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 22
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
An accomplished landlord, Captain Price is also a genial gentleman, and his social traits have endeared him to multitudes who have enjoyed his hospitality. He is an ardent sportsman, and delights in contributing to the enjoyment of the gunner and fisherman. He was for seven years a member of the Long Branch Company in the New Jersey State Militia. He is a Freemason and an Odd Fellow, and it was his unusual distinction to initiate his four sons into the mysteries of the former named ancient and honorable craft. In politics he is a Republican.
Captain Price was married to Miss Anna West, daughter of Mr. Elisha West, a former proprietor of the Newbold Hotel, Long Branch. Ten children were born of this marriage-Mary Eliza, Melissa, Elisha W., John Lawrence, William, Crystal, Clark, Edith, Blanche and Thomas Frazier. Of these named, Clark, and Edith and Blanche (twins) are deceased. The mother, a most notable woman and devoted wife and mother, died January 10, 1898, aged sixty-four years.
JOSEPH H. C. SCHENCK.
The last war in which the United States was engaged found Captain Schenck of this review among the defenders of the nation's flag and the cause it repre- sented. He is well known in military circles on the Jersey coast and in Long Branch and Monmouth county is numbered among the enterprising young business men. His birth occurred at Point Pleasant on the 28th of March, 1871. It is thought that Peter Schenck, a very wealthy merchant and an importer of foreign goods, was his great-grandfather. He was of Dutch lineage. His residence and place of busi- ness was New York, where he carried on an extensive trade. Elias Schenck, the grandfather, was an experienced mariner and throughout his busines life was connected with the sea. He married Harriet Newman and their only child was Zacharias Schenck, the father of our subject, who was born at Manasquan, New Jersey, April 17, 1838. He wedded Margaret J. Harvey, and they became the parents of five children : Henry E., a painter of Long Branch; Elias E. and George E., both of whom are deceased; Thaddeus R., who is engaged in the painting busi- ness in West Long Branch; and Joseph H. C. Schenck, also a painter and decorator.
The public schools of his native town afforded Joseph H. C. Schenck his edu- cational privileges, and his youth was passed amidst play and study in a manner not unlike most boys of the period. After leaving school he was variously employed, working for a time in a pharmacy and later as a machinist. Other occupations also claimed his attention, but eventually he began to learn the painter's trade, and in due course of time became thoroughly proficient in the work, his services giving excellent satisfaction and securing for him continuous employment. During the summer season he is employed as bathing master or life saver-a position of im- portance on the coast, where so many summer visitors spend a large amount of time in bathing in the Atlantic, who in ignorance of danger would frequently venture too far, were it not for the watchful care of Mr. Schenck.
When the country became involved with Spain in the war of 1898, he was among those who readily offered their services to strike a blow for liberty, and enlisting in Company B, Third New Jersey Infantry, he served for nine months with credit. He is now captain of Company K, Third Regiment of the New Jersey National Guard, and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Order of Red Men, in both of which he is a past officer. He was married October 15, 1899, to Miss Hannah Wardell, who was born at Long Branch, August 15, 1874, a daughter
Juseph Ale Schenck
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of John H. and Emily Wardell. They now have an interesting little daughter, Clara S., who was born November 27, 1900. Captain Schenck, by his pleasant, genial man- ner, has made many friends, is popular in military ci.cles, and trusted in busi- ness life.
WILLIAM TUCKER HOPPER. 1
Monmouth county, New Jersey, is favored in having represented upon its list of officials, individuals whose endowments fully capacitate them for the discharge of the responsible duties which devolve upon them. The subject of this review has held a number of important offices, to which he has been appointed by those high in authority or elected through the suffrage of the Republican party, in whose interest he has rendered timely and effective service, being known as one of the stalwart and uncompromising advocates of the principles of that party.
Now a resident of Long Branch City, William T. Hopper was born in West Long Branch September 12, 1837. His grandfather, John Hopper, was a native of New York City and was the first of the name to locate at West Long Branch, where. he purchased property of Alexander McGregor. The town was then called Mc- Gregor, but later became known as Hoppertown, and subsequently by various names, now West Long Branch. Mr. Hopper owned about fifty acres of land beside other property. He began merchandising there and continued in that line of business up to the time of his death. He was a baker by trade and had followed that pursuit in New York City, but after coming to New Jersey was actively identified with mer- chandising for many years. He was a very consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his home was the place of entertainment for all the traveling preachers who visited the neighborhood. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eunice Russell, shared with him in all good works in which he bore a hand. There were two children in the family, Maria and Abraham.
Abraham M. Hopper was born in New York City in 1798. He engaged in the baker's business, and was also the owner of a vessel which plied between vari- ous ports along the seaboard. After his father removed to West Long Branch he assisted in the management of the store and thus became a well known figure in busi- ness circles there. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Deborah McGregor, by whom he had four children, three of whom grew to maturity. For his second wife he wedded Miss Mary Tucker, and they became the parents of eight children, three of whom survive: R. F., Egbert and William T.
In his native town William T. Hopper of this review received his education and training for a life of future usefulness. In the early years of his manhood he followed farming, but subsequently turned his attention to politics and has been a most earnest and efficient worker in the ranks of the Republican party. He has creditably served in a number of official positions, including that of constable, his incumbency covering a period of nine years. He was a coast inspector of customs of the Perth Amboy district for seven years, and during that time also filled the position of freeholder. For three years he was assessor, was collector of port customs under President Harrison for four years, has been judge of elections and was coroner for a period of three years. His official service has ever been most commendatory, for at all times he has been prompt and notably reliable in the discharge of his duties and has therefore won the approval of even his political opponents.
On the 12th of March, 1861, Mr. Hopper married Miss Henrietta Brown, and unto them have been born seven children, of whom five are living: Britton T.,
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Eunice, Henry T., Charles H. and Frances. Those who have passed away are Louis B. and Elizabeth. Mr. Hopper had been married little more than a year when he left his young wife and went to the front in defense of the Union, enlisting on the 7th of September, 1862, as a member of the Twenty-ninth Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers. He was made commissary sergeant and remained at the front until the regiment was discharged June 30, 1863. He is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and also belongs to the Royal Arcanum. He has a wide acquaintance in Monmouth county, where his trustworthiness and reliability have won for him high regard.
GEORGE W. BOWMAN.
George W. Bowman, proprietor of the Sunnyside farm, which is located one and a half miles west of Long Branch City, is a practical farmer and an enterprising business man. He was born at Coltsneck on the 4th of October, 1831, a son of Samuel and Charlotte (Matthews) Bowman. The father was a weaver by trade and was an honest and upright man. His family numbered four sons and four daughters, and of this number George W. and Andrew J. are twins, the latter of whom is now a resident of Kansas.
George W. Bowman received the educational advantages afforded by the common schools of his district. During his youth he spent much of his time in working on neighboring farms, and later he farmed on rented land. In 1865 he purchased the land on which he now resides, known as the Sunnyside farm, which is one of the most beautiful places on the road, and a glance at its neat and thrifty appearance indicates to the passer-by the supervision of a progressive owner. On the 4th of December, 1858, Mr. Bowman was united in marriage with Miss Mary Bennett, who was born in Atlantic township, Monmouth county. Her grandfather, John L. Ben- nett, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and for nine months of his army career was confined in the British prison in New York, the old Dutch church, Broad- way and Ann streets, being used for that purpose. Mrs. Bowman is a daughter of Logan and Mary (Holmes) Bennett. Unto our subject and wife have been born the following children: Samuel L .; Sarah, who became the wife of C. J. Bridge ; and two sons who were named George, but both are now deceased. Mr. Bowman has always been an industrious man and a good manager, and the result of his long years of careful toil is a beautiful homestead, well improved and well kept. He has contributed his share toward the public improvements of the county, and he stands to-day as one of the representative men of his locality.
JOHN EDGAR MONTGOMERY.
One who has gained public favor through conscientious labor in the public's interests is he of whom this brief sketch treats, John Edgar Montgomery of South Amboy, New Jersey, who has deservedly attained a prominent place, not only in local, but in state affairs as well. He was born at Old Bridge, New Jersey, on May 13. 1844, a son of John and Ann Montgomery. The family is an old one in that section ; the grandfather, John Montgomery, was an active and energetic old-line Whig, well known and highly respected throughout the county.
John Edgar Montgomery's school days were spent at his home in Old Bridge.
John Edgar Montyorney
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Soon after the completion of his studies he entered the employ of John W. Fore- man, as a clerk, next with Foreman & Disbrow, and later with Ward C. Perrine, with whom he was finally associated as a partner in business. About eighteen years ago he opened a general merchandise store at South Amboy, which he has since car- ried on with more than ordinary success, and is to-day one of the oldest estab- lishments in the town.
During his busy life he has found time to interest himself in local affairs gen- erally, and so valuable has he proved to the Republican party, that they honored him by electing him in 1900 to the assembly by. a handsome majority. He fulfilled the trust reposed in him so satisfactorily to the people whom he represented, that he was re-elected to serve a second term. He was also made chairman on labor and industries, railroads, canals and printing, and did most effective work. He was elected in 1901 for a third term. Seldom is any person elected in Middlebury county for three terms. He served again. as chairman of railroads and canals.
Mr. Montgomery is a Mason and a member of St. Stephens Lodge, No. 63, of South Amboy, and a member also of the Lincoln Club. He married Miss Elizabeth L. Hayes, and has one son, John L. Montgomery.
HENRY W. MIELKE.
The field of business is wide and the opportunity for advancement lies before all who have the will to dare and to do. That so comparatively few win success is the result of a lack of application or of business sagacity to direct their labors, but in both these particulars Mr. Mielke is well qualified, and added to this is a thorough knowl- edge of the business to which he directs his energies. He is a noted florist of Long Branch, whose fame in his chosen calling has spread far and wide, and to-day he is conducting a very extensive and prosperous business.
A native of Prussia, he was born in 1854 and was reared and educated there. His father, Henry W. Mielke, Sr., was forester to Bismarck, and at the age of fourteen years our subject began to learn the florist's business, serving for three years in the greenhouses of the Iron Chancellor, there becoming thoroughly acquainted with all the various phases of the work, the needs of all kinds of plant life and the best methods of supplying these needs. He next entered the service of Emperor William I as an experienced horticulturist, and remained in charge of important floricultural interests on the palace grounds for twelve years. In 1882 he determined to seek a home and fortune in the new world, and crossing the Atlantic he spent about one year in travel in the west, visiting many scenes of beauty and interest. In 1883 he took up his abode in Greenville, but after a short time went to Englewood, New Jersey, where he was married. On the Ist of March, 1887, he removed to Long Branch and entered the service of D. S. Brown as landscape gardener, and so beautified his place that it came to surpass anything on the sea front. In 1897 he saw the necessity of establishing himself in a business of his own in order to meet the demands of patrons who sought the most superior skill in his line. Accordingly he purchased his present location, erected his residence, his conservatories and his greenhouses, and embarked in what is now a most extensive and profitable business. He handles cut flowers, potted plants, palms and indeed everything in his line, raising many very choice and valuable specimens, and as a landscape gardener he also has a very ex- tensive patronage, receiving a very large share of the business from the constantly growing population of the various towns along the coast. He has about fifteen
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thousand square feet of space under glass, containing beautiful specimens of all kinds of flowering and ornamental plants, and continually is he adding to his stock and enlarging his facilities to meet the demands of a constantly growing trade.
In Englewood, New Jersey, in 1885, Mr. Miekle was united in marriage to Miss Dorothea Mecklenburg, a most estimable lady, and unto them have been born five children: Alice, Caroline (deceased), Henry, Otto and Elsie. The family are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church.
DAVID M. WILLETT.
David M. Willett, one of the leading business men of Belford, and a native of that place, was born February 21, 1856. He is a son of the late William and Susan (Walling) Willett. He was reared and educated in the place of his nativity, enjoy- ing in his youth the educational privileges afforded by the district schools of his neigh- borhood. Being of a studious mind, he applied himself closely to his studies and, thus, early in life fitted himself for a clerkship, entering the store of Charles Montanye when eighteen years of age. This gentleman was the first to establish a store in Belford, in 1855, beginning business in a very small way, but at that time sufficiently large to supply the demands of a sparsely settled community. Mr. Willett continued to fill the position of a clerk for seven years, and then, in company with Mr. Lohsen, he purchased the store, beginning business under the firm name of Lohsen & Willett. In 1888 this firm rebuilt, beautified and enlarged the store, it being now forty by forty-two feet, with a large store room attached. In addition to this store and entirely independent of it, they have built and are operating a drug store, which is modern in all of its appointments, and the entire establishment is furnished with the best goods that can be procured in the market. This enterprising firm is now enjoy- ing a large and constantly increasing patronage, the result of honorable business methods and earnest desire to please their patrons.
The marriage of M'r. Willett was celebrated in 1882, when Miss Amelia A. Lohsen became his wife. She is a daughter of the late Lohder and Margaretta (Wendelcke) Lohsen, and a native of Belford. Two children have blessed this union, Harold and Meta L. In his social relations Mr. Willett is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He is a man of pleasing manners and of a winning disposition, traits of character which go far in making the firm a successful one from a business standpoint. Both members of the firm command the good wishes and esteem of all with whom they have business or social relations.
TUNIS SUYDAM BARKULOO.
The value of an upright character and a good business reputation has been demonstrated most clearly and explicitly in the career of the well known citizen of Oceanic, Monmouth county, New Jersey, whose name forms the caption of this brief sketch. Tunis S. Barkuloo was born in Brooklyn, New York, June 8, 1851, a son of Abraham and Amelia M. Barkuloo. His parents removed to Oceanic, New Jersey, when he was three years old, and he was there educated in the public schools. He was early initiated into the mysteries of farming, which he followed more or less regularly for some years, until about a third of a century ago he became 'associated
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
with the manufacturing enterprise with which he has won his enviable success in life.
In 1849 John S. Midwinter and son opened a factory at Oceanic for the manu- * facture of mops of every description and of superior workmanship. During the entire period of the history of the concern its products have been sought in the market. John S. Midwinter died in July, 1876, and the business was carried on by the widow of John S. Midwinter until her death, the son having died in 1872. May 18, 1897, A. H. Midwinter succeeded her mother, Sarah F. Midwinter, in whose name the business is still carried on under the management of Tunis S. Barkuloo, who has had it in charge for more than thirty-three years. The plant has an annual capacity of fifteen thousand mops and from every point of view the enterprise is a profitable and a successful one.
Mr. Barkuloo enjoys in the highest degree the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. He is a man of much public spirit, who takes a deep interest in all the affairs of his town. He is a charter member of the Oceanic hook and ladder company, of which for twenty years he has been treasurer, and he is a charter mem- ber and treasurer of Narumsunk Tribe, No. 148, Improved Order of Red Men. He is a charter member of Seaside Lodge, No. 217, K. of P. (Seabright), and member of Mystic Brotherhood Lodge, No. 28 (Red Bank), F. &. A. M.
ALBERT DENNIS.
The reader of mature years who has traveled much can easily picture to himself a hotel keeper whose geniality is so pronounced that his very presence breathes hospi- tality and good cheer. Such a "Landlord" is Albert Dennis, proprietor of the oldest hotel at Tintonfalls, Monmouth county, New Jersey. Mr. Dennis, who from his youth has been a hotel man and a horseman, was born at Eatontown, Monmouth county, New Jersey, June 7, 1857, a son of Hubbard and Elizabeth H. Dennis. His father, who was a harnessmaker by trade, removed from Eatontown to Red Bank, and even- tually removed from Red Bank to Tintonfalls to take charge of the Tintonfalls Road House. That was in 1881, and he managed the house successfully for twenty years, making for it and for himself many friends, some of them from remote parts of our great country. He was a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity, who lived up to the beneficent teachings of the order as fully as it was possible for any man to do, and he was known to his fellow citizens as a man of unusual public spirit. He died in 1892.
Mr. Dennis is descended from an old Scotch family, his branch of which has been represented on the New Jersey coast for three generations. He was educated and trained for the practical business of his life at Red Bank. From his youth he has been fond of horses and he has always loved to handle them and to care for thiem, and it may be said that he has made the horse a lifelong study. Some of the horses which have been trained by him and have passed into the racing circuit are marvels of speed. The following named well known horses, trained by him, are only a few of the many which have been under his care: Beldie has a record of two minutes and fourteen and one-fourth seconds; Paddie has a record of two minutes and twenty- two seconds; Senator is a promising young horse, the property of a New Yorker; Dannie A. has a pacing record of two minutes and nineteen seconds. The records given represent the best training time of the animals mentioned, which as soon as they have been well started by Mr. Dennis are taken away and put on real contest work. Mr. Dennis owns Carrie C., whose time is better than two minutes and twenty
.
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seconds. Mr. Dennis has been proprietor of the "Tintonfalls Road House" for thirteen years, during which time he has managed it so much to the satisfaction of the travel- ing public that he has made it one of the most popular of the public houses in its vicinity.
Mr. Dennis married Miss Carrie Gulliedue, a lady of American and French par- entage, in 1899. He is a popular member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics.
WILLIAM E. PALMER.
William E. Palmer is a wealthy and representative farmer of Monmouth county, his residence and well cultivated farm lands being located in West Long Branch. His success along agricultural lines is not due to his having been reared in an atmosphere of such pursuits,-for he was born in the city of New York, November 19, 1850,-but to an inherent love for a vocation toward which his every inclination leaned. His parents were Gilbert and Sophia (Gorton) Palmer, both natives of New York City. Gilbert Palmer, father of our subject, was a butcher by trade, for many years successfully conducting a stall in Old Tompkins Market. He was a sturdy, upright and honorable man of business, to which fact his prosperity is due. His father, Stephen Palmer, also an uncle, Henry Palmer, took an active part in the war of 1812.
As already stated, William E. Palmer was born in New York City, where his education was acquired. After completing his studies, he learned the cigar manu- facturing business, which he followed for some time both in New York City and in Brooklyn.
On July II, 1875, Mr. Palmer was joined in marriage to Miss Ellen F., daugh- ter of Henry G. and Ellen (Fulton) Julian, residents of West Long Branch, but both natives of New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer were blessed with ten chil- dren : George F., Elwood T., Henry W., Charles G., Louis G., Walter E., Lillian. F., Albert J., Florence E. and Ellen J. Mrs Palmer died December 10, 1896. George F. is a graduate of the New York Homeopathic School of Medicine.
It was in 1882 that Mr. Palmer took possession of his present farm, on which was located the old Methodist parsonage, and which still remains standing in a good state of preservation, notwithstanding its old age. Near the old house stands an ancient tree, which for years guided the mariners of the coast before the present improved system of beacons was instituted. It was in 1885 that Mr. Palmer erected his present palatial residence, which commands a wide and interesting view of the ocean with its constantly varying scenes, bearing its wonderful burden of sailing craft to and fro, some engaged in commercial pursuits, others on pleasure bent. The same reason assigned for the prosperity which attended the efforts of the father of our subject can be ascribed to the son, for in all respects he has been a man of unimpeachable character, energetic, honorable and justly favored with the good will of his fellow men.
ASA WILLIS.
The raising of fruits for the New York market occupies the attention of a large number of excellent horticulturists in Monmouth county, and one of these is Asa Willis, who is the subject of this biography. The birth of Mr. Willis was in New
Om EenPalmer
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York, and for twenty years he was there engaged in the commission business in Washington market.
Captain Asa Willis, who was the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Mystic, Connecticut, and was a deep-sea mariner of extensive experience, and was also the owner of several vessels which sailed to foreign ports. In 1841 he removed to Keansburg, Monmouth county, and there he bought a small farm and on it made his home until his death, in 1858. His marriage was to Deborah Burrows, and their children were as follows: Abel, Asa, Daniel, William B., Lavina, Nancy, Mary and Weltha.
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