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 30
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George D. Runyon obtained his education in the public schools of New Brunswick, and in the Newark Business College, after which he learned the shipwright's trade, eventually succeeding his father in that line of business. In 1880 he removed his busi- ness to Perth Amboy and conducted the enterprise successfully until 1892, when he extended the field of his labors by engaging in the lumber business. The following year he sold his shipwright business and has since given his attention exclusively to dealing in lumber and building materials as a member of the Farmington-Runyon Company. Their patronage has steadily increased in volume and importance and their trade is now extensive and profitable. -
On the 29th of April, 1879, Mr. Runyon was married to Melvenia Lewis, daugh- ter of William W. Lewis of New Brunswick, and they now have six children : Lewis
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P., born March 3, 1880; Cornelia, born May 11, 1881, and died November 29, 1886; Harry H., born March 2, 1885; Helen M., born June 22, 1893; Ruth A., born August 3, 1895; and G. Vincent, born October 31, 1897. Through his social and fraternal re- lations Mr. Runyon is connected with Good Will Council, Junior Order American Me- chanics and Middlesex Council, Royal Arcanum. He and his wife, also their sons, Parker and Harry, hold membership in the Simpson Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is treasurer and trustee, and in its work he is deeply and actively interested. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy, but takes no part in political work. In business he is energetic, prompt, and notably reliable, fully meeting every obligation and gaining success through honorable business methods and untiring industry, which qualities also insure him the confidence and regard of his fellowmen.
ALONZO L. GRACE.
Alonzo L. Grace, who is engaged in the real estate and insurance business in South Amboy, New Jersey, and is also serving as justice of the peace, is one of the representative citizens and reliable business men of the county. He is a son of Tobias and Jennie (Kelly) Grace, and was born in the city which is still his home on the 7th of November, 1877. He pursued his education in the public schools and after laying aside his text books entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in the steamboat department, where he was continuously employed until July, 1895, when he became associated with his father in the real estate and insurance business under the firm name of T. & A. L. Grace. This business relationship was maintained until the death of the senior partner, since which time Mr. Grace has been alone. He also. conducts a butchering business and has a good trade in his market, at the same time having a large clientage as a real estate agent. In business circles he is well known as a reliable, energetic and resolute man, and is enjoying success as the years pass by, his prosperity being the reward of his own labors.
Socially Mr. Grace is connected with Sterling Castle, No. 50, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and also belongs to the South Amboy Yacht Club, of which he is rear commodore. He is local treasurer and secretary of the Metropolitan Loan and Savings Association, and is serving in two positions of public trust, having been appointed justice of the peace in March, 1901, while in April of the same year he became borough recorder. He is a public spirited citizen, deeply interested in the welfare and progress of the community and this fact insures the faithful performance of his duties.
It will be interesting in this connection to note something of the family of which our subject is a representative. His father, Tobias Grace, was one of the leading and honored residents of South Amboy, and was born in St. Peter's Place, now Church street, New York, January 4, 1848. His father, Tobias Grace, Sr., was a native of Castlecomer, Ireland, and in 1830 came to this country, where he died in 1852, his wife surviving him until 1862. Their only child, Tobias Grace, completed his edu- cation in Columbia College and afterward traveled extensively in Europe with his un- cle, John Just, of New York. Subsequently he learned the trade of a morocco finisher and then became a salesman in that line of business. In 1872 he located in South Amboy and entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a clerk in a freight office, remaining in this employ until 1878, when he was appointed general agent of the New Brunswick, Amboy & New York Steamboat Company, filling that position with marked ability for ten years. He filled the office of justice of the peace
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from 1888 up to the time of his death. About 1885 he engaged in the real estate and insurance business, which he conducted successfully, handling much valuable property and conducting many important real estate transactions.
His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, frequently called him to public officc. He held several positions of prominence in the community, in all of which he exhibited great care and conscientiousness in the discharge of the duties assigned to him. In 1889 he was appointed police justice and efficiently filled that position until 1895, and during that period he also served as coroner. He was a inember of the board of trustees and clerk of school district No. 39 for several years, and was secretary of the South Amboy Star Building and Loan Association, proving an officer well suited to the requirements of the position. His ability as an accountant, coupled with his care and patience, made him a valued and highly appre- ciated official in both these institutions. He was greatly interested in the fire de- partment of the borough and was connected with Steamer Protection, filling the office of foreman and later that of chief of the department. He was also a member of the Firemen's Relief Association.
For many years Mr. Grace held membership in General Morgan Lodge, No. 96, I. O. O. F .; Lady Grace Lodge, No. 27, of the Rebekah degree; and of Monmouth Encampment, No. 51, I. O. O. F., of Keyport. He likewise belongs to Seneca Tribe, No. 23, I. O. R. M., of South Amboy; Ilanthe Council, No. 6, D. P .; Sterling Castle, No. 50, K. G. E .; Banner Temple, No. 8, Ladies of the Order of the Golden Eagle, of New Brunswick, New Jersey; Columbia Castle, No. 242, K. G. R. of South Amboy; and he heid membership at large in the order of Chosen Friends and Seneca Lodge, No. 231/2, of the Haymakers' Association. In all of these fraternities he was promi- nent, having served in the state bodies, and although these duties necessarily occupied much of his time, it was always a pleasure to him to give it. He kept well informed on current events and was ever ready to give his opinion on questions of importance at home and abroad. He took a great interest in aquatic sports, was a member of the South Amboy Yacht Club and was instrumental in securing the ground on which the club house is built.
On the 4th of October, 1870, Mr. Grace was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Kelly, of Fairview, Bergen county, New Jersey, which place was settled by her an- cestors-members of the Engle family. This happy union was blessed with five chil- dren : Frank; Charles T .; Maggie Belle, the wife of W. A. Applegate; Alonzo L .; and Ruth. Mr. Grace was a communicant of the Christ Episcopal church. He was a worthy citizen, whose interest in all miatters was cvinced by an unselfish spirit, and by intelligent and honest efforts in behalf of everything that he believed would con- tribute to the general good. He dicd on Wednesday, April 28, 1900, and during his prolonged illness was tenderly cared for by his devoted wife and children, who antici- pated his every want in administering to his comfort. In his death they lost a loving husband and devoted father, who throughout his married life found his greatest hap- piness in promoting the interests of his wife and children.
WILLIAM SMITH BROWER, JR.
One of the most successful truck gardeners and fruit growers of Raritan town- ship, Monmouth county, New Jersey, is William S. Brower, Jr., who lives near Keyport on a valuable farm which is under a high state of cultivation, a brief sketch of whose antecedents and active career it is intended to give in this connection.
William S. Brower for
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William S. Brower, Jr., is a son of William S. and Fannie (Walling) Brower, and was born in Raritan township, February 8, 1864. His father was born in the same township March 21, 1840, and died there May 20, 1897, and his mother was born in the same neighborhood May 27, 1842, and lives on her late husband's homestead. William S. Brower, Sr., who was a successful farmer and a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Keansburg, was a prominent citizen of much public spirit. His wife bore him three children, as follows: His daughter, Mary E., lives with his widow; his daughter, Anna L., is the wife of Captain William Brown, owner and manager of several vessels which are employed in coastwise trade; his son, Will- iam S. Brower, Jr., is the immediate subject of this sketch.
William S. Brower, Jr., is a Democrat and is the present incumbent of the office of school district clerk in his township. He is a member of Monmouth Encampment, No. 51, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics and of the Daughters of Liberty of the State of New Jersey. He and his wife are zealous and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Keyport. Hc was married July 5, 1885, to Miss Sarah A. Rogers, of Keyport, who was born November 23, 1866, a daughter of Luther R. and Abigal (Hendrick- son) Rogers. The Browers and Hendricksons are descended from early Dutch- Holland immigrants, who located in New Jersey among the pioneer settlers, as is set forth more fully in biographical and genealogical sketches which give interest to other pages of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Brower have had eight children, the following named six of whom are living: Mary E., born March 19, 1886; Sadie A., born Au- gust 6, 1888; William W., born January 18, 1891; Frank S., born August 1, 1893; George L., born May 25, 1896; and Charles P., born July 19, 1900.
WILLIAM BURDGE.
Among the finely cultivated farms that beautify the banks of the Manasquan river in Brick township, Ocean county, is that owned and operated by William Burdge, who ranks among the leading agriculturists in this portion of the community. He is the eldest of a family of five children who claimed Ocean county as the place of their birth, of whom three are now living. The parents, Hugh and Lydia (Stout) Burdge, were also natives of Ocean county, but the father earned his livelihood on the water. He was part owner of a vessel which he sailed out of Barnegat bay to various points of interest along the coast where his business took him.
William Burdge was born April 10, 1824, and was reared and educated in his native county, Ocean. His entire life has been spent in agricultural pursuits. During hi's boyhood days he became thoroughly acquainted with the work on the farm, learning lessons of thrift, industry and perseverence, which have served him in good stead during his later life. His farm shows the evidences of the teaching received and the habits formed in earlier life, for the buildings thereon are all substantially built, the fields are under a high state of cultivation, and the implements and equip- ments with which he carries on his work are of modern construction and design. His crops are abundant and his stock of a high grade, all of which indicate that a man of ability and experience directs and oversees the operations of the farm. Mr. Burdge has been the owner of this property since 1878, upon which he has erected the com- fortable residence and outbuildings which now stand as monuments to his care and indefatigable labor. For his bravery and daring Mr. Burdge is widely known, for in the year 1846, when the vessel John Minturn was wrecked, he eagerly gave his as-
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ยท sistance in bringing to shore and in caring for those who had escaped death and those who perished in the storm. He was also an eye witness- of the wreck of the schooner Alabama from Philadelphia, to which no aid could be given, as the sea ran so high that no boat could be put from the shore.
William Burdge was joined in marriage in 1848 to Miss Jane Havens, a daughter of Aaron and Jemima Havens. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are now living, namely: Charles, born in 1856; Aaron, born in 1859; and Mary E., born in 1853. The two sons are actively engaged in the manufacture of first-class brick and are very successful. They are both married, Charles Burdge having wedded in 1885 Miss Sarah Estell, by whom three children were born, only one of whom is living, namely: Joseph E. Aaron Burdge was joined in marriage in 1881 to Miss Ada R. Murry. Their children are : Jennie, Carrie, Raymond, Arthur, Vernon, Rose, and Selma. The family of William Burdge is highly respected, of cultivated tastes and refinement, and show plainly the inherent qualities of intelligence, honesty, and in- tegrity, an inheritance of far greater worth than mere worldly possessions, and Ocean county is proud to name this family as one of its residents.
WINFIELD MAURER.
Winfield Maurer, proprietor of a popular hotel in Keyport, Monmouth county, New Jersey, was born in that village. His parents were Joseph and Catherine (Gehres) Maurer, both natives of Germany, who made their home in Keyport, where the father died.
The son, Winfield Maurer, was educated in the local schools. He was brought up to the hotel business and has conducted an establishment of that character during his entire active life. He is a member of the Keyport Volunteer Fire Department, and of various social organizations.
PETER NAPOLEON ROHRBACH.
Prominent among the worthy German-American citizens of Woodbridge, New Jersey, is Peter Napoleon Rohrbach, who is one of the leading business men of this city. He was born in Rinbyer, Province of Bavaria, Germany, on November 14, 1838, and he was a son of Peter and Margaret Rohrbach. While our subject was but a child, his parents emigrated to the United States and located in the city of New York. There Peter was afforded most excellent educational facilities, after which he engaged in various occupations to enable him to take care of himself and be no bur- den to any one."
In 1858 Mr. Rohrbach located in Woodbridge, which at that time was but a small village, and for the succeeding five years was engaged in carrying clay, bricks, etc., by boat to New York, later returning to the metropolis, where he remained until 1871. In June of that year our subject returned to his present home and estab- lished himself in the hotel business, conducting the same very successfully for a period of four years, but later, in 1880, went into the bottling business and has so con- tinued since that time.
'The marriage of Mr. Rohrbach to Wilhelmina Henkleman took place in New York on March 5, 1863. She was a native of Saxony, Germany, and to this union these children were born: Louis, who died in childhood; Minnie, who died in childhood;
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Louisa, deceased; George; William; Edward, deceased; Emma, who is the wife of F. W. Bohlen; and Lilian S.
Our subject is a member of Warren Lodge, No. 84, I. O. O. F., of New York; Chirovsky Lodge, Knights of Honor of New York; Rahway Grove, No. 12, Druids ; and the Union German Benevolent Association of Woodbridge. The family are at- tendants of the Presbyterian Church, to which Mr. Rohrbach is a generous contributor, and where he is held in high esteem.
HARRISON MATHEWS.
A highly respected citizen of Southard, Monmouth county, is Harrison Mathews, a young and enterprising mechanic, who was born in the place in which he now re- sides, on the 4th day of June, 1862. He is a son of Ivins and Ruth A. (Johnson) Mathews, who followed the pursuit of agriculture and were steady, industrious peo- ple. The family consisted of five children, four of whom are now living, namely : Georgeanna, Lavina, Joseph R., and Harrison.
Harrison Mathews received his early education in the common schools of his native town, and in his boyhood was taught the trade of carpet weaving, which business he has followed the greater part of his life. In connection with this trade he deals in box lumber, feed, shingles, and is engaged in bee culture to some extent. He has been very successful in this line, his honey being of superior quality and al- ways finding a ready market at the best stores in Lakewood, New Jersey. Born with the natural qualifications of a mechanic, he has followed this branch of trade also, becoming very experienced in this work. All the machinery necessary to the conduct of his business is set up and operated with his own hands, and in its workmanship is a model of neatness and perfection. He does all his own building and repairing necessary in his establishment, and everything about the place indicates the thrift and ability of the owner.
In 1893 Mr. Mathews was joined in marriage to Miss Annie Wight, a daugh- ter of William and Sarah Wight, and she has been to him a faithful and helpful companion in his life's work. Mr. Mathews has always been interested in the welfare and progress of his community, and lends his aid in the support of any movements which tend toward its advancement. For six years he held the position of constable, and discharged his duties with promptness and ability, thus winning the confidence of his friends. Socially he is identified with the Junor Order of United American Mechanics, of which he is past commander, and also holds membership with the Independent Order of Red Men. He has always led an upright, honorable life, and enjoys the respect and confidence of many friends in Monmouth county.
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J. HERBERT WARDELL.
Every day acts as a test of men's characters. One of the greatest tests of char- acter is opportunity ; even though a man be born in obscure circumstances, if he learns to grasp the small opportunities as they one by one present themselves, he will find them stepping stones to a goal of which perhaps he has scarcely dreamed. Many men are accounted failures in life because of an ambition which has made them look high above their heads in search of the great opportunity that shall at once launch them into
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positions of power, thus failing to see the little things, which if taken as they come would more certainly lead theni to the height of their ambition.
J. Herbert Wardell, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Herbert) Wardell, was born May 16, 1838, at Long Branch, Monmouth county, New Jersey. In him we find one who, while surrounded by no great opportunities for intellectual devel- opment, yet quietly pursued the small duties of every day life, which he performed faithfully and well, and took quick advantage of everthing that offered a wider range for his latent capabilities. During his school days and for some years after complet- ing liis education, he assisted his father in the cultivation of his farm lands. At the age of eighteen years feeling the confines of the farm irksome, he looked about for larger space in which to give rein to the energy and force pent up in his muscular frame; it was the most natural thing in the world that he should be attracted by the water, with whose broad expanse he has been familiar since childhood. He therefore launched out as a wholesale and retail dealer at Long Branch in fish. For twenty years the charm of the life held him, and then another avenue opening up for the en- listment of his enterprising energy, he opened a restaurant at Long Branch, which he successfully conducted for fourteen years. In 1890 his present house, well known as "Wardell's Port-au-Peck Hotel," which is picturesquely situated opposite Pleasure Bay, New Jersey, was established for the entertainment of guests and the engaging in the specialty of New England clam bakes and the catering to private dinner parties, in which his success has been more than ordinary. Sailing and fishing parties are also accommodated with every requisite their pleasure demands. His post office ad- dress is Long Branch, New Jersey.
In politics Mr. Wardell adheres to the principles of the Republican party. On March 3, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie West. Their children are as follows: Ida L. and Edward E. The former married Richard Tyner, a decorator of New York City. Edward E. Wardell married Miss Kate, daugliter of Mr. James White, plumber, of Long Branch. Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. White have three chil- dren: J. Herbert, Josephine G. and Anna E. Wardell.
WALTER D. BROWN.
One of the prosperous farmers of Matawan, New Jersey, is the subject of this sketch, Walter D. Brown. Mr. Brown was born on July 13, 1865, on the McKee farm, adjoining the estate of his grandfather, James E. Brown, which is located in Marlboro township, near the Middlesex county line. He is a son of Joel and Harriet (Van Cleef) Brown, both natives of Marlboro. The Brown family have been resi- dents of Monmouth county for several generations, being well known and highly respected by their neighbors. The Van Cleef family also is among the very earliest settlers of this section, originating from a Holland-Dutch ancestry. The name ap- pears elsewhere in this work accompanied by a more detailed description.
Walter D. Brown received his early education in the common schools of the town in which he was born and reared, and at a very youthful age began his career as a farmer. His long experience has made him a thorough and practical agricul- turist. His fine farm located near Freneau, recently purchased by him, is devoted entirely to the growing of fruit and asparagus. These specialties he is most success- ful in producing in their highest state of perfection, and for them he finds an ever ready market.
Mr. Brown was married on December 28, 1877, to Georgianna Dexter, of Matawan. Mrs. Brown was born on March 28, 1864, and is a daughter of Charles and Sarah
Walter D. Brown
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
(Maxsom) Dexter. Both her maternal and paternal ancestry dates back to the early settlers of this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have two children, namely: Pauline A., born December 4, 1892, and Walter D., Jr., born December 27, 1896.
In politics Mr. Brown is a Democrat, and although interested and well informed as to matters of public interest, he does not take an active part in political affairs. Mr. Brown is affiliated with the Royal Arcanum, in which organization he is an esteemed member. The family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church at Matawan.
GARRETT IRONS LA COMPTE.
Among the prosperous farmers of Howell township, Monmouth county, is Garrett I. La Compte, whose progressive methods of tilling the soil result in the production of excellent crops, whereby his income is materially increased each year. As the family name indicates, our subject is of French lineage. His grandfather, John La Compte, was a native of France, and during the colonial epoch in our country's history, crossed the broad sea to the new world. When the colonists took up arms, aroused by the oppression of the mother country, he joined the colonial forces and fought for American liberty. Locating at Toms River, he was there living when the English burned the town. He was a man of broad intelligence, and taught school in Monmouth county, giving instruction in several languages. Among his children was William La Compte, who was born at Toms River in 1779, and when about fifty years of age took up his abode in Howell township, Monmouth county, where he purchased three hundred acres of land. Much of this he placed under a high state of cultivation, while part of it is still owned by Garrett I. La Compte. The father was industrious and enter- prising and in his farming operations met with success. He lived an honest, upright life, commanded uniform respect and was a very popular and influential citizen. He married Elizabeth Applegate and they became the parents of ten children, but our subject is now the only surviving niember of the family.
Mr. La Compte of this review was born on the farm where he now resides, his natal day being August 21, 1832. In his youth he became familiar through prac- tical experience with the work of fields and meadows, and was thus well prepared to carry on farming when he entered upon an independent business career. He owns one hundred and forty acres of rich-land and the farm is productive and well' kept. It is devoted to the cultivation of general produce and in its neat and thrifty appear- ance indicates the careful supervision of a progressive owner.
Mr. La Compte has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Lizzie Longstreet, and unto them were born five children: Deborah; Matilda; William, Elizabeth, and Luhama, who have all passed away. For his second wife he chose Miss Margaret. Still- well, and their union was blessed with five children: Esther, deceased; Franklin E .; William; Reuben A .; and Margaret, deceased. The eldest son, Franklin, married Miss Georgie Stokey, and they have two children, Clarence, born in 1896, and Ray- mond, born in 1898.
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