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 16
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Mr. Truax has been twice married. In March, 1879, he was married to Laura, daughter of Charles Hulick, of West Long Branch. She died May II, 1885. Their children were Charles Lincoln, who died in infancy; Henry W. and Chester M. His present wife, Minnie ·Behr Truax, is a daughter of Frederick and Wilhelmina Brink- hautz, whom he married in October, 1887.
JAMES BRAY.
The family of Bray, of Monmouth county, New Jersey, is one which has been high in honor there for many generations. Its representatives were conspicuous for their loyalty in the Revolutionary war and in the war of 1812, and at subsequent periods of our history they were patriotic to a degree that was highly creditable to them as American citizens.
James Bray, of Lincroft, Atlantic township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, is a son of the late David Sutton and Eliza (McClain) Bray, and was born in Middle- town township, January 20, 1824. He was educated in the common schools near his boyhood home and at Matawan Academy, and early determined to be a farmer, and as such he has shown himself to be enterprising, resourceful, progressive and in- creasingly successful. He owns eighty acres of well cultivated and productive land and his residence, barns and outbuildings, and indeed all things about his farm, be-
James Bray
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token taste, thrift and prosperity. While he gives some attention to general crops, he devotes his energies more particularly to the production of fruit of the choicest kinds. He has been prominent in the affairs of Atlantic township since 1851, when he removed from Middletown. He has been elected to some important offices, includ- ing those of road commissioner and commissioner of appeals. A man known for his character and widely respected for his integrity, he is a member of the Baptist church of Red Bank, in which for twenty-six years he has held the office of deacon.
Mr. Bray was married to Miss Elizabeth Grant, who bore him six children, named as follows: John A., deceased; David H .; A. Judson; James; William, . deceased; and Catharine E. Mrs. Bray died August 25, 1884, and in 1886 Mr. Bray married Miss Gertrude White.
CAPTAIN DAVID S. OLIPHANT.
Captain David S. Oliphant, prominent both as a soldier and in civil life, was born in Barnegat, then in Monmouth county, now in Ocean county, New Jersey, June II, 1841, son of William D. and Eleanor (Pharo) Oliphant, both of Holland ancestry. The progenitor of the family, emigrating from Holland, settled in the Mohawk Valley, New York, during the seventeenth century, and there in 1750 his great-grandfather, Johnathan Oliphant, was born, and was a substantial farmer. The line descends through David, born January 2, 1784, son of the preceding, and William D., son of David and father of Captain Oliphant. William D. was the second child of David and Mary McDonald Oliphant, was one of the most prominent citizens of the county, held the position of justice of the peace for many years, and for four years was county judge. He was born on his father's farm in the Mohawk Valley, New York, April 15, 1809, and died in Freehold, New Jersey, February 9, 1882. Besides Will- iam P., the eleven other children of this family were: Nancy, Hope, Selah, James, Jane Ann, Hannah, Ann, George, Caroline, Elizabeth and David. William's own children were: Mohlon, Eliza L., Hope, Thomas P., Mary E. Margaret A., David S., Theodore F. and Eleanor.
Captain David S., the sixth child of the preceding, was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of Monmouth county. His early life was shaped by the events of the Civil war, which broke out the year in which he reached his majority. August 7, 1861, he enlisted as a private -in Company A, Sixth Regi- ment, New Jersey Volunteers, and continued in the service with many thrilling ex- periences until the close of the war. Up to 1863 he had served as corporal and sec- ond sergeant. In October, 1863, he was discharged for promotion and commissioned second lieutenant Company D, Thirty-fifth New Jersey Veteran Volunteer Infantry, by Governor Joel Parker. On August 1, 1864, he was made first lieutenant of the same company, and on April 12, 1865, he became captain and was assigned to Company E of the same regiment. He was mustered in as captain by special order of the Secre- tary of War; "Special order 378" reads : . "Extract 45. To complete his record on the rolls, Second Lieutenant David S. Oliphant, Company D, Thirty-fifth New Jer- sey Volunteer, an escaped prisoner of war, is hereby mustered out to date April 30, 1865, and in as captain Company E, same regiment, to date May 1, 1865. By order of the Secretary of War.
"E. D. TOWNSEND, · "Asst. Adj. General."
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His final muster out at the close of the war is dated July 27, 1865. Be- tween May 4 and August 27, 1862, the records show that he participated in the following engagements: The siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Virginia, Fair Oaks, Virginia, Pines, Virginia, Savage Station, Virginia, Glendale, Virginia, Malvern Hill, McClellan's seven days' retreat, Catlitts Station, Bristoe Station, second battle of Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Virginia, and Gettysburg. At Fair Oaks, June 2nd, he was slightly wounded. At second Bull Run he was taken prisoner by Longstreet's forces, paroled, but was exchanged in time to take part in the Fredericksburg campaign.
In 1863-4, assigned to the army of western Tennessee, he took part in engage- ment at Meridian, Mississippi, Resaca, Georgia, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Kene- saw Mountain, Roswell Mills, Ruffs Mills and Decatur. Captain Oliphant was taken prisoner near Atlanta, Georgia, July 22, 1864, the same day that General McPherson was killed. Transferred to various southern prisons at Macon, Georgia, Charleston, South Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina, he finally at the latter place effected his escape with three other officers; by concealing themselves in the day time and traveling nights, they arrived after a perilous journey to the Federal lines at Knox- ville, Tennessee, January 17, 1865. A brother of Captain Oliphant, William D., also fought in the northern army, served through the war with an excellent record, and died soon after his return home with shattered health.
Captain Oliphant's subsequent career, devoted entirely to business pursuits in Freehold, New Jersey, has been a prosperous one. He is at present retired from active pursuits. He is a charter member of Captain J. W. Conover's Post, No. 63, G. A. R., and has been adjutant for a number of years. In July, 1867, he was mar- ried to Elizabeth Hale at Freehold. They have one daughter, who is now Mrs. Alfred Vandoren.
JOSIAH A. STRATTON.
No man in Monmouth county is more widely known or is more universaly pop- ular than the subject of this review. He was born at Lakewood, New Jersey, Octo- ber 10, 1861, and is a son of George B. and Margaret (Guice) Stratton. The father, who was a molder by trade, is an honest, industrious and upright citizen, and his life has been uneventfully passed, with the exception of two years which he spent in the Union army, having been a brave and gallant soldier in Company I, Thirty- ninth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. Both he and his wife are still living, and now make their home at North Long Branch, New Jersey. They became the parents of ten children, five of whom still survive,-William, Josiah A., Rachel, Josephine and Mary.
Josiah A. Stratton, the fourth child in order of birth, was reared and educated at Lakewood, his birthplace, and at the age of sixteen years he removed to Asbury Park, but shortly afterward returned to his native town in order to complete his high school education, remaining at that place for two years. In 1880 he became a resident of Elberon, New Jersey, entering the employ of Conrad T. Jones, who was one of the best known hotel proprietors in the state, and who also conducted an express office. In this office our subject spent the following five years as a clerk, after which he was given charge of the business and has ever since remained in con- trol. For thirteen years he has served as agent for the United States Express Company, and for fourteen years has been engaged in the real-estate business. Through the careful direction of his business interests and by indefatigable industry he has acquired a handsome property, and at the same time has so conformed to the
Ja Stratton
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ethics of business life that he has the unqualified confidence of all with whom he has had trade transactions. For the past five years Mr. Stratton has filled the re- sponsible office of judge of elections, discharging his duties therein with efficiency.
His marriage with Miss Eveline Sickles was celebrated November 15, 1883. The lady is a daughter of George and Catherine Sickles. Their union has been blessed with three children, but two died in infancy; the surviving daughter, Florence, was born in 1884. In his social relations Mr. Stratton is a member of Long Branch Lodge, No. 78, F. & A. M., the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and of Hose Company, No. 4, of Elberon. He owns two fine cottages in this beautiful little city, one of which is occupied by the Strat- ton family and the other is rented. During his long residence in Monmouth county Mr. Stratton has ever possessed the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, and in this volume he well deserves honorable mention.
WESLEY MASON.
This well known citizen of Monmouth county resides on his beautiful farm near Keyport, where he owns eighty acres of land, to the cultivation of which he devotes his energies with excellent success. He was born in Middletown township, Monmouth county, October 20, 1833, a son of John and Phoebe (Seeley) Mason, both natives of New Jersey. The father was a carpenter and builder by occupation. The paternal ancestors were of English origin, and the maternal side is Holland Dutch.
Wesley Mason learned the trade of a carriage-maker in early life, following that business for over twenty years at Middletown and Eatontown, in Monmouth county, but since 1865 has devoted his attention to the cultivation of the soil. In 1873 he purchased the farm on which he now resides, where he is extensively engaged in the raising of fruit and garden vegetables. He has one hundred and sixty apple trees, seven hundred and forty pear trees, one hundred cherry trees, and also raises large quantities of small fruits, such as blackberries, raspberries and many others. He also has about four hundred and fifty plum trees and twenty-eight hundred grape vines, and his annual sales amount to from four thousand to five thousand dollars. He is widely known as a successful fruit grower and gardener, and as the result of his- well directed efforts he now has a valuable farming property, supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories.
The marriage of Mr. Mason occurred on the 2d of October, 1856, Miss Mary M. Youmans becoming his wife. She was born March 24, 1836, a daughter of Henry and Jean Youmans, natives of New Jersey, but afterward settling near Long Branch. Mr. Mason's maternal grandmother and his wife's paternal grandfather were brother and sister. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mason have been born eight children, four sons and four daughters, namely: Emma, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Wesley H., who passed away when two years of age; Phebe S., also deceased, dying at the age of fourteen years; Etta, the wife of Joseph Thorne; Charles W., who is engaged in farming near the old homestead; James S., who assists his father in the cultivation of his farm; Adeline S., at home; and Daniel W., a druggist of Keyport. Mr. Mason gives his political support to the Democracy, and for many years has served as town- ship committeeman in Holmdel township, has been president of the board of educa- tion since the law was passed creating that body, and for a number of years has served as a commissioner of appeals in Middletown township. Mr. Mason was one of the founders of the Fruit Growers Association of Monmouth county, served as its.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
buyer for several years and has been one of its directors at intervals since its organi- zation. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Harmony, in which he has served on its boards of stewards and trustees. Mr. Mason is a de- scendant and remote heir of Anneke Jans.
JOHN HILLYER CURTIS.
Tracing the genealogy of his family, John H. Curtis finds his paternal ancestors were natives of England, and on the maternal side spring from Spanish origin. He was born in Middletown township, April 2, 1848, a son of John and Elizabeth (Hill- yer) Curtis, both families for generations having been inhabitants of the county. The father of our subject started out in life a poor boy, but by patient industry and never failing tenacity of purpose he worked himself up from a farm boy, receiving the most meager wages, to become a man of wealth and position in his section. He was twice married; his first wife died in 1850; his second wife was Elizabeth Wilson, by whom he had one daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Fitzroy Walling, of New Mon- mouth. He died February 16, 1899, at the age of seventy-one years.
John H. Curtis, our subject, owns a fine farm of fifty acres with homestead at 1 Raritan, and also a farm of one hundred and thirty acres, located near by in the township of Holmdel. He raises an abundance of fruit and garden truck, and is won- derfully successful in obtaining the best results. Our subject married on October 20, 1872, Susan Clark, born September 29, 1851, daughter of Thomas S. and Susan (Walling) Clark. (See sketch of Cornelius V. Clark, and also of the Wallings.)
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis have three children: Florence, born November 8, 1873, wife of Charles X. Crawford, a farmer of Holmdel; Harry F., born June 20, 1876, who married Blanche Thorn, and is a farmer of Raritan township; J. Grover, born October 16, 1884, now living at home.
Mr. Curtis adheres to Democratic principles and is quite active in political affairs, is well informed in regard to party measures and national affairs generally, has oc- cupied several public offices with due credit to himself, and is now serving his third term as commissioner of appeals. The family are active and zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church at South Keyport.
TEN EYCK CONOVER AND J. DON CONOVER.
Ten Eyck Conover, of Matawan township, Freneau Postoffice, New Jersey, is associated with his brother, J. Don Conover, in the growing of fruit, particularly apples, pears, peaches and plums. Their property consists of thirty acres of very productive farm land. For the number of acres involved, the farm is considered one of the best producers in the county. This is accounted for by the progressive spirit of its owners, who are thoroughly up to date in their methods, always bring- ing into play such practical, scientific principles as promise the best results.
Ten Eyck Conover was born on June :28, 1855, in Madison township, Middle- sex county. He is the son of Garrett W. and Tahmaroo (De Nyse) Conover, na- tives of Monmouth county and descendants of the oldest families of the state. Garrett W. Conover, father of our subject, was a successful tiller of the soil and a highly respected citizen. His son follows in his footsteps, as he, too, is a farmer
Jen Eyle Conomy
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST. 1
of repute, and one who has served his fellow citizens in various capacities. Po- litically Mr. Conover is a Democrat; he is now (1902) serving his third term on the township committee, has been for nine years a member of the board of edu- cation, and was surveyor of highways for a number of years. He is a very genial and popular man. 1
Mr. Conover was married on September 29, 1883, to Miss Hollie C. Denyse, who was born June 1, 1871, and is a daughter of N. Harrison Denyse and Anna (Groser) Denyse. Mrs. Conover is a first cousin of her husband; their children are-J. Don, born August 5, 1888, and Isabella D., born May 22, 1892.
J. Don Conover, the brother of our subject, with whom he is connected in busi- ness, was born July 3, 1865, is a Democrat, and has for several years been collector for the township of Matawan. For some twelve years prior to the purchase of their present farm the brothers carried on farming in Madison township.
J. Don Conover was married in 1885, to Hattie Walker, who died in 1888; they had one child, who is deceased. Mr. J. Don Conover bears a reputation among his fellow citizens which would do credit to any man; he is a man of genial dispo- sition, and is persistent in carrying out his undertakngs.
LEWIS C. ACKERSON.
One of the fine dairy and fruit farms of Monmouth county is that owned by the Ackerson brothers, Lewis C: and Jefferson. Seventy-five acres in extent, it is sit- uated in Holmdel township and is a rich tract of land, especially adapted to the culti- vation of apples and pears, which are the principle horticultural products there raised. Everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating the careful supervision of energetic owners.
The birth of Lewis C. Ackerson occurred on this farm July 30, 1854, his parents being John T. and Catherine (Laquier) Ackerson. The former was born on the old homestead in 1810 and died at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife, whose birth occurred in April, 1811, departed this life on the 29th of April, 1890, at the age of seventy-nine years. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom reached years of maturity, while six are yet living, as follows: Jefferson, Lewis C., Abram L., Garrett, Sarah J. and Catherine A.
Reared upon the old homestead and educated in the common schools of the neigh- borhood, Lewis C. Ackerson has always followed farming and with his brother is an equal partner in the home place of seventy-five acres. They are widely known as successful agriculturists and gruit growers, following the most modern methods in both departments of their business and gaining a substantial financial reward for their labor.
On the 17th of February, 1891, Mr. Ackerson was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Clark, of Scotch Plains, Union county, New Jersey, born September 20, 1860, a daughter of Joseph and Harriett Clark. The father was a painter by trade, following that pursuit in order to provide for his family. In his political views he was a Republican and filled the office of justice of the peace for a number of years, his long service well indicating his ability and fidelity. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lewis C. Ackerson has been born one son, Grover C., whose birth occurred January 7, 1892. In politics Mr. Ackerson is independent, supporting the candidates whom he regards as best qualified for office. For several years he has served on the board of registers, and his official career is above reproach. Socially he is connected with the Inde-
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pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and wherever he is known he is held in high regard for his genuine worth, his loyalty to his duties of citizenship, and his trustworthiness in all life's relations ..
JOHN HENRY WILLEY.
The farm of John H. Willey, near Keyport, in Monmouth county, New Jersey, consists of ninety-six acres, devoted to the culture of apples, pears, peaches, grapes, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and other small fruits, and is one of the especially productive farms of Holmdel township. Mr. Willey bought this farm thirty years ago and since then has been constantly improving it in every way.
John H. Willey was born in Middletown, Monmouth county, New Jersey, August 5, 1844, a son of John and Harriet (Cotton) Willey, both natives of Derbyshire, England. His father was a furrier by trade, who died at the age of forty-five years. in 1855. His mother died in 1863, aged fifty-five years. John and Harriet (Cotton) Willey had six children, five of whom are living: Mary Ann, who became the wife of William Tanner, of Middletown; William, who is a carpenter at Red Bank; Sarah, who became the wife of David Walling, of Keyport, and is dead; Henry, who is a farmer at Keyport; and John H., the immediate subject of this sketch.
Mr. Willey received but a limited education in the common schools of his native town. He was early initiated into the mysteries of farming. He was married Sep- tember II, 1863, to Syndonia Webster, a daughter of Aaron W. and Harriet (Smith) Webster, the former a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, the latter of Monmouth county, New Jersey. Her father was a farmer and her mother was a descendant of Penelope Stout.
Mr. Willey is a Democrat in politics and keeps himself well informed concerning the affairs of the day and is one of the influential and respected citizens of his com- munity. Mr. Willey was one of the founders of the Monmouth County Fruit Grow- ers Asociation, and has served as buyer for the organization at intervals since 1890.
MICHAEL CRINE.
Success has been worthily attained by Michael Crine, who is to-day accounted one of the prosperous farmers of Monmouth county. To his energy, enterprise, careful management and keen discrimination this is attributable. He started out in life a poor boy, a stranger in a strange land, and is now the owner of one of the most desirable farming properties of the locality. He was born in county Galway, Ireland, December 25, 1838. He received only meager educational advantages in. his native land, and when eleven years old he left his home across the sea and came to America, landing in New York City without a cent in his pocket. His only relative in this country was an older brother, who had preceded him here by a few years, and after his arrival Michael made his way mostly on foot to near where he. now resides, and for the first few years worked at any employment that would yield him an honest living. When fifteen years of age he began working at farm labor, receiving four dollars a month and his board, and with this small salary he was. able in a few years to purchase seven acres of land. As the years have passed prosperity has attended his well directed efforts and in 1892 he added to his present. beautiful homestead one hundred and ninety-five acres, formerly known as the Jona-
Michael Crine .
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
than Morgan place, and located east of Morganville. His land is under a fine state of cultivation, and he is engaged in general farming and also in the raising of straw- berries for the market. Energy is one of his most marked characteristics, and he prosecutes his labors with a zeal that has brought to him rich returns. Substantial buildings, the latest improved machinery, well kept fences and good grades of stock- these are among the accessories of the Crine farm.
On the Ioth of January, 1857, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Crine and Miss Catherine Murphy, who is also a native of the Emerald Isle, coming to this country with relatives when a child. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Crine ten survive, namely : Mary Elizabeth, at home; James, who married Mary Kelley ; Delia, the wife of Michael Holland; Rosanna, wife of John Severs; Michael, who married Anna Cain; Walter, who married Kate Malloney; Theresa, the wife of John Killcommon; Robert V .; Cassie; and Agnes. Almost the entire life of Mr. Crine has been passed in Monmouth county, and he has a wide acquaintance among her best citizens, many of whom are included within the circle of his friends.
JACOB E. WILSON.
Jacob Edgar Wilson has passed the eightieth milestone on the journey of life, and yet, to a limited extent, still follows his trade of carriage-making, putting to shame many a man even of much younger age, who, grown weary of the struggles of busi- ness life, would relegate to others the burdens he should bear. The career of Mr. Wilson has been a busy, useful and upright one, and his example in many respects is well worthy of emulation.
His life record began in Holmdel, Monmouth county, New Jersey, where he first opened his eyes to the light of day October 25, 1821. He represents one of the old families of this state. His grandparents were John and Rebecca Wilson, in whose family were three children : William, James and Rebecca. Of these William became the father of our subject. He was a carpenter by trade and in conjunction with his building interests he owned and operated a small farm. His life was quiet and uneventful, but true to every duty, both public and private. He married Ann Newell, a daughter of Thomas Newell, who was a valiant soldier in the Revolutionary war, loyally aiding in the cause of independence. He lost a leg in battle. When the second war with England was inaugurated in 1812, William Wilson, the father of our sub- ject, entered the army as a defender of American rights. By his marriage he became the father of ten children, of whom three are yet living, namely: Jacob E., Joseph and Albert.
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