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 44
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Frederick Parker was graduated from the Freehold Institute in 1873 and the same year entered the sophomore class of Princeton College, from which he was graduated in 1876, with the degree of A. B., receiving in due course the degree of Master of Arts. He read law in his father's office for two years, took a course of one year at Columbia Law School, New York, and was admitted as an attorney in 1879, and as counselor in 1882. In 1880 he formed a law partnership with William H. Vreden- burgh under the style of Vredenburgh & Parker. In 1889 this partnership was discontinued and since then Mr. Parker has continued practice alone, making a specialty of civil business. In 1888 he was appointed examiner of candidates for admission to the bar.
An enthusiastic Democrat, Mr. Parker has always been ardently de- voted to the principles of his party and has been active in all its important campaigns. During his first experience in the Presidential campaign of 1880, he canvassed the length and breadth of Monmouth county in the
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interests of his party's candidate. He has since served his party either as delegate to conventions or as speaker in subsequent national and state campaigns. While he has frequently been urged by his party to accept candidacy for office, he has as frequently declined. Since 1896 he has affiliated with the gold wing of the Democratic party.
He was a member of the Freehold board of town commissioners, hav- ing served as chief commissioner one year and assistant two years; was president of the board of trade for two years ; is now a water commissioner of the town of Freehold; is a member of the New Jersey Society of Sons of the American Revolution and was its vice-president for several years ; is a member of committee on Revolutionary monuments, National Society, G. A. R. ; and is a member of the Lawyers' Club of New York, and a direc- tor in and the attorney for the Central National Bank of Freehold. He was appointed referee in bankruptcy for Monmouth county by Judge Aaron Kirkpatrick in 1898 and was-reappointed July 1, 1900. He is a Thirty- second degree Mason and in 1894 was district deputy grand master for the Fourth Masonic district of New Jersey, and is a past master of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16. He is a member of Excelsior Consistory, of Camden, New Jersey, a member of Corson Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templar, at Asbury Park, and of Mecca Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of New York City. He is a member of the American Whig So- ciety of Princeton College, and secretary of the New Jersey Military Acad- emy, of Freehold, New Jersey.
In April, 1890, Mr. Parker was married to Mary H., daughter of Elihu B. Bedle, cashier of the Central National Bank, of Freehold. They have two sons, Robert and Edward.
ALFRED B. STONEY.
Captain Alfred Bedle Stoney is a prominent factor in business and political circles on the Jersey coast. His efforts toward advancing the ma- terial interests of his town and county are so widely recognized that they can be considered as being no secondary part of his career of signal use- fulness. While practically politics have claimed much of his time, and while his stalwart Democracy has been exceedingly valuable to his party his services in that direction must necessarily be held secondary to those of much greater importance as implied in his public-spirit, progressiveness and liberality. For many years he has been connected with the shipping interests of this part of the country, and as commander of a vessel, a vo- cation pursued by both his father and his grandfather, he won the title by which he is usually known.
Captain Stoney resides in Raritan township. Monmouth county, near Hazlet station. He was born December 7, 1842, a son of Captain Stephen and Louise (Bedle) Stoney. His paternal grandfather, Captain Joseph Stoney, commanded the steamer "Wave" when she commenced her regu-
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lar trips from Keyport to New York, May 22, 1839, and continued in that position for many years or until the close of his active business career, « when he was succeeded by his son, Captain Stephen Stoney, who had com- mand until 1870 of the "Wave's" successor, the "Golden Gate," another vessel in the Keyport service, then establishing a freight line from Matawan. On the maternal side the ancestry of the Bedle family can be traced back in a direct line through more than two centuries. The father and mother of Captain Stoney, of this review, were among the first teachers in the Methodist Sunday-school. A part of the old Bedle homestead is now in possession of Captain Stoney and on the place, still in a good state of pres- ervation, stands the old residence in which occurred the birth of Louisa Bedle. the mother of our subject, and of ex-Governor Joseph D. Bedle, who was an own cousin of Mrs. Stoney.
In the public schools of Keyport Captain Alfred B. Stoney acquired his education, the days of his boyhood and youth being passed in much the same manner as other lads of the period. At the age of seventeen he was given a position on his father's steamer, and in 1870 became its commander, thus continuing his connection until 1876, when he retired therefrom. In 1879 Captain Stoney became associated with the Keyport Steamboat Company as general manager, a connection which continued until 1885, when he took up his own steamer, the "D. R. Martin," which operated a passenger traffic on Delaware River, between Philadelphia and points on the Delaware. Captain Stoney was the promoter of the Delaware River Excursion to the world-famed Lincoln Park, an enterprise which was continued successfuly until 1896. Since that time he has been largely interested in similar business enterprises in Philadelphia, and the volume of shipping done from that port makes his investments of a paying nature. He has witnessed many improvements in the methods of marine transporta- tion and has kept pace with these in every particular, the vessels with which he is connected being among the best which sail from Philadelphia.
On the 13th of February, 1866, the Captain was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Dunn, of Matawan, with whom he lived happily for thirty- seven years, when they were separated by death, Mrs. Stoney being called to her final rest on the 6th of September, 1900. They had two children, Alfred B. and Agatha P. Their home is in Raritan township, and Captain Stoney there owns eighty acres of valuable land. His farm is largely planted to fruit, and the entire tract is under a high state of cultivation, indicating his careful supervision and manifesting the progressive methods which, under his direction, are carried on in the work of improving the place. In public affairs he takes a deep and abiding interest, and co-operates heartily in every movement for the general welfare. Since 1873 he has served as a member of the school board of Keyport, and through a long period was its chairman, doing effective service in behalf of the schools of this community. In politics he has always been a stanch Democrat, and on that ticket, in 1883, he was elected a member of the state legislature and was chairman of the committee on railroads and canals in that year, and in 1884 was elected speaker of the house, which he presided over with dig-
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nity and ability, executing strong influence in legislative affairs and leaving the impress of his individuality upon the measures which came up for con- sideration and the acts which were passed. He commands the respect of his political opponents through his loyalty to the principles of his party, and his consideration of the rights of others. He is an entertaining con- versationalist, a genial and agreeable companion, and throughout the state, among her eminent men, as well as in the vicinity of his home, has many warm friends.
Fraternally Captain Stoney has been a member of Caesarea Lodge, No. 64. F. & A. M., since 1866, and for two years was master of the lodge; of Delta Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M., since 1867, and for three years its high priest ; Hugh de Payne Commandery, No. I, Jersey City, and has attained to the Thirty-second degree, Scottish Rite. He was a member in high standing of Knickerbocker Lodge, No. 5, and the Matawan Independent . Order of Odd Fellows.
WILLIAM MORRELL.
William Morrell is the owner of one of the fine fruit farms of Mon- mouth county. He has spent his entire life in this county, his present home being within sight of his birthplace. He first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 23d of June, 1826, a son of Eleazar and Elizabeth (Poling) Morrell. His father was also born in the old family homestead. The paternal grandfather, John Morrell, was of French and English line- age, while the maternal grandparents of our subject were of Dutch descent.
As his parents were in limited financial circumstances, William Mor- rell received but meager educational advantages or other privileges in his youth. His training at farm labor, however, was not limited, and he was early taught the value of industry, economy and honesty in the affairs of life. Those elements forming his character have led to his success and made him one of the prosperous farmers of the neighborhood. In 1848 he made his first purchase of land, becoming the owner of a tract of seven acres. It was boggy, and people thought it little adapted for purposes of civilization, but drainage, care and labor have made it very valuable. In- dustry has been one of Mr. Morrell's most salient characteristics and has enabled him to steadily add to his possessions until he now owns two good farms, his home place comprising fifty-five acres, while near by he has another tract of ninety acres, all but twenty-five acres of which is under a very high state of cultivation. He carries on general farming and is also largely engaged in horticultural pursuits. In his orchards on the home farm are two hundred and eighty-two apple trees, from which he has sold as high as thirteen hundred and thirty-five barrels in a single season. He also has a fine plum orchard of sixteen hundred trees, most of them bearing fruit. He also has two hundred peach trees, and his vineyard com- prises seven acres of grapes. Mr. Morrell has placed his land under a very high state of cultivation, although much of it was originally wet, low and
William Mornell
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unproductive. His farm annually yields to him a good return for his labors, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates to the passerby the careful supervision of an energetic and progressive owner. His home is an attractive brick residence. Mr. Morrell was one of the founders of the Monmouth County Fruit Growers Association, serving as its chair- man for the five or six years immediately following its organization, and since October, 1900, has been president of the association. He is also one of the directors of the Monmouth Agricultural Society and vice-president of the Keyport National Bank.
On the 19th of April, 1854, Mr. Morrell was united in marriage to Miss Margaret J. Hyer, a daughter of William and Margaret ( Hill) Hyer, who were of Dutch ancestry and were natives of Monmouth county. Three children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Morrell: Emma; Mary, who became the wife of Taylor H. Carhart, but died September 24, 1892; and Elizabeth, who is the wife of William L. Stone, a farmer and stock-grower of Guilford, Connecticut, and the children born of their marriage were, Adeline E., William Morrell, Leverett C. and Eliot W. Stone.
In his political views Mr. Morrell is a Democrat and has served in all the various township offices, where his fidelity to duty has won him high commendation. He and his wife are adherents to the teachings of the Dutch Reformed church. His life has been a busy one and illustrates the force of honest toil in conquering the obstacles and difficulties which bar the path to success.
FRANK P. MCDERMOTT.
Among several prominent lawyers of Monmouth county, New Jer- sey, who are specially deserving of space in a work of this character, the well known citizen of Freehold whose name appears above is conspicuous for more reasons than one, as will appear upon a careful reading of this too brief biographical sketch.
Frank P. McDermott was born at Tennent, Monmouth county, New Jersey, October 23, 1854, a son of William and Lydia E. (Thompson) McDermott. William McDermott, formerly a contractor and builder, has during recent years been engaged in the real estate and insurance business at Freehold. His wife is dead. The first William McDermott was at the time of the Revolutionary war impressed into the British army in Ireland, and was brought to the United States in the command of Colonel Monck- ton, who was killed at the battle of Monmouth; but shortly after reach- ing free America he determined to support the cause of the colonies and refused longer to bear British arms, though to the end of his days he re- tained an affection for his old commander. Colonel Monckton. His son, Miles McDermott, was the father of William McDermott, and a grand- father of Frank P. McDermott.
Frank P. McDermott received his primary education in the public schools at Englishtown, Monmouth county, New Jersey. Later he was
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a student at the Monmouth school and at the Freehold Institute, at Free- hold, Monmouth county, where he pursued a classical course in prepara- tion for college; but owing to circumstances affecting his father's for- tunes, he was prevented from taking a college course. He left school in 1871 and returned for a short time in 1873, when he was graduated from the Freehold Institute. After his graduation he entered upon the study of law in the office of A. C. Hartshorne, at Freehold, New Jersey. He was admitted to the bar in November, 1875, and began the practice of law at Freehold at once. In 1894 he opened a law office in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he now spends the principal part of his time. He has made a special study of probate, commercial and corporation law and compiled articles and pamphlets on the corporation laws of New Jersey. His Jersey City office is in the Commercial Trust Company's building.
Mr. McDermott, who is an ardent Democrat, was for several years secretary of the Democratic county committee in Monmouth county. He was for four years commissioner of the town of Freehold and has been prominent in connection with many public enterprises for the improve- ment of the town. He is a Free Mason and he and his wife are communi- cants of the Presbyterian church. He was married March II, 1880, to Miss Elizabeth Thompson; daughter of Dr. Joseph C. Thompson, living near Tennent, New Jersey. Their son, Frank P. McDerinott, Jr., is now ( 1901) in his senior year at Princeton University; their sons, William and Joseph T., are seventeen and fifteen years old, respectively, and their daugh- ter, Mary Scudder McDermott, is eleven years old.
JAMES P. PRALL.
The name of Prall has long been associated with agricultural and industrial interests in Woodbridge township, Middlesex county, where is situated the old family homestead upon which occurred the birth of James Palmer Prall, on the 3d of September. 1843. His paternal grand ather, Isaac Prall, died December 29, 1849, and his wife, Mrs. Mary Prall passed away April 15, 1844. The maternal grandfather, Henry Howell, who was born September 6, 1779, died April 9, 1869, and his wife, Calhnur Howell, who was born February 9, 1783, died October 15, 1831. The two families were united through the marriage of Cornelius Prall and Eliza Howell, November 6, 1833. The former, a son of Isaac Prall, was born on the old family homestead February 19, 1809, and throughout his busi- ness career engaged in farming. His life's labors were ended in death March 25. 1887, while his wife, who was born December 15, 1812, was called to the home beyond March 14, 1876. Their children are as follows : Margaret S., who was born October 7. 1836, and on the 25th of October, 1877, became the wife of the Rev. Joseph M. McNulty, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, at Woodbridge; Isaac, who was born September II, 1841, and died January 4, 1896; James P., born September 3. 1843 ;
James Trall
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Mary E. L., born September 17, 1847, and died April 5, 1878; Walter P., a resident of California, who was born February 22, 1850, and married Anna L. Spaulding.
In the public schools of Woodbridge, New Jersey, and at Fort Edward College, New York, James Palmer Prall acquired his education, and on the home farm was reared, early becoming familiar with the methods of producing crops. After attaining his majority he carried on agricultural pursuits on his own account until 1887, when he left the old homestead and took up his abode in the town of Woodbridge, where he now resides. He is now engaged in the mining and shipping of clay, owning valuable clay property. This has become an important industry in this section of the state; the rich clay beds yield deposits which are largely used in the pot- teries of New Jersey. As the clay which he mines is of good quality, he finds a ready sale for the product on the market and derives therefrom a good income.
On the 10th of May, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Prall and Miss Emily Cutter, a daughter of the late Hampton Cutter, of Wood- bridge, New Jersey. She was born May 31, 1852, and is a consistent member of the First Presbyterian church of Woodbridge, New Jersey. Their children are: William Henry, born August 14, 1887; and Mary Ross, born May 5, 1893. Their home is pleasantly located on a natural building site, which commands an excellent view of the sur- rounding country. Mr. Prall is recognized as one of the leading citi- zens of Woodbridge, his many excellent traits of character having gained for him the warm regard of those with whom he has come in contact. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and he has held the office of freeholder in Woodbridge township, also commissioner of appeals there, discharging the duties of both offices with promptness and fidelity. He is an elder in the First Presbyterian church, and has served as trustee and treasurer. In all the relations of life his course has been such as to com- mend him to the good will of his fellow men and he is a worthy representa- tive of one of the old and honored families of Middlesex county.
DAVID V. PERRINE.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man in Freehold who occu- pies a more enviable position than David Vanderbilt Perrine in mercantile and financial circles. Not alone on account of the brilliant success he has achieved, but also on account of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily, and is determined in their execution. and his close application to business and excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is to-day his. It is true that he became interested in a business already established, but in controlling and enlarging such an enterprise many a man of even considerable reso-
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lute purpose, courage and industry, would have failed; and he has dem- onstrated the truth of the saying that success is not the result of genius, but the outcome of a clear judgment and experience. From French an- cestry he is descended, the line being traced back to Daniel Perrine, who came to America with Philip Carteret on the ship Philip, as chronicled in Hatfield's History of Elizabeth. Anchor was dropped in New York harbor on the 29th of July, 1665, and since that time the Perrine family has been widely and favorably known in this portion of the country. Daniel Per- rine was married on the 18th of February, 1666, to Maria Thorel, who had also been a passenger on the Philip when he made the voyage. Theirs is said to have been the first marriage celebrated on Elizabeth plantation. They removed to Staten Island and unto them were born seven children, the third in number being Henry Perrine, whose son John became a resi- dent of Monmouth county, New Jersey, settling at Perrineville. His will was probated April 19, 1779. He had ten children.
The eldest of this family was John Perrine, who was born on the 20th of October, 1722, and died April 26, 1804. He was married June 3, 1755, to Mary Rue, who was born March 17, 1736, and died April 18, 1824. They had seven children: Anna, Rebecca, John, Hannah, Peter, Matthew and Joseph. The third of the number, John Perrine, was born March 30, 1762, and was married August 5, 1781, to Ann Stout, who was born August 12, 1761, and was a daughter of David and Catherine ( Barclay ) Stout. John Perrine served as a private in the Middlesex militia. His first wife died December 28, 1822, and his death occurred November 17, 1848. Their children were John, David, William, Lewis, Enoch, Polly, Kate, Jesse and Barclay.
Of this number, David Perrine, the second in order of birth, became the grandfather of our subject. He was born January 10, 1784, and was married March 31, 1808, to Phoebe Baird, a daughter of David and Lydia (Tapscott) Baird, the former a captain in the First Regiment of New Jersey militia in the Revolutionary war. Unto David and Phoebe Perrine were born thirteen children: Lydia, who became Mrs. William Snow- hill, of Spotswood, New Jersey ; John D .; Mary ; David C .; Alfred; Reed Baird; Deborah E., the wife of Gilbert W. Mount ; De Lafette; Caroline; Charles ; Edwin A .; Stevens; and Margaret C., who became the wife of James Bowne.
David Clark Perrine, the third child of this family, and the father of David V. Perrine, was born in Millstone township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, in the town of Clarksburg, October 20, 1816. He pursued his education in Hightstown and at the age of twelve removed to Free- hold, where he entered upon his business career as a clerk in the store of Lippincott, Davis & Company. He remained as a salesman until eighteen years of age and was then admitted to a partnership. In 1833 he estab- lished the firm of Conrad & Perrine, and in 1852 he embarked in an in- dependent mercantile enterprise, founding the present extensive depart- ment store at Freehold. He also carried on a large milling business and was actively identified with other business enterprises of the city, being
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president of the Freehold Gas Company and treasurer of the Freehold and Englishtown Turnpike Company. He took an active interest in all local improvements, contributed to every measure for the public welfare, and was a generous supporter of the Freehold Presbyterian church. In Feb- ruary, 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Matilda Vander- veer, who was born near Freehold, June 4, 1829, a daughter of David I. and Mary (Conover) Vanderveer. Five children were born unto them : David V .; William Conover, who died May 6, 1856; John Rhea, who died March 23, 1861 ; Mary Conover, who died February 5, 1873; and Arthur D., who died August 13, 1869. The father's death occurred July 6, 1888, and the mother passed away in Freehold March 15, 1900.
David Vanderveer Perrine, who is widely recognized as one of the leading and influential citizens of Freehold, was here born May 25, 1853, and after acquiring his early education in the common schools, further continued his studies in the Freehold Institute. In 1873 he entered the sophomore class in Princeton College and was graduated in that institu- tion in the class of 1876. Later he received from his alma mater the addi- tional honorary degree of Master of Arts. Immediately after completing his college course he entered his father's store in charge of the financial department, and was thus connected with the establishment until his father's death in 1888, when he assumed entire management, having since become sole proprietor. His store building is a capacious L-shaped struc- ture, fronting on Main street, where it occupies three numbers, and also three numbers in the L on South street. It is four stories in height and affords accommodation for an immense stock of general merchandise, the business being one of the most extensive of the kind in the state. In 1896 Mr. Perrine erected an office building adjoining his store, which is one of the most handsome structures of the kind in Freehold.
While his mercantile interests have now reached mammoth propor- tions, Mr. Perrine does not confine his attention to this one line of en- deavor. He is the owner of a large farm in Monroe township, Middlesex county, on which is a well equipped flouring inill. He is also one of the leading stockholders in the Freehold Electric Light Company and in the Freehold Gas Company and his wise counsel has proved an important fac- tor in the successful conduct of these various enterprises.
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