USA > New Jersey > The New Jersey coast in three centuries; history of the New Jersey coast with genealogical and historic-biographical appendix, Vol. III > Part 14
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THOMAS ELWOOD SNYDER, JR.
The name of Snyder has long been connected with the hotel business in Mon- mouth county and the gentleman whose name heads this review is known as the genial and popular host of the Metropolitan Hotel in Eatontown. From his earliest youth he has been familiar with this line of activity, for his father, Thomas E. Snyder, Sr., was for many years proprietor of the Colt's Neck Hotel, which he suc- cessfully conducted. He is now living retired, at the age of seventy-seven years, making his home with his son. He is of Quaker ancestry and has lived a quiet, helpful life, being widely known as a respected and prosperous citizen, who has won success through honorable business methods.
Mr. Snyder of this review was born in Atlantic township, Monmouth county, July 13, 1871, and in the country schools obtained his preliminary education, which was supplemented by a course in the Freehold high school, where he was graduated with the class of 1889. Soon afterward he became associated with his father in the hotel business and thereby gained the practical experience which is now manifest in his able control of the Metropolitan Hotel, which he purchased in 1895. A hotel has stood upon this site for more than half a century, the first building having been erected by John Wheeler. About thirty years ago it was destroyed by fire, but another hotel was immediately built and it was this which came into possession of Mr. Snyder by purchase in the year mentioned. He remodeled and largely refitted the place and partly refurnished it. He also put in first-class water connection and bath rooms, supplied it with excellent plumbing and sanitary arrangements and now has one of the best equipped hotels in this part of the state. It is a three-story brick structure, occupying a pleasant location and everything is kept in first-class condition, Mr. Snyder personally superintending the management of the hotel and looking after the comfort of his guests. .
On the 18th of May, 1896, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Breese, a daughter of Emerson and Elizabeth (Anderson) Breese, and unto them have been born two children-Lewis D. and Florence S. Mr. Snyder is a member
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of the Washington Lodge, No. 9, F. & A. M., of Eatontown, in which he has taken three degrees. He also has membership relations with the Order of United Amer- ican Mechanics and the Improved Order of Red Men. In his political views he is a Republican and for one term he served as assessor of his town, but has never been an aspirant for official honors, as his attention is largely demanded by his business interests. Of cordial, courteous manner and genial disposition, qualities which render him an agreeable host, he is winning prosperity and enjoys the high regard of his patrons.
JAMES HUBBARD. .
We glance back three and a half centuries in tracing the genealogy of this illus- trious family -- back to the time of James Hubbard, son of Henry and Margaret, natives of Langham, England, who with others emigrated to this country in 1643 and settled in the New England states. Even here they were not free from that religious persecution which had so warped existence for them in the old world as to make life there intolerable, and so they were again compelled to seek a place where freedom of religious thought could be indulged without fear of engendering fanati- cal opposition. Hence, they made their way to Gravesend, Long Island, where a more peaceful existence awaited them. Here James, known as "Sargeant James," was made a magistrate of the town for 1650-51-52-53 and 1663. At a convention held in New Amsterdam, November 26, 1853, "to devise and recommend measures for the public security," he acted as the town's representative. His death is recorded as having occurred prior to 1693. On-December 31,- 1664, he married Miss Elizabeth Bailies, by whom he had the following children: James, Rebecca, Elizabeth, John and Elias. James was born December 10, 1665, and by his wife, Rachel, had chil- dren as follows: Jacobus, Samuel, Tunis, Elias and John. Jacobus was born May 23, 1744, and took for wife Rebecca Swart, of Monmouth, New Jersey, on November 17, 1765. Their son, Samuel, married Miss Margaret Stoutenboro, who was a na- tive of Coltsneck, while Samuel was born at Middletown. He was a cabinet maker by trade, of a quiet. retiring disposition, a man well read and informed on general subjects, and well liked by those about him for his many pleasing characteristics and his integrity in dealing with his fellow men. He served as justice of the peace almost all his life after reaching his majority, which speaks volumes for the high esteem in which he was held in the community.
One of his children was James, the subject of this article. He was born in Mid- dletown township on September 29, 1822, was there educated in the public schools, and after reaching young manhood gave his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits, following the same all his life. He now owns a fine farmi of one hundred acres of land at Red Bank, New Jersey, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation through his' persistent effort to have his property excel in quantity and quality of its production. Mr. Hubbard retired from active work in 1887, but being an all round practical farmer he exercises a general supervision over his extensive interests still. His life, though marked by no very eventful chapters, has been one of usefulness, and if, as is the view of the more thoughtful minds, to be useful is to be great, he is not without a title to distinction.
Mr. Hubbard was united in marriage to Miss Jane R. Bannan, daughter of William and Rachel Bannan, of New York, on March 25, 1856, by whom he had four daughters: Agnes F., Isabelle, Alice B. and Anna G. Mrs. Hubbard was born March 2, 1832.
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JOHN FENTON.
John Fenton is the possessor of extensive farm lands at Lincroft, New Jersey, where fifty acres are kept in cultivation; besides these broad fields he hires sixty other acres, which are also under his watchful and practiced eye. Out of his large experience as a farmer he makes his land produce from sixty to one hundred fold. He is a native of Rumson, New Jersey, and was born November 5, 1845. From the public schools of Leedsville he gained such general knowledge as amply fitted him for his career of activity. When he was twenty-six years of age he began to carve out for himself his plan of life work, and judging from his present delightful surroundings one must conclude that he attained what he desired. Since 1883, the time at which he purchased his present property, he has continued to improve the same by adding every up-to-date convenience, until it now stands in its present state of perfection. He has spared nothing in carrying out his ideas in respect to what a place of its kind should be, and the result is a consummation of what was once an ideal.
His wife is Elizabeth, daughter of John H. and Catherine Hadlem, a native of Lincroft, who bore him two children: Henry H. and Bessie.
John Fenton is the son of Edward and Esther (Harris) Fenton; his father for fourteen years was proprietor of the Leedsville Hotel, was born in 1832 and died in 1896; his mother died the year following. John Fenton is one of six children, the other five being Jennie, Frank, Josephine, George and Edward F.
John Fenton possesses, as he deserves, the good will of all who know him, and is a worthy representative of his family and the society in which he moves.
GEORGE B. TWIFORD.
One of the best manufacturers of toilet brushes of exceptionally fine quality is George B. Twiford, the subject now under consideration. His factory and residence are located at 221 Spring street, Red Bank, New Jersey, in which town Mr. Twiford was born May 29, 1858. He is the son of Charles and Ellen Louise (Dudley) Twiford, the former being a native of Sussex county, Delaware, where he was born May 12, 1828, the son of Rev. Bartine and Sarah ( Perttiman) Twiford, also natives of Sussex county, Delaware. Charles Twiford, being the son of a clergyman, received his early education at various places, owing to the necessity which occasioned his father to locate at different points from time to time. With his parents he made Red Bank his home in 1842.
In early life he engaged in agricultural pursuits, as well as various other occu- pations at different places, but finally took up his residence in New York, where he acquired his trade, that of brush making. Ten years of his life were spent in New York City. In 1856 he returned to Red Bank, and there established himself in the brush manufacturing business, in which he was wonderfully successful, building up an extensive and paying trade, until advancing age incapacitated him for further active work, and in 1896 he sold out his interest in the business to his son, George B. He married Ellen L., daughter of George and Ann Dudley, in 1855. Three children were the outcome of this marriage: Arabeila, George B. and Alforetta. While Mr. Twiford is well along on the road of life, he nevertheless takes an active interest in the things about him, retains his ambitious spirit even to the extent of occasonally working at his trade.
Rev. B. Twiford the father of Charles Twiford, and the grandfather of our im- mediate subject, was the founder of the Methodist Protestant church at Fair Haven.
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He was at one time president of the New Jersey conference of that denicmination. His family consisted of nine children, five of whom are now living, Charles being the second by order of birth. Rev. B. Twiford lived to the advanced age of ninety years, passing away in 1886. His father was also a native of Delaware, and his grand- father, the great-great-grandfather of our subject; was a native of England and one of the early settlers of the colony of Delaware.
George B. Twiford received his preliminary education in the common schools of Red Bank, after which he served an apprenticeship in his father's brush manufactory. After working for several years in his father's employ he finally succeeded to the business, in 1896, as previously stated; since which time the enterprise has greatly prospered under his efficient management.
On November 21, 1881, he was united in marriage to Laura J., daughter of Dan- iel B. and Jane E. Stillwagon of Red Bank. Two children have blessed this union, Olivette A. and Jane E.
Mr. Twiford is a consistent member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Red Bank, of which body lie is recording steward. His name is also enrolled among the members of the Order of the Shrewsbury K. of P., No. 72, of which order he has occupied the position of master of finance. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, in which body he held the office of regent.
FRANK H. HODGES.
Frank H. Hodges, who springs from good New England stock, was born in New York City January 28, 1868, the son of Henry S. and Maria M. Hodges; his father was a native of Vermont and his mother of Massachusetts. Our subject received his education and business training in the great metropolis. He showed a wonderful aptitude for quickly mastering his studies and applied himself so diligently to his books that at the early age of sixteen he was fitted to take up the greater problems of life. His present line of business presented itself as a field of promise, and without fear or hesitation he launched out for himself, shouldering responsibilities of a busi- nie ss which few youths of his years would even attempt to face; the line he chose then he has ever since continued in, and his business has grown until it can be said of him that he is a pre-eminently successful business man, enjoying an enviable reputation among the wholesale merchants of the West side. His place of business is located at 75 Warren street, New York, where he deals in butter, cheese, eggs and poultry to the trade.
Mr. Hodges' parents had long resided in New York, but in 1890 they removed to Jersey City Heights ; thence they removed to Red Bank in 1898, where Frank H. had purchased the old Borden homestead from Mrs. Mary Hendrickson. The home- stead is situated between Red Bank and Little Silver. This beautiful spot has been converted into a perfect Eden by Mr. Hodges, who has spared no expense in making it conform to his high ideal of what his home should be. It now attracts many visitors, as it is one of the interesting features of a section widely known for its beautiful residences, private parks, and magnificent estates. The Borden homestead is one of the old land marks located on that delightful Branch avenue, and its charms are greatly enhanced by the magnificent old trees which, in their majestic strength impress onc with a sense of grandeur which corresponds favorably with the splendor of the place.
Since locating in Red Bank, Mr. Hodges has been extensively engaged in the poultry business. Last year he raised by incubators over one thousand broilers. He
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is likewise interested in the raising of fancy pigeons, and has upon his place many of the finest breeds, by which he sets great value.
In his political views Mr. Hodges is a staunch Republican, having proved himself loyal to the principles of his party. He received the appointment of captain of the Ninth assembly district. New York, in which office he labored diligently in the inter- ests of his party. He was also a member of the Ninth Ward Pioneer Corps, New York, of which he was trustee, besides acting as secretary and treasurer. Socially Mr. Hodges is exceedingly popular ; he has affiliated himself with the Royal Arcanum of Long Island Council, and is a volunteer fireman, as well as a member of various other organizations.
Mr. Hodges was united in marriage in August, 1900, to Miss Mattie E., daughter of Charles Williams, of Eatontown, New Jersey.
ALFRED N. RADLEY.
During the colonial epoch in our country's history the Radley family was founded in America, the original ancestor coming from Ireland to the new world. It is claimed that the name was at one time spelled Bradley, but that the first letter was, finally eliminated. The great-grandfather of our subject was John Radley, whose son, Benjamin Radley, was born in 1790 and died in 1874, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He was the father of Squire Radley, the father of our sub- ject. Squire Radley was born in Westfield, New Jersey, September 5, 1812, and throughout his active business career carried on farming in this locality. In 1833 he married Miss Susan Ann Woodruff, and unto them were born the following named: Charlotte, Mary C., Ann M., Alfred Newton, Priscilla E. and Hannah E. The father has passed away, his death having occurred February 19, 1900.
Alfred Newton Radley, whose name introduces this review, is indebted to the public school system of his native town for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He was born in Westfield, April 19, 1841, and remained on his father's farm until twenty-five years of age, during which time he became familiar through practical experience with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He then began farming on his own account and later was proprietor of a hotel. His next venture was in the ice business, handling that commodity for five years, when he became engaged in the coal trade. For the past ten years he has engaged in dealing in coal and as his reputation as a reliable business man was already estab- lished, he did not find it difficult to work up a trade. He now enjoys a very liberal patronage and derives therefront a substantial income.
On the 16th of June, 1866, Mr. Radley was married to Miss Ellen A. Mears, who was born in England, September 29, 1845. Their children are Lizzie J., who was born August 19, 1867; Squire B., born September 19, 1868, and died December 31, 1894; Susan A., who was born July 4, 1870, and died August 2, 1891; David A., who was born October 19, 1871, and died March 27, 1874; Grant, who was born November 4, 1872; and died March 4, 1873; William M., born November 22, 1876; Newton, born December 7, 1878, and died July 8, 1885; Mabel, born June 23, 1880; and Ellen, who was born April 5, 1882, and died December 2, 1883. Since 1877 the family have resided in Carteret and are numbered among the best citizens of that place.
To the Democracy Mr. Radley gives his political support and upon the issues of the day he keeps well informed. He has served as road overseer in his township
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Alfred, N, Radley
SQUIRE B. RADLEY.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST. ,
and also as a member of the board of election. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed and in business circles he sustains a reputation which is above question.
GEORGE K. MAGFE.
The popular "Columbia Hotel" has been made so by its genial and affable owner and proprietor, George K. Magee. No hostlery in Eatontown, New Jersey, has so excellent a reputation for hospitable treatment as has the "Columbia." The hotel was originally built by members of the Washington Lodge, No. 9, F. & A. M., on the property of Dr. John P. Lewis. Dr. Lewis bought the lodge's interest in the house, so that the entire property stood in his name. It was then successively run by Joseph Doty, Kruser Snediker, John Rodgers, Capt. John S. Leifbunow, and others. George K. Magee, the present proprietor, purchased the property in 1900 from Edward Throckmorton. The hotel will accommodate twenty-five guests, is conven- icntly located amid pleasant surroundings. Courtesy and a determination to mect cvery wish of his guests mark the proprietor of the "Columbia Hotel" as a man who knows how to cater to the general public in the way best calculated to win their good will and command their continued patronage.
Mr. Magee was born in Monmouth county in 1866, and there was reared and educated in the public schools. He is the son of Jerome and Catherine (Willett) Magee, both of whom are natives of Monmouth county, and who now (1901) reside on their farm in Atlantic township.
During his early career Mr. Magee turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which vocation he followed continuously and successfully up to within a few years, when on account of defective eye-sight he was compelled to abandon what to him had always been a congenial and delightful occupation.
His wife, whom he married in 1887, was Minnie, daughter of Charles and Ann Martin, who bore him two children, Clarence R. and Mabel S. Mrs. Magee is a native of Monmouth county also.
EDGAR SCHENCK.
Prominent among the representative farmers of Monmouth county is Edgar Schenck, who owns and operates one hundred and fifty acres of rich land in Holmdel township, where his entire life has been passed. Hc was born on the farm which is still his place of residence, first opening his eyes to the light of day on the twelfth of May, 1853, his parents being George S. and Eleanor (Conover) Schenck. Both parents trace their ancestry back through several generations to Holland emigrants who came to America in the early part of the seventeenth century. John Schenck, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a captain in the war of the Revolution and served for seven years in the cause for independence,-a valiant and courageous sol- dier. George Schenck, the father of our subject, was a man of high principles and moral worth, and was beloved by all who knew him on account of his upright life. He followed agricultural pursuits and prospered in his undertakings as the result of his energy and thrift. In his political views he was a stalwart Democrat and for two successive terms was clected to the state legislature, where he served on several im- portant committees, proving himself to be a man of excellent judgment concerning affairs of state. He labored untiringly in support of those measures which he be- lieved would contribute to the general good, and in all life's relations he manifested
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his loyalty to the principles in which he believed. He died March 6, 1892, at the age of seventy years, and his wife, a most estimable and liighly esteemed lady, passed away on the 30th of May, 1885, at the age of sixty.
Upon the home farm Edgar Schenck was reared, carly becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of thie agriculturist, and thus becoming well prepared to carry on farming on his own account at a later day. He is now engaged in the cultivation of one hundred and fifty acres of arable land, planted to the crops best adapted to this climate, and annually he harvests good crops as the reward of his labor. His time is mostly devoted to general farming but some attention is given to the raising of fine horses and cattle. An air of neatness and thrift prevades the place and is indicative of the enterprising spirit of the owner.
On the 22d of November, 1877, Mr. Schenck was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Craig, who was born February 10, 1855, a daughter of William R. and Jane E. (Vandeveer) Craig, of Freehold. In carly life her father was connected with the wholesale drug business for a number of years in New York City, but the close confinement to the store proved detrimental to his health and caused him to turn his attention to farming, which he carried on extensively and successfully. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schenck have been born two sons: Norman C., who was born August 5, 1882, and is now pursuing a four-years course of study in Princeton College; and George R., who was born August 4, 1886, and is at home. The family are mem- bers of the Dutch Reformed church at Holmdel. In his political views Mr. Schenck is a Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his attention to the pleasures of the home and to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with creditable and gratifying success.
WARREN WEBSTER.
Warren Webster, an enterprising agriculturist of Middletown township, operates one of the finest farms in the locality, formerly the property of Daniel C. Hendrick- son. 'The place contains one hundred acres, and is now devoted principally to the raising of fruit and vegetables. Mr. Webster was born in Philadelphia, June 8, 1845, a son of David and Syndonia (Walton) Webster, whose family numbered five children,-Aaron, Mary, Thomas, Byron and Warren. The forefathers of the pa- ternal grandmother of Mr. Webster came to America with William Penn. The paternal grandparents of him whose name introduces this review were David and Elizabeth Webster. The latter was captured by the Chippewa tribe of Indians and remained in captivity from her twelfth to eighteenth year, on the expiration of which period she was ransomed and became the wife of David Webster. !
Warren Webster was eighteen years. of age when he came to New Jersey, and was for seven years connected with greenhouses of the Essex Company, at Orange, and during his residence in Monmouth county has followed various occupations, but has principally devoted his time and attention to farming. He has been very successful in his chosen vocation, his crops always bringing the highest market price, and he now takes rank among the leading agriculturists and horticulturists of Mon- mouth. county.
Mrs. Webster was in her maidenhood Miss M. Matilda Willett, their wedding being celebrated on the 24th of December, 1868. She was born at Harmony, New Jersey, on the 17th of March, 1850, a daughter of John and Catherine Willett, who were members of old and prominent families of the state. The father, who was
Waren Webster
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
born in Monmouth county, August 25, 1813, was a light-house keeper at Compton Light for a number of years, and his family numbered the following children,- Humphrey, William, Charles, Matilda, Martin, Ellen Rebecca, and Catherine. The grandparents of these children were Garrett and Rebecca (Stillwell) Willett, of Long Island. Unto our subject and wife have been born three children, namely : William, 'born in 1870, who is now deceased; Jesse G., born June 5, 1880; and Kirk E., born September 14, 1883.
Mrs. Webster died May 15, 1902, in Red Bank. She had left her home in usual health to attend to some shopping, and about nine o'clock in the morning had made her last purchase, and yet had her change in her hand, when she was stricken down with a heart ailment, and died without a groan or struggle. She was a most estimable woman and her sad demise was a sorrow and a shock to the entire community.
The family are highly esteemed in the community in which they make their home and are active in all good work. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Belford, upon the board of stewards of which Mr. Webster served for some years. During the years 1881-2 Mr. Webster was temporarily at Beaufort, North Carolina, superintending the construction of the fish, oil and guana works for C. B. Dye, and a second plant of the same kind for Ralph. Howland.
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