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 31
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In his political views Mr. La Compte is a Prohibitionist. He has held a number of township offices, including school trustee and overseer of the highways. He is a man whose influence is felt for good in the community. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a class leader. He has also been licensed to exhort, and makes good use of his talents for the advancement of the cause which he represents. He has been superintendent of the Sunday-school and has filled many other offices of trust in the church.
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J. FRANK JOHNSON.
One of the representative farmers of Jackson township, Ocean county, New Jersey, is J. Frank Johnson, who has successfully followed the pursuit of agriculture through- out his life. He was born at Point Pleasant, New Jersey, April 18, 1853, and is the youngest son of James and Mary A. (Irons) Johnson, who also devoted their lives to the duties of farm life. The parents were both natives of Ocean county, but later in life they removed to Bay Head, where they both passed away, the father August 4, 1881, and his wife in 1883. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are now living. The maternal ancestors of our subject were old settlers of Ocean county, and were numbered among the heroes of the Revolutionary war. The grandfather, Gilbert Irons, was born February 5, 1787, and his wife, "Tacy" (Johnson) Irons, first saw the light of day on the 4th of November, 1790. Unto this worthy couple were born nine children, as follows: Mary A., born December 30, 1809; Sarah, born February 17, 1811; Elizabeth, whose birth occurred November 24, 1812; Ivins, born September II, 1814; Deborah, born October 6, 1818; James, born. November 15, 1820; Hester A., born April 15, 1823; Daniel, whose. birth occurred April 6, 1825; and Gil -. bert, born February 4, 1827.
In 1871 J. Frank Johnson chose for his wife Miss Hannah E. Brower, whose birth occurred June 22, 1851. She has been an able and faithful helpmate to him in his life's work, and is the mother of seven children, namely: James. F., born June 24,: 1873; Maria, born December 17, 1874; Margaret A., born April 29, 1877; Martha, born February 22, 1879; Caroline, born January 19, 1882; Mary E., born September 6, 1884; and .Teresa E., born October 22, 1888. Mr. Johnson is a thoroughly upright and honorable man, who has devoted his life to his family and his farm duties. He is the owner of a tract of sixty acres of rich land devoted to general farming and "truck." His farm has always yielded to him a bountiful reward for his care and labor, and in its appearance plainly indicates its owner to be a man of industry and ability. Mr. Johnson takes an active interest in the welfare and development of his : community, and is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, giv- ing his aid whenever possible to the advancement of this organization. Mr. Johnson is a Republican politically, and the family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM HENRY CARHART.
History, here and there, records the lives of bright and enterprising men who have risen out of an almost impenctrable obscurity to positions of the highest dis- tinction. These are usually men who have commanded recognition through their : superior intellectual force. How many who have achieved such brilliant successes,- as it were, climbing the ladder of progress and prosperity by sheer force of will, draw- ing themselves round by round up to the topmost point,-are ever credited with fight- ing the battle of life valiantly and well? They go their way quietly, unobtrusively, known only to a few intimates. Such a life can be accredited to the man who figures as the subject of this sketch.
William H. Carliart, born in the obscure town of Holmdel, New Jersey, on July 20, 1854, was reared and made the most of the educational advantages offered at Long Branch, New Jersey. Through conscientious industry and a determination to excel in! whatever he undertook he worked his way from an apprentice in the horse-shoeing and carriage-building business to the proprietorship of one of the best regulated blacksmith
W.H. Carhart-
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shops and most reliable vehicle building establishments in the state of New Jersey. He owns, controls and operates his manufacturing plant, which is best known as the "Little Silver Carriage Factory." Being, himself, a practical mechanic, he supervises the construction work, permitting nothing but the best workmanship to pass from his place. The business which he now controls and which he entered in 1879, at the time he took up his residence in Little Silver, was formerly owned by R. B. Campbell, with whom Mr. Carhart served his apprenticeship, and in whose employ he remained con- tinuously, with the exception of a short period spent at Shrewsbury, until he bought the business from Mr. Campbell. He associated with him in the new enterprise De Witt C. Hyer, operating under the firm name of Carhart & Hyer, which partnership contin- ued until January, 1901, when Mr. Carhart bought out his partner's interest, and now exercises entire control of the prosperous business. Many needed improvements have been added to the plant since his complete ownership.
In the year 1884 three important events, vitally bearing upon Mr. Carhart's life. occurred : First, the awakening of his religious nature, resulting in his affiliation with the Methodist Episcopal church in the same year ; second, the close of his apprentice- ship; and last, but not the least important, his marriage to Lena, daughter of Joseph and Hannah H. Brower. A few years after joining the Methodist Episcopal church, so interested did he become in its work, that he often raised his voice in behalf of the truths in which he so firmly believed. In 1899 he was licensed as a local preacher by the. Methodist Episcopal church at Little Silver, under the pastorate of Rev. J. W. Lee. Twelve of the seventeen years he has been a member of the church he has spent as a class-leader and local exhorter, endeavoring to direct others in the paths which to him have been so fruitful of conscious benefits. Mr. Carhart's parents were John and Mary Carhart -- both highly respected by those with whom their lot was cast .: The children born to Mr. Carhart and his faithful wife are as follows: Percy (de- ceased), Grace B., Lena, Esther and W. H., Jr. Mrs. Lena Carhart is a native of Shrewsbury, New Jersey. Mr. Carhart is an active member of the Jr. O. U. A. M., in which he is held in high esteem.
HARVEY BRONNER. .
Harvey Bronner, one of the prominent business men of South Jersey, was born 'in Syracuse, New York, March 31, 1865, a son of Isadore Bronner. While Harvey Bronner was quite young, his parents removed to Louisville, Kentucky, where lie received his education : subsequently he was employed as a clerk, remaining in that position until 1882, when he associated himself with his father in the millinery business. In the same year he removed to Keyport, New Jersey, and entered into business relations with Mr. A. Salz in a general mercantile line; he continued in this until 1887, when he entered into his present association with Mr. John S. Hen- drickson, in the general hardware, house furnishing and agricultural business. They occupy a commodious structure, consisting of three floors, its dimensions ninety by thirty-five feet, and they arc carrying one of the largest and best equipped stocks in that line in South Jersey.
Mr. Bronner is a past regent of Coronal Council, 1456, Royal Arcanum, past grand chaplain of the Lloyd Additional Benefit Association of the state of New Jersey, also past councillor Monmouth Council No. 89; he was one of the organizers of the state council of New Jersey, and has served as senior warden of Caesarea Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, No. 64. He also acts in the capacity of secretary of the
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Keyport Engine Company, No. 1, and he is a member of the fire police. In his politics he adheres to the principles of the Democratic party.
Mr. Bronner was united in marriage to Miss Eva M. Sickels, daughter of E. M. Sickels, of Fairfield, Iowa. One child has been born unto them, Frances Berenice Bronner.
GEORGE B. COHEN.
George B. Cohen is the head of the well known firm of George B. Cohen & Sons. The latter are Nathan, Jacob and Julius Cohen. They are the leading butchers and poultry dealers of Elberon, New Jersey.
George B. Cohen was born in Germany, on October 29, 1850, and in 1865 emi- grated to this country, locating in New York City, where, with the exception of four years spent in Ohio, he has always had his interests. October II, 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Bella Weinstock, and their union has been blessed with the follow- ing children: Nathan, Jacob, Flora, Julius, Milton, Albert, Herbert, Jerome, Blanche and Charles, besides two who died in infancy.
Mr. Cohen conducts a store at 862 Park avenue, in New York City, in which he does a thriving business. In 1895 he opened a place at Elberon, on a very moderate scale, living and doing business in what might well be termed a "shanty," the income from which was very meager during the first couple of years; to-day, from this same source, his yearly net receipts are well up in the thousands, and, added to the income from his New York store, make a yearly revenue far in excess of his family require- ments, so that indications point to his accumulating quite a goodly competence.
Mr. Cohen has recently purchased a plot of ground ninety by two hundred feet, situated on the corner of Pearl and Norwood avenues in Elberon, upon which he has built a fine shop and residence. He possesses right business principles and the wish to treat his customers fairly and squarely, which is the secret of his success in his several business enterprises.
HON. ISAAC A. VAN HISE.
Hon. Isaac A. Van Hise, a prominent and influential resident of Lakewood, New jersey, was born in Ocean county, March 7, 1825, and is the son of the late John and Sarah (Ashton) Van Hise. His early education was received in the common schools of his native county, where was laid the firm foundation for a useful and honorable career. When twenty-five years of age he removed to the settlement known as the Bricksburg Iron Company, now Lakewood. In 1850 he entered the employ of this company and has witnessed and materially contributed to the growth and develop- ment of the place. Through his natural intelligence and ability and the careful habits formed in early life, he steadily advanced his position in the company until he became an important adjunct to the firm. In 1847, previous to his arrival in Bricksburg, the elder Mr. Brick passed away and the business was carried on by James W. Pharo and Robert Campbell; the resident manager being Benjamin Snyder. In 1860, however, it was transferred to Riley A. Brick, a son of the former owner, who subsequently re- moved the plant to South Amboy, New Jersey. Mr. Campbell still retained the executorship of the real estate. For five years previous to the removal of this plant to South Amboy, Joseph H. Van Hise, a twin brother of Isaac A., held the position of business manager of the concern, who through his close application and fidelity to
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business became a man of superior business ability and value. He died October 30, 1900.
In 1865, by a special act of the legislature, the Bricksburg Land and Improvement Company was organized, with Robert Campbell as its president; the heirs conveyed all the real estate, which consisted of twenty-five thousand acres, to this company. Then began the work of settlement and development of the town. Property was purchased by eastern people, who erccted homes, and the growth of the town became rapid and well established. In 1866 the work of laying out streets, grading and other improvements were inaugurated by Mr. Campbell and was carried on successfully until 1879, when the franchise and stock of the Bricksburg Land and Improvement Com- pany were sold out and transferred to Charles H. Kimbell, Samuel D. Davis and others. The officers of the newly organized company were Charles H. Kimbell, president; Samuel D. Davis, treasurer, and Captain A. M. Bradshaw, secretary. At this time the name of the town was changed to Lakewood. In 1887 the water works of the town were put in, whose title was the Lakewood Water Company, and -was incorpor- ated the same year, with Isaac A. Van Hise as president; Samuel D. Davis as secre- tary and treasurer. Soon after, the electric light company was organized and was eventually incorporated with the water company. Other improvements were made to the rapidly growing town, and through the earnest and well directed endeavors of many of its prominent citizens it became a flourishing city, now taking its place among the beautiful and attractive cities of the state. Mr. Van Hise was one of the early active workers in the progress of the city, and it is in no small measure to his well directed and personal effort and excellent counsel that the advancement and prosperity of Lakewood are due. His opinions have always carried weight with the citizens of Lakewood, and as an evidence of the confidence and respect with which he was regarded by his friends, he was chosen as a member of the state legislature (1876-7), where he served in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. He has also been a township committeeman for Brick and Lakewood townships for a number of years, always discharging his duties with intelligence and promptness. His life has been one of activity and usefulness, and he now has re- tired to enjoy the fruits of his labors. Throughout the county and state he is honored and revered for his nobility of character and for the good work he has accomplished in the development of the beautiful city in which he resides. Mr. Van Hise took especial interest in the establishment of the library at Lakewood and has continued to contribute to the advancement of that institution.
REUBEN EMMONS.
Reuben Emmons, a substantial farmer of Howell township, was born in Free- hold township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, December 16, ISIS, son of Job and Phoebe Emmons. He comes from a family for generations residents and farmers of Monmouth county, the land in the family being handed down from father to son. His grandfather inherited the land, and the cultivation of it was his life work. His son, Job Emmons, born June 7, 1796, died August 25, 1855, upon the farm where he was born and lived, in Freehold township. Mrs. Phoebe Emmons, the mother of Reuben Emmons, died in 1878.
Reuben Emmons was educated in the common schools of his native place, con- tinued the occupation to which he was reared, and lived on his farm until about ten years ago. He then built a place at Blue Ball near his farm where he has since re- sided. He has always been interested in the life and progress of his native town
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and community in which he resided. He is a member of the Freehold Baptist church.
In April, 1841, Mr. Emmons was married to Mary, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Johnston) Havens. Her father was born in Squan in 1787, was a life-long farmer of Howell township and died in 1865. Her mother was born in 1795 and died in 1852. Mrs. Emmons was born in 1818, the same year as her husband, and is now an active woman. Mr. and Mrs. Emmons have had six children: Phoebe Ann, born April 1, 1842, and married to Henry Stricklin in 1864; Abraham H., born December 24, 1843, who married Rosa A. Harris in 1869; Job E., born December 16, 1845, married to Sallie Clayton in 1868; Asa E., born March 6, 1848, and married to Mary E. Applegate in 1870; Henry E., born June 22, 1854; and Clark H., born September 3, 1856.
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PATRICK L. RYAN.
In the year 1838 Patrick L. Ryan arrived in America, coming from the Emerald Isle, and since that time, adapting himself to the conditions found in the new world, he has steadily advanced until he now occupies a position prominent among the lead- ing business men of Middlesex county, and is the possessor of a very ample com- petence, which is the reward of his earnest and honorable labors. He first located on. Staten Island, New York, and worked at the clay business, but in 1862 removed to Woodbridge township, Middlesex county, New Jersey, where he has since made his liome. Here he purchased clay lands, which he began to develop, and adding to his possessions he is now the owner of a valuable tract of two hundred and fifteen acres, from which he mines an excellent quality of clay. This he sells to manu- facturers, and in 1902 he erected a fire plant and began the manufacture of clay products, mostly fire brick. He secured the latest improved machinery and all modern accessories that would facilitate the work and already he has secured a good market for his output.
In 1869 Mr. Ryan was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Doyle, and their chil- dren are: Margaret, Mary, Patrick Joseph, John F., Richard T., Julia J., William A., Lawrence C. and Catherine V. In the management and control of his business interests and the working of his clay lands and the operation of his plant Mr. Ryan is ably assisted by his sons. He and his family are communicants of St. James Catholic church at Woodbridge, and in his political views he is a Democrat, but he has never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests, in which he is niceting with creditable and well deserved success as the reward of his indefatigable labor and capable management.
JAMES C. BLAIR.
The enterprising spirit so characteristic of America is manifest in James C. Blair, who has improved his business opportunities and by indefatigable energy has worked his way upward to a position among the successful men of Woodbridge township, Middlesex county, where he is now engaged in farming and dairying and is also dealing in agricultural implements and in hay. His activity along these various lines has brought to him richly merited prosperity and he is justly regarded as one of the leading men of his community.
Mr. Blair was born in Woodbridge township, October 20, 1857, a son of David Blair. He began his education in the public schools near his home and continued his studies in the Morris school in Woodbridge. He first followed farming, but
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afterward became a licensed grain weigher in New York City. Eventually, however, he returned to his native county and has since engaged in farming and dairying, having one of the best dairy farms in this part of the state. He owns about one hundred head of cows of good grades, and his milk product finds a ready sale through- out the locality. His place is well equipped for carrying on the business, and his neatness and method in carrying on the dairy are an element in his success. He is also extensively engaged in dealing in hay and sells agricultural implements, and in all branches of his business has a liberal patronage, which he richly merits.
On the 24th of November, 1879, Mr. Blair was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Gibson, a daughter of Joseph Gibson, and their hospitable home is noted for the air of cheer and comfort which pervades the household. Five children have been born unto them: David Henry, born April 26, 1881; Lulu May, born February 3, 1883; Walter, born January II, 1884; Elizabeth, born March 14, 1887; and Clifford DeWitt, born July 3, 1892.
In his political views Mr. Blair is independent, believing it his duty to support the man best qualified for office regardless of party ties. He belongs to the First Presbyterian church at Woodbridge, New Jersey, and is a man of high character, whose public and private record alike are commendable. His time and energy are devoted to his business, in which he is meeting with gratifying prosperity, and as one of the leading citizens of his locality he is widely and favorably known.
ABRAHAM MCDERMOTT.
An honorable retirement from labor has been vouchsafed to Abraham McDermott in reward for the years of honest toil which he devoted to his farm, where he is now living in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. His birth occurred in Mercer county, New Jersey, January 29, 1833. His grandfather, William McDermott, who was born in Ireland, was a member of the British army and came here at the time of the Revolution, in the English army. His wife belonged to the well known Yetman family. Their son Esek McDermott, was born in Manalapan township, Monmouth county, was a wheelwright by trade, and met his deatlı in a railroad accident in 1875, when in his seventieth year. His wife, Mrs. Rebecca McDermott, died at the home of our subject in November, 1874. They had four sons and a daughter who are yet living : James, a resident of Newark, New Jersey ; Charles, who is living in Trenton ; John, who makes his home in Middlesex county; and Mary Elizabeth, the wife of Lash Anderson, of Kingston, New Jersey.
The other member of this family is Abraham McDermott of this review. Edu- cated in the public schools, he began work in the fields at an early age and from prac- tical experience soon became acquainted with the use of all the farm implements. After assisting his father throughout his minority he began farming on his own account and continuously followed that pursuit until his business career was terminated in the honorable retirement from labor which he is now enjoying. He kept his fields in good condition, followed the most approved methods of modern farming and as the result of his untiring industry won a very desirable competence. Although he still resides upon the farm he leaves the active cultivation of the fields to others.
In 1856 occurred the marriage of Mr. McDermott and Miss Margaret A. Dye, the wedding taking place in Englishtown, New Jersey. Their union was blessed with three children: John, a resident farmer of Manalapan township; Louisa, who is acting as her father's housekeeper; and Letitia, the wife of John McCabe, who is an
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agriculturist of Middlesex county. The wife and mother died at the family home September 23, 1899, and her loss was deeply felt not only by her immediate family but also by many friends who had learned to love her for her many excellent traits of character.
When the country was involved in Civil war Mr. McDermott could not content himself behind the plow, but went forth to the field of battle, enlisting in August, 1862, as a member of Company H, Fourteenth Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers. He was with his company and on duty at all times until after the cessation of hos- tilities. He was never wounded and never missed a roll call-truly a phenomenal record. His obedience to commands, his loyalty and bravery made him an exemplary soldier and after three years' faithful defense of the nation's honor he was discharged at Trenton, New Jersey, June 18, 1865, conscious of having done his best to preserve the Union. He is now a valued member of the Presbyterian church at Englishtown, which shows that in matters connected with man's spiritual nature Mr. McDermott is found on the right side. He is a man of high principles, firm in support of his honest convictions, and well does he deserve mention in this volume.
ELI H. CHANDLER.
Eli H. Chandler, a prominent and popular attorney and counsellor at law of At- lantic City, New Jersey, is a direct descendant of the oldest family of that name in the state of Delaware. The founder of the family in that state was George Chandler, of Great Lodge, Wiltshire, England, where he was born April 1, 1633, the son of Thomas Chandler, who was born about February 15, 1602, the son of Syythine, born about June I, 1578, the son of Nicholas Chandler. George Chandler died at sea while en route to America in 1687; his wife Jane and seven children, however, were safely landed at Marcus Hook in the same year, and settled in New Castle county, Delaware. The fam- ily in religious belief were Quakers. The line of ancestry down to the present genera- tion runs as follows: George (founder), George second, his son; John, son of George- second; Amor, son of John, born February 16, 1739; Amor second, son of Amor, born August 21, 1785; Hayes, son of Amor second, born October 27, 1821; Eli H., son of Hayes, born October 17, 1857.
Hayes Chandler, the father of Eli H., was born, as stated above, on October 17, 1821, at Brandywine Hundred, New Castle county, Delaware, where he received his edu- cation in the common schools. He is a farmer by occupation, a Republican in politics, and a Quaker in his religion. His wife, Rachel Garrett, daughter of Simeon and Julia (Hall) Garrett, was born May 21, 1835, at Springfield, Delaware county, Penn- sylvania.
Eli H. Chandler was born at Brandywine Hundred, New Castle county, Delaware, October 17, 1857. His education was acquired in the country and public schools, and at the private academies at Wilmington, Delaware. He subsequently took a law course in the State University of Iowa, from which he was graduated in the class of 1878. He was admitted to the Delaware bar in December of the same year as an attorney; to the Kansas bar in January, 1879; and to the New Jersey state bar in November, 1897, as an attorney, and in 1900 to thic latter bar as counsellor.
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