and in other local positions. His well known reliability and probity led to his selection to settle the estates of many descedents and to act as the guardian of minor children. He was faithful to every trust, and no thought of suspicion was ever breathed against him. In politics he was a native American, then an old-line Whig. In the fall of 1858 he was elected to the general assembly of New Jersey, and in 1859 was returned to serve another term, and this notwithstanding there were three parties in the field and the old Whig party was fast dis- integrating and being embodied in the new Republican party:
At the breaking out of the Rebellion he took an active part in the raising of troops and equipping them for the front. His were always words of hearty cheer to the "boys," and again and again in addressing them he would say, "Stand by the Union right along." In the summer of 1862, although more than sixty years of age, he went to Beverly, New Jersey, with a company of volunteers from his county, and with them offered his services to the government, but was refused on account of his age. He then joined the Christian Commission, procured a pass and went to the front, where he cared for the sick and wounded, without pay or profit of any kind, except the gratitude of those he comforted and relieved. He was always and everywhere "Uncle Abe" to them all. He died May 5, 1884, and was buried in the Cold Spring graveyard. Upon his tomb- stone is the following inscription: "Then Abraham died in a good old age, an old man and full of years ; and was gathered to his people."
David and Andrew Reeves, second and third sons of Abijah and Mercy Reeves, were twins. They were born in Cape May county, New Jersey, April 10, 1805. Their resemblance to each other was most re- markable, so much so that in infancy a blue ribbon was tied and kept on the arm of one of them by the mother herself that she might not mistake them. This striking likeness lasted through life. In was not alone in personal appearance, but their voices were also as much alike in sound as their features and stature. Amusing instances of mistakes made by par- ties doing business with or for one would often be reported to the other, and the party making the mistake was generally left to discover it himself some days later. They were men of well built and powerful frame, six feet in height, erect and well proportioned. They were of active habits, energetic and persevering, of good judgment and business tact. Progressive and public spirited, they encouraged and cheerfully aided every enter- prise calculated either to improve the neighborhood or to benefit the labor- ing class by providing work for them. They were honest in all their dealings with their fellow men, and said what they had to say in plain, unmistakable English. Charitable and benevolent, they were good friends to the poor and obliging to all. As in their babyhood, so all through life, they were seen together. Their business was in partnership, their pur- chases and possessions joint. Unfeigned brotherly love was never more marked than in these men; their souls were truly knit together. In the early years of their business career the were largly engaged in vessel build- ing. also in moving houses and in getting off wrecked and stranded vessels
19*
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from the beach and in saving their cargoes and crews,-a dangerous task ofttimes. Andrew was for many years the captain of the life-saving crew at Cape May Point. They also cultivated large farms, engaged in mer- chandising and thus furnished employment to many workmen. They were always energetic and could tolerate no idle hands about them, yet they were not hard taskmasters. They were both members of and ruling elders in the Cold Spring church and were deeply interested alike in its temporal and spiritual welfare. They gave liberally of their time, service and means to its support and exemplified in their daily living their Chris- tian belief.
David Reeves was married, April 10, 1826, on the twenty-first anni- versary of his birth, to Letitia B. Biers, and they became the parents of three sons and two daughters : Abijah Davis, Abraham Baldwin, Court- land Van Renssalaer, Elizabeth and Mary Rhoda. The mother died Att- gust 15, 1841, and in May, 1843, David Reeves married Tryphena Hand, by whom he had a son, Moses Williamson. After a busy and useful life Mrs. Tryphena Reeves died, October 12, 1868, and David Reeves passed away October 4, 1876, at the age of seventy-one and a half years, both being buried in the Cold Spring churchyard.
Andrew H. Reeves, twin brother of David, was married to Isabella Matthews, January 30, 1834. Their children were: Andrew H., who died in infancy ; Clement B., born August 26, 1835 ; Emma Rush, who died in infancy; Samuel W., who was born October 1, 1839; Mary E., born July 18, 1841 ; William H., born January 17, 1843 ; Charles C .; Emma J., born May 30, 1848; and Charlotte M., born October 15; 1850. Isabella M. Reeves was a true wife, a fond mother and an earnest, Christian woman. She loved the church of her choice, the Presbyterian, and stood ready to make any sacrifice for its good. She died June 23, 1861, and was buried in the Cold Spring churchyard. On November 8, 1865, Andrew Reeves married Mrs. Eliza Hand, the widow of Aaron Hand. She died March 16, 1867, and Mr. Reeves departed this life February 5, 1875. Like the others of the family his remains were interred in the Cold Spring churchyard.
Joshua H. Reeves, the fourth son of Abijah and Mercy Reeves, was born in Lower township, Cape May county, July 22, 1808, and at an early age was apprenticed to Isaac Whildin to learn the shoemaker's trade. He completed his, apprenticeship, but as the work did not agree with him he then accepted a position as a farm hand. At the age of thirty-two he joined the Presbyterian church. He was a man of the strictest integrity and was honorable in all his dealing. He was a kind father, but strict in family discipline; was careful in his dress and always neat in his per- sonal appearance. A strong advocate of temperance, he was an active member of the order of the Sons of Temperance. He was one of the first scholars in the Cape May Sunday-school, was always a worker in the school, and it was largely through his efforts that it had an existence. It stands now as a monument to his Christian devotion .- more desirable than
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any monument of stone could be. At the time of his death he was serv- ing as the superintendent of the Sunday-school.
Joshua Reeves was married to Eleanor Woolson, January 1, 1833, and to them were born seven sons and four daughters: David, born October 15, 1833; Swain S., born July 17, 1836; Andrew H., born May 26, 1838; John W., born December 31, 1840; Charles W., born January II, 1842; Joshua H., born December 1, 1844; Mary E., born January 26, 1847; George H., born January 29, 1849; Ann E., born December 22, 1850; Eliza W., born July 29, 1852; and Annie M., born . September 19, 1854. The father, Joshua Reeves, died November 26, 1855, and was buried in the Cold Spring churchyard.
Sarah Teal a daughter of Abijah and Mercy Reeves, was born April 5, 18II, and became the wife of Jacob Teal August 27, 1830. She had for many years been a consistent member of the Methodist church and is still interested and active in church and Sunday-school work. Her life has been a busy and useful one, and she is the mother of four children : Adaline Matthews, Lydia Hand, Eliza B. Shaw and Tryphena Matthews.
THE CUTTER FAMILY.
The Cutter family is of Scotch and English extraction and was founded in America by William and Richard Cutter about 1640. Eliza- beth Cutter, a widow, came to New England about 1640. She was well along in years when she bade farewell to her native country. Her hus- band, whose name was Samuel, died prior to her departure. This ven- erable matron lived almost twenty years in the family of her son, Elijah Corlet, the husband of her daughter, Barbara, and the memorable old schoolmaster in Cambridge. Three of her children emigrated to this coun- try, William and Richard and the daughter above named, and possibly several other married daughters. Elizabeth Cutter died in Cambridge on the Ioth of January, 1663-64, aged about eighty-nine years. Richard, the youngest son of Elizabeth Cutter, was probably under twenty years of age at the time of his arrival and unmarried. About 1644 he married his wife, Elizabeth, whose surname is unknown. She died March 5, 1661-62, aged about forty-two years. On February 14, 1662-63, he mar- ried Frances ( Perrinian ) Amsden, widow of Isaac Amsden, of Cam- bridge. Richard Cutter died on the 16th of June, 1693, aged about seventy- two years. He was the father of fourteen children and the progenitor of the Cutter family of New England. By his wife, Elizabeth, he had the following children : Elizabeth, Samuel, Thomas, William, Ephraim, Greshom, Mary, Nathaniel, Rebecca, Hephzibah (who died in infancy). Elizabeth, Hephzibah, Sarah and Ruhamah. William, the fourth child. of Richard and Elizabeth Cutter, was born at Cambridge, February 22, 1649-50. He married Rebecca Rolfe, a daughter of John Rolfe, of Cam- bridge, but originally from Newbury. They had the following children :
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Elizabeth, Richard, Mary, Hannah, John, Rebecca, William, Samuel, Sarah, Ammi and Ruhamah. Richard, the second child of William and Rebecca ( Rolfe) Cutter, was born November 13, 1682. He was the first of that name to leave New England and establish a home in New Jersey. He took up his abode in Woodbridge township, Middlesex county, where in 1709, in company with John Pike, he built what is supposed to be the first mill in the township at what is now the Cutter and Prall dock on Woodbridge Creek, then called Pike Creek. He reared fourteen children, one of whom was named Richard and was the next in the direct line of descent to our subject. He was married AAugust 20, 1706, to Mary Pike, a daughter of John Pike, and they became the parents of seven children : Sarah, Rebecca, Elizabeth, William, Richard, Joseph and Samuel. Rich- ard Cutter, the father, died in December, 1756, at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife passed away February, 1721, at the age of thirty-three years.
Their fourth child and eldest son, Deacon William Cutter, who died in 1780, wedded Mary Kent, and reared eight children, namely: Stephen, Samuel, Kelsey, Richard, Sarah, Keturah, Mary and Hannah.
Kelsey Cutter, of the above named family, married Hannah Marsh and their children were William, Esther, Mary, Mercer, Charles, Kelsey and Stephen, and it was through William that the line of descent was brought down. He was born October 6, 1778, and died February 8, 1838. He was the father of Hampton Cutter, our subject. He married Sarah Harriot, a daughter of Ephraim Harriot, of Woodbridge. She was born December 7, 1783, and died March 14, 1840. The children of this mar- riage were Hannah, died aged one month; Ephraim, David William, died aged eleven years; Hampton, Mary Ann, Sarah, Harriet, Hannah (the second of the name) wife of John Crane; and William.
Hampton Cutter, like many of the other members of the family was a most prominent and enterprising business man and a leading citizen. He was born in the village of Woodbridge, December 25, 1811, and was the fifth child of William and Sarah ( Harriot) Cutter. He acquired his edu- cation in the public schools near his home and at an early age began assist- ing his father in the work of the fields-a labor which largely engaged his attention until 1836, when he married and began farming on his own ac- count.
In 1845 he began to dig kaolin, having discovered a large deposit of this valuable material upon his farm. It is used with clay in the manufacture of fire-brick. Several years afterward he reached a strata of fine blue clay, which also largely enters into the composition of fire brick, and for many years he was engaged very extensively in supplying this valuable article to manufacturers not only of his immediate neighborhood, but also shipping the same to more distant points, large amounts finding their way to Port- land, Boston, Albany, Cleveland and other cities. After successfully car- rying on the business for a number of years he admitted his sons, Josiah Crane and William Henry, to a partnership under the firm name of Hamp-
Galaxy Pub. Co. Philad.
Hampton Cutter
William. Holputter
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ton Cutter & Sons. The enterprise grew to be one of importance, and the business returned a splendid income to the proprietors.
Mr. Cutter became not only prominent as a representative of the in- dustrial interests of the county, but also left the impress of his strong in- dividuality upon the public life. He was well fitted for leadership and was several times chosen to public office by the suffrage of his fellow townsmen, who thus recognized his ability and worth. For fifteen years he filled the position of justice of the peace and then refused to serve longer. His "even handed justice won golden opinions from all sorts of people" and in other offices he made a record alike creditable. He was also one of the chosen freeholders and served on the township committee. He gave a most earnest and loyal support to the principles of the Democratic party and did all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian and for about a quarter of a century he was one of the trustees and seven years he was president of the board of the old Presbyterian church at Woodbridge.
On the 26th of January, 1836, Hampton Cutter was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Ross Crane, a daughter of Josiah Crane, of Cranford (formerly Craneville), New Jersey, where Mrs. Cutter was born. They became the parents of four children : Josiah Crane, who died at the age of forty-one years : William Henry, whose sketch is given below: Sarah Anna, now Mrs. Freeman Rowland, of Woodbridge; and Emily, wife of James P. Prall, of Woodbridge. The father died February 22, 1882, and the community thereby lost one of its valued citizens. He lived a busy, useful life, and through his energy, capable management, and keen discern- ment won success. His business interests were not confined alone to his farming operations and the working of his clay lands, for he was one of the directors of the Rahway National Bank and was the owner of much valuable property. He thus left his family in very comfortable circum- stances and also bequeathed to them the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, for in all life's relations he guided his course by high manly prin- ciples and honorable motives. . Thus he won the confidence and respect of all and left an example that is well worthy of emulation.
William H. Cutter, who is now representing the business established by his father, was born in Woodbridge, June 22, 1840. In his youth his time was largely occupied in mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools, and on after putting aside his text books he joined his father in business under the firm name of Hampton Cutter & Sons. Rich beds of blue clay had been discovered upon the farm and these were being worked, the product being sold for the manufacture of fire brick. Gradually their sales increased and the business assumed large proportions. Upon his father's death William H. Cutter assumed the entire management and is now working eighty-two acres of clay lands. He also owns some wood land. He ships his clay to all parts of the country. His beds yield several kinds of clay which are used in the manufacture of fire brick, tile and terra cotta. drain pipe and potters' clay. From thirty-five to forty men are employed
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and the work is carried on throughout the year, thus yielding a steady in- come.
Mr. Cutter was married to Sarah R. Barron, a daughter of Samuel and Elize A. (Jacques) Barron, representatives of one of the old families of Woodbridge. Two children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Cutter, Hampton and Laura L., both at home. The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church, of which the family have long been supporters, and Mr. Cutter has served as trustee. Through many years his people re- sided upon the old family homestead, but about thirty years ago he erected a fine home in Woodbridge, on Green street, where he now resides, sur- rounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries which go to make life worth the living. As a citizen he is public spirited and progressive, taking a deep and active interest in whatever tends to promote the general welfare and add to the substantial upbuilding and advancement of the town and county. In politics he is an independent, not strongly bound by party ties, but casting his ballot in support of those principles which he believes will bring the greatest good to the greatest number.
CAPTAIN CHARLES H. GREEN.
In a special chapter of this work the achievements of the Life Savers of the New Jersey Coast-volunteer and governmental-have been written of at length. Our present concern is more particularly with some of the most conspicuous of the gallant men who, in the rescue of human beings from the impending death by shipwreck, performed a splendid service for humanity, and won for themselves the fame which attaches to noble deeds of daring wherein their own lives were freely imperilled. Particularly notable among such are members of the Green family of Monmouth county.
This famous old stock was planted by Henry Green, who came from Rhode Island in early colonial days, and bought large tracts of land in Mon- mouth county. From him was descended James Green, who performed valiant service in the patriot army during the Revolutionary war, and rose to the rank of major-general. Later, in the line of lineal descent was James Green, who inherited a large share of the splendid patrimonial es- tate, including the lands upon which were subsequently laid out Elberon, Norwood and other villages. A half century ago he was a wreckmaster, and he rendered highly useful service in saving life and property from vessels wrecked at his very door and in the immediate vicinity. He mar- ried Eliza Murphy, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was related to that Timothy Murphy, an Irishman of high character and fine education, who served with the patriot forces during the Revolutionary war, and was a school teacher (teaching surveying, navigation and other superior branches), a justice of the peace and a judge of common pleas. He mar- ried Mary Garrison, granddaughter of Richard Hartshorne, one of the first settlers of Monmouth county and the original owner of Sandy Hook,
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