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 25
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G. G. HOAGLAND, M. D.
Dr. G. G. Hoagland, one of the most capable and highly regarded physicians in the state, was born on February 16, 1857, at Griggstown, Somerset county, New Jer- sey, a son of John S. and Rachael (Garretson) Hoagland. He is descended from Holland Dutch ancestors, from one of four brothers who emigrated to America in 1638.
Lucas Hoagland, grandfather on the paternal side, was also born at Griggstown, and attended the public schools of that place; he then became a farmer in Hillsborough township, and spent the remainder of his life there. He was an old-line Whig in his political views, and he believed in the doctrines of the Reformed church Mr. Hoag- land was unted in marriage to Miss Phoebe Staats, and three sons were born to them, namely : Christopher and Peter, both deceased; and John S. Hoagland.
John S. Hoagland, father, also claims Griggstown for his birthplace, where he was reared and received his education. Upon the completion of his school days he worked for several years with his father on the old farm, but possessing excellent business qualifications and sound judgment, he was often requested to settle the estates of deceased farmers in the vicinity. He took an active interest in all municipal affairs, and his sympathies were with the Republican party. He filled most acceptably the office of justice of the peace for several years, and in the assembly of New Jersey he represented Somerset county for three successive terms. He was one of the found- ers of the Reformed church at Griggstown, and one of its most consis'ent members. He married Rachael Garretson, and the following three daughters and two sons have been born of this union: Cynthia, deceased; Phoebe, deceased; John, deceased; Dr. G. G .; and Maggie, deceased. Mr. Hoagland died on June 12, 1870.
Dr. G. G. Hoagland, son of the above named, attended the public schools of Griggstown, subsequently becoming a student at the Voorhees Institute at Middle- bush, New Jersey, from which he was graduated in 1876. He then served as clerk in the drug store of William Rust, at New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the meantime diligently pursuing a course of reading in medicine. He afterward entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, in 1831, and was graduated in 1884. He began the practice of his chosen profession at Franklin Park, New Jersey, and for ten years he ministered to an ever increasing and appreciative class of patrons. November 1, 1894, " he removed to Keyport and engaged in the building up of a new practice there, which he has successfully accomplished through his ability as a physician and his genial and kindly manners.
Dr. Hoagland does not take an active part in political affairs, but his affiliations are with the Republican party. He is a member of Sir Walling Lodge, No. 109, Knights of Pythias, Cesarea Lodge, No. 64, F. & A. M., Coronal Council, No. 1456,
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Royal Arcanum, and is highly regarded by all his fraternal brethren for his many good qualities.
Dr. Hoagland was joined in marriage to Mary Beekman, daughter of Theodore Beekman, of Middlebush, New Jersey, on June 9, 1886. Their five children are as follows: Marjorie, Kathlene, Gardena, Barbara and Frederick Hoagland. Mrs. Hoagland died July 8, 1901.
REV. JOSEPH NELSON BROWN.
Joseph Nelson Brown, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal congregation worship- ing at West Creek, was born in Log Salem, Norfolk county, Ontario, July 23, 1850, of pious, industrious Scotch-American parents. He began his education in Walsing- ham, Ontario. In 1860 and 1861 he studied at Leon, West Virginia; in 1862, at Galli- polis, Ohio; in 1863-1864, again in Walsingham, Ontario; from 1865 to 1868, in Hud- son, Michigan, and the following year in White Pigeon. In 1871 he was a matricu- lant in the Michigan State Normal, at Ypsilanti, where he remained for two and a half years ; in 1874 and 1875 he pursued collegiate work in Adrian College, Adrian, Michi- gan, and from 1876 to 1880 at the Drew Theological Seminary, in Madison, New Jersey, from which institution he then graduated.
After his graduation he served as supply preacher on the Methodist charge, at Adrian, Michigan, and the following year entered the Methodist itinerancy in the Genesee conference, serving as pastor in the following churches in New York state: Lindley, six months as supply ; thence as a member of the conference he was stationcd at Hartsville in 1881; North and East Gainesville, in 1882; West Sparta, in 1883; Machias, in 1884; Centerville and Eagle, in 1885 and 1886; and Short Tract, in 1887. The following year he was transferred to the Newark conference and stationed at East Millstone, New Jersey; in 1889 and 1890, at Coolbaugh, Pennsylvania; in 1891 and 1892, at Mount Freedom, New Jersey; at Broadway, New Jersey, in 1893 and. 1894; and at South Centerville, New York, in 1895 and 1896. In 1897 he was transferred to the New Jersey conference and stationed at Windsor, where he remained for two years; in 1899 and 1900. at Crosswicks; and in 1001 at Hamilton, where the membership numbers about one hundred. It.is the only religious organiza< tion in the village and one of the oldest of its denomination in the county of Mon- mouth, its history extending back to the beginning of the nineteenth century. In its early days its services were held in school houses, after the manner of the times, and in 1836 its first house of worship was erected by Jonathan Yomans, a member of the board of trustees, and was known as Yoman's Chapel. The present house of worship has been standing twelve years and is one of the most sightly rural public edifices along the Jersey coast.
Pastor Brown considers West Creek, to which he was appointed in March, 1902, the most promising field of labor he has yet served. With his well-to-do, well in- clined, genial, appreciative, industrious, talented band of co-workers, inspired by many inviting open doors of opportun ty and urged on by convictions that now is the time to act, most welcome victories are brightening the church's horizon all around.
GEORGE T. COMINGS.
George T. Comings, a veteran soldier of the great Civil war, was born at Peters- burg, Morris county. New Jersey, May 23, 1841. a son of Gilman T. and Rhoda (Worthington) Comings.
Gilman T. Comings, the father, was born in New Hampshire, where he acquired
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his education in the common schools. He turned his attention to the trade of mill- wright; he subsequently purchased a farm and mill, which he successfully managed for sixteen years, when he sold his property and took up his residence on a farm which he bought in Middlesex county, New Jersey. He resided there and cultivated his farm until his death, which occurred in 1876. In early life Mr. Comings yielded his allegiance to the Democratic party, but later became a Republican. He married Rhoda Worthington, and six children were born to them, namely: George, deceased; Elvira, wife of Henry La Forge; George T .; Jeanette and Martin L., both of whom are deccased ; Daniel G. Comings. Mrs. Comings died in 1832.
George T., son of Gilman T. Comings, was born and his early life was spent on his father's farm. He secured his education in the public schools of his native town; he then worked upon the farm until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the renowned Fourteenth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, and partici- pated in the campaigns projected for the capture of Richmond, taking part in many of the desperate battles fought in Virginia, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor and various others. Mr. Comings served throughout the entire war, and at its close he was honorably discharged and returned to peaceful pursuits. He resided for three years on the farm, and then located in Woodbridge, where he re- mained until 1872. He followed farming in Kansas for three and a half years, when he again returned to the old homestead and farm life. In 1885 he settled in Perth Amboy and engaged in a livery business, building up a large and lucrative trade through his popularity and fair, honest dealings. In his politics Mr. Comings was a Republican, and also an energetic member of the G. A. R. post of Perth Amboy.
His marriage to Miss Sarah Cory took place in March, 1867. and eigh: children have been born to them, namely: Virgil C., deceased; Ella C .; Worthington 'G .; Robert M .; Frank C .; G. Raymond; Harry E .; and Walter W. Com ngs.
Mr. Coming's death occurred February 12, 1901, at the time of which he was - engaged in the insurance business and was also a member of the board of chosen freeholders of the county of Middlesex.
ARTHUR WOOD BOSTWICK.
The expression "the dignity of labor" is exemplified in the life record of this gentleman, who attributes his success to earnest work and close application. He is a man of strong force of character, purposeful and energetic, and his keen discrimi- nation and sound judgment are shown in his capable management of one of the most important industries of South Amboy, being agent at that place for the Westmoreland Coal Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Bostwick is a native of the Empire state, born at Sandy Hill, New York, on the Ioth of February, 1849, and a son of Rev. S. B. Bostwick, now deceased, who was pastor of the Episcopal church at that place for thirty-one years. Our subject's brother, E. B. Bostwick, is now principal of one of the public schools of South Amboy, New Jersey, and is a man of much experience as an educator, having previously taught in some of the best private schools in New York and Massachusetts; he was a private tutor for several years, having traveled abroad as such for some time.
Our subject had good educational advantages during his youth and attended school at Sandy Hill, New York, and later the Fort Edwards Collegiate Institute and the Glen Falls Academy. He began his business career as an employe in paper mills
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of New York state, but about thirty years ago came to South Amboy, New Jersey, and entered the employ of R. H. Rathbun, who was then agent at this place for the New York coal shippers, remaining with him some time. Having become thoroughly familiar with the business, he then began dealing in coal on his own account, and at length accepted a position with the Westmoreland Coal Company of Philadelphia, with which he has now been connected for about fifteen years, and is their present agent at South Amboy; he has charge of all their shipments, which are extensive, this being the largest coal shipping point on the Atlantic coast. In one year the Pennsylvania Railroad Company has shipped as high as three million tons of coal from this place alone; the Westmoreland Coal Company is one of the largest com- panies shipping through their wharves, and much of the success of the business is due to the untiring, energetic efforts of Mr. Bostwick, who is a very wide-awake and progressive business man.
In his political views he is a pronounced Republican and has taken quite a promi- nent and influential part in local politics. Fraternally he is connected with St. Stephen's Lodge, No. 63, A. F. & A. M., of which he is past master, and he is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, the American Mechanics, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle, having held the highest office in all but two of these. He is also a member of the Episcopal church, and takes quite an active part in church and Sunday-school work.
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BENJAMIN D. DAVISON.
Among the representative citizens of Jamesburg, New Jersey, is Benjamin D. Davison, who is a prominent lumber, coal and furniture dealer of that city. He was born June 28, 1847, and is the son of Abraham Snydam and Ursula (Voorhees) Da- vison. The Davison family is of Scotch ancestry, and were among the earliest settlers of that section of Middlesex county, then called South Amboy township, but now included in Monroe, Cranbury and part of East Brunswick township.
William Davison, the grandfather of our subject, was born in South Amboy township, where he spent his entire life, engaging in farming. He married Sarah Doughty, by whom he had four children: Nancy, who married Cornelius Mount; Margaret, who married Davison Applegate; Rebbecca, the wife of John Applegate; Abraham. Snydam, the father of our subject. Abraham S. Davison was born in J'ames- burg, New Jersey, and engaged in farming in Middlesex county, where he resided throughout his entire life. Unto him and his wife were born six children: Peter V .; Benjamin D .; Sarah Virginia, the wife of Asa Applegate; Isaac Snydam, who mar- ried first Louisa Marsh and for his second and present wife Elizabeth Scarlet; Will- iam H., who married Lauretta Davison; and Annie M., wife of Robert D. Whitlock. The eldest son, Peter V., born October 26, 1845, received his education in the public schools and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his life, and has held the office of township commissioner. He has never married.
Benjamin D. Davison, the subject of this review, was educated in the common schools, and upon leaving his studies at the age of fourteen years accepted the posi- tion of clerk in a store. In 1878 he engaged in business as a partner with Joseph C. Magee. This partnership was dissolved in 1892, and Mr. Davison has since carried on the business alone.
In April, 1878, Mr. Davison was joined in wedlock to Miss Eudora Worts, a
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daughter of Charles S. and Mary E. (Van Pel.) Worts. This union has been blessed with two children-Mary Elizabeth and Roscoe Glenn. Mr. Davison is a member of Daphne Council, No. 1366, R. A. He is well known throughout the community ยท as a successful business man and consistent Christian, upright in all his dealings, devoted to his family, and at all times he enjoys the confidence of his many friends. The family are members of the Presbyterian church, Mr. Davison 'having filled the offices of trustee and treasurer. He is a most worthy citizen, deeply interested in the welfare of the community, and is honored and respected by all who know him.
THOMAS NASH AVERY.
The history of a country is no longer a record of wars and conquests, but is the account of industrial and commercial development, leading to the upbuilding and progress of various sections, the united forces of which form the prosperity of the nation. Along the Jersey coast are many important industries and among these is numbered that conducted and owned by the Cliffwood Brick Company, of which Thomas N. Avery is the president. Entering upon his business" career in a very humble capacity, he has steadily worked his way upward and with marked ability has extended the enterprise which has contributed not alone to the individual success of the stockholders, but has in large measure increased the material pros- perity of this locality.
Mr. Avery was born at Highland Falls, Orange county, New York, January I, 1837, his parents being King and Hannah (McClellan) Avery. His maternal grand- father, Hugh McClellan, was one of the Revolutionary patriots, who aided in driving the British soldiers from the land and making this a free and independent nation, which now takes its place among the great powers of the world. Hugh Mcclellan, among other things, rendered significant service by stretching the chains across the Hudson river from West Point to Constitution Island, thereby preventing the passage of the vessels of the British up the river; and it is traditionary in the family that he it was who carried General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, who was wounded, to a place of safety at Stony Point. King Avery, the father of our subject, was a loyal soldier in the war of 1812, and his discharge, bearing the date of February 25, 1819, is in the possession of his grandson, James D. Avery.
In the common schools of his home district Thomas N. Avery pursued his edu- cation, and in early life,-following his inclinations, which seemed to tend in that direction-he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for some time. In 1877 he became interested in the manufacture of brick on the Hudson river, which he has continued subsequently in New Jersey with almost phenomenal success. The excellent clay beds found at many places along the Jersey coast offer splendid oppor- tunities for brick manufacture, and the industry has become a very important one. Mr. Avery purchased a plant owned by Watson Stillwagon, which was then turning out three million brick annually .. Under the skillful management of Mr. Avery the output has been increased almost fifteen fold. The increased business is due to two causes, the excellence of the product sent out and the reliability of the company, whose business integrity is never questioned and whose word is as good as any bond that was ever characterized by signature or seal. Of Mr. Avery, the president, it might be said, as it was of Goldsmith's village preacher, that "e'en his failings leaned to virtue's side." His honesty is proverbial, and he has never been known to over- reach any one even in the smallest business transaction.
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' In 1857 Mr. Avery was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Carroll, and their home was blessed with six children: Catherine, who married Charles Carman, sec- retary of the Clifford Brick Company; James D .; George, who is now deceased; Grace, the wife of Frank M. Dain, of Peekskill, New York; Thomas, who also has passed away; and Elizabeth, the wife of Dr. H. S. Cooley, of Perth Amboy. Mr. Avery and his family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has long been a faithful member, and for a number of years he has served as trustee. He has never been prominent in political circles, preferring to devote his entire attention to his business interests, in which he has met with very gratify- ing success. His enterprise and determination have enabled him to overcome all obstacles and difficulties, and his transactions have ever been conducted according to the strictest commercial ethics. His example is certainly well worthy of emula- tion, and all who know him entertain for him the highest regard.
CORNELIUS OSBORN.
Among the prominent business nien of Monmouth county who have attained suc- cess and are counted among the most worthy and honored citizens, may be mentioned Cornelius Osborn. No name stands more properly placed in the history of the county than his, for he is not only one of its progressive business men, but is of such a social, genial nature that he has made many friends.
Mr. Osborn was born on the old home farm at Spring Lake, on the 29th of Jan- tary, 1843, a son of Forman Osborn, mention of whom is made in the sketch of his brother, Abram Osborn. Our subject received the educational advantages afforded by the common schools of his neighborhood, and after laying aside his text-books to engage in the active battle of life, he chose as his occupation the quiet pursuits of the farm. He now owns about fifty acres of the finest land to be found in Monmouth county, which was formerly the property of his father, and in its cultivation his efforts have been attended with a high and gratifying degree of success. He is energetic, honorable, and cordial, and all who know him esteem him for his sterling worth. In political inatters he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, but he has never taken an active interest in public affairs, although he has ever been a loyal and public-spirited citizen.
THEODORE BAILEY QUACKENBOSS.
The business of burying the dead has been developed into a profession, practically speaking, which commands the enterprise and abilities of many first class men. The successful undertaker must be first of all a gentleman, and beyond that he must be a man of tact and resource. Such a man is Theodore Bailey Quackenboss, the leading funeral director of South Amboy, Middlesex county, New Jersey, who conducts a large undertaking business after the most modern and approved methods, with all oppor- tunities known to the profession.
Theodore Bailey Quackenboss is a son of James and Caroline Quackenboss, and was born at Princeton, New Jersey, July 23, 1856. He was educated in the public schools of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and after leaving school, was for three years engaged in the coal trade, then spent four years as superintendent of letter carriers in the New Brunswick postoffice.
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After that Mr. Quackenboss engaged in the undertaking business in association with his brother William at New Brunswick, and March 14, 1901, he purchased the undertaking business of the late Edwin Applegate, of South Amboy. He is a member of the Relief Council, No. 40, Order of United American Mechanics, of New Brunswick; of Joel Parker council, No. 69, Junior Order United American Mechanics of South Amboy; of Washington Commandery, No. I, of New Brunswick; and of Washing- ton Engine Company, No. I, of New Brunswick.'
July 6. 1899, Mr. Quackenboss married Emma, daughter of Lewis D. Wood, and ilas a daughter named Elizabeth Annie, and a son, Theodore Quackenboss, Jr. He is a progressive man. who has a happy faculty of making and retaining friends, and his personal popularity commands for him a very satisfactory patronage at South Amboy, where he has in more than one way demonstrated a very commendable public spirit. In addition to conducting his undertaking business, he is proprietor of the street sprinkling enterprise in his village.
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THOMAS ALSOP, M. D.
One of the prominent members of the medical fraternity now in the successful practice of his profession in New Brunswick. New Jersey. located at 422 George street, is Dr. Thomas Alsop, who was born in the city of Richmond, Virginia, on October 14, 1872.
The early education of Dr. Alsop was acquired in private schools in his native city, and he later graduated at the Virginia Military Institute, in Virginia. At a still later period he entered the University of Virginia, where he studied medicine, and there he also graduated with honor in 1895. Two years were then spent at the City Hospital, New York City, and there he graduated in 1897, having carefully studied both general and special cases, and becoming thoroughly instructed in every branch.
With this thorough preparation Dr. Alsop soon succeeded in gaining the con- fidence of the citizens of New Brunswick, where he located for practice and where he has continued ever since.
Dr. Alsop is a member of the Middlesex County Medical society, the Kappa Alpha fraternity, and a visiting physician and surgeon of the John Wells' Me- morial hospital of New Brunswick.
REV. STEPHEN SZYMANOWSKI.
The important Roman Catholic church of St. Stephen's, in the city of Perth Amboy, whose congregation is composed of natives of Poland, a frugal and industrious class of tradesmen and wage carners, and of their children, owes its organization to the effort of one of their own nationality, the Rev. Father Stephen Korwin Szyma- nowski, who has been their beloved priest and friend from its beginning to the present time.
Father Szymanowski was born March 10, 1854, in the city of Kutais, once the cap- ital of Imerethia, but now the chief city of a Russian province in the Caucasus. His parents were John and Salomea (Mesarkoff) Szymanowski. The father, a native of the city of Warsaw, was an officer in the Polish army, and was one of the patriotic band which engaged in the glorious but disastrous insurrection of 1831. For this he was exiled by the Russian government to the Caucasus. His expatriation was for life, yet his condition was not altogether miserable, his high character, intelligence, and 12
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former position enabling him to enter into friendly relations with many excellent fan- ilies in the city of Kutais.
The son, Stephen, was placed in the parcchial schools of the city to which his father had been banished, and in which he himself had his birth. Of studious dis- position, his advancement was rapid, and when nine years of age he entered the Aleksandrowkaya, a govermental collegiate institution in Kerch Enikale. He subse- quently entered upon a course of study in theology under private instruction, and after- ward attended the School of Theology of Adrianopolis. September 14. 1876, when somewhat more than twenty-two years of age, he was ordained to the priesthood, and was sent. by the Patriarch of Babylon to the charge of the mission among the Nestor- jans. After four years of useful labor in this field, he returned to his native land and was appointed. to a rectorate in the city of Stawropoli, where he remained for about seven years. In 1887 he made a tour of Greece, Italy and France, which occupied about a year, during which time his observant and studious habits enabled him to acquire a fund of knowledge which was soon to serve him to a useful purpose. His attention meantime had been directed to the United States, and realizing the necessities of his countrymen in that far-off land, he determined to seek it and endeavor to minis- ter to their wants. Accordingly, September 26, 1888, he left Paris, sailing by way of Liverpool, England, and arrived in New York on October 6. He at once proceeded to Buffalo, and his credentials so commanded the respect of the Right Reverend Vin- cent Stephen Ryan, that he was appointed to the position of assistant to St. Stanis- laus church in that city. His service in this position was so acceptable that in little more than a year, on February 1, 1890, he was appointed by the Right Reverend William O'Hara, Bishop of Scranton, to the rectorate of St. Mary's church in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, and the following year he was appointed rector of a more important parish at Camden, New Jersey.
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