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 36
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erative trade. Later he turned his attention to farming on a portion of the old ancestral Leonard homestead, where he has resided for the past fourteen years. He is principally engaged in truck gardening and dairying, at which he has been very successful.
Mr. Leonard was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Frost, daughter of Daniel Frost, an old and respected citizen of that locality. Three children have been born to them, namely: Daniel F., Welling and Lillian P. Leonard.
WILLIAM E. WOOLLEY.
Raritan Bay has been made known in the markets of the world through its oyster exportation, and particularly from its largest oyster shipping point, Keyport. And in this line of business no firm in the bay region is so well known as is that of Elsworth & Company, one of the oldest and largest in extent of operation. William E. Woolley, a member of the firm named, is a son of Charles and Mary Woolley. The father was a commission merchant, carrying on a large business in New York City and making his home in Keyport, where he died at the age of forty-five years; his widow is yet living, aged seventy-one years. Their children were Angeline, William E., Lavinia, Alice and Frank.
William E. Woolley, only son in the family named, was born in Marlborough, Monmouth county, July 30, 1852. He was educated in a private school in his native town, and as a youth followed various industrial pursuits. He subsequently engaged in oyster planting, and is recognized as one of the most capable and successful pioneer planters in Raritan Bay. He aided in the establishment of the celebrated firm of Elsworth & Company, planters and wholesale dealers and exporters of oysters, whose product reaches not only all portions of the United States but also Canada and Europe. The central offices of the firm are in New York City, with a shipping office in Keyport. Mr. Woolley is actively identified with the operations of this great con- cern and has personal charge of the extensive oyster fields, a task for which he is eminently well fitted by reason of his long experience. He is loyally devoted to the famous old town which is his home, and is interested in all that conduces to its pros- perity and development. He has served for five years past as chief of the Keyport fire department. He is a member of the orders of Free Masons, Red Men and the Royal Arcanum, and of New York Harbor Pilot Association No. I.
DR. A. J. JACKSON.
Dr. A. J. Jackson, of Matawan, New Jersey, and a worthy descendant of an old English family, was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, December 24, 1842. His paternal grandfather, Robert Jackson, was born in Yorkshire, England, from whence he emigrated to this country, and settled in Wisconsin, where he remained until his death. Dr. Robert Jackson, doctor of veterinary surgery, and father of Dr. A. J. Jackson, was also born in Yorkshire, England, in 1806. He acquired his education at Hanover, that country, subsequently taking up the study of veterinary surgery, which he practiced all his life. While in his young manhood Dr. Jackson came to America and took up his residence in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he established the most extensive trade in that line of business at that time in New York. He married Miss
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Nancy Hodge, and the following named children were born to them: Robert, now deceased, who held for many years a responsible position in the business department of the "New York World;" William, a veterinary surgeon; James; A. J .; Walter, a veterinary surgeon; and Mary E. Jackson.
Dr. A, J. Jackson received his preliminary education in the public schools of Poughkeepsie, this being supplemented later by a course in MacGeorge's Academy, Eastman's Business College and Bellevue Medical College. He was graduated in 1872 at the Buffalo Medical University and began the practice of his profession in Buffalo, New York, but shortly afterward was persuaded by some friends to remove to Matawan, New Jersey, where he has since been considered the most skillful physi- cian in the town. His extensive practice is not confined to local patronage alone, but covers a wide range of territory in Monmouth county. His characteristics are thoroughly in harmony with his professional life, to which can be attributed much of his popularity, and he also has marked ability from a professional standpoint. The Doctor is a member of the Monmouth County Medical Society, and also of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arcanum and the Red Men. He also acts in the capacity of examiner for the New York Life, Mutual and other insurance companies.
Dr. Jackson was united in marriage to Mrs. Eleanor Vanderbilt Crane, of Mata- wan, New Jersey, in 1876.
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HARRY T. HAGAMAN.
Harry T. Hagaman is the founder, editor and proprietor of the Lakewood Citizen, whichi was established November 9, 1900, and is a worthy representative of the jour- nalistic interests of the Jersey coast. He was born near Toms River, New Jersey, June 2, 1869, and is the son of John and Alice (Applegate) Hagaman. His father was born in 1845, was reared upon a farm, where were instilled into his mind lessons of industry and honesty, which have proved of great practical benefit to him in the years of his manhood, resulting in a successful business carecr and an honorable citi- zenship. He first took a prominent part in political affairs in 1880, as an advocate of Republican principles. For six years he served as constable at Toms River, and in November, 1890, was elected sheriff of Ocean county, defeating one of the strongest, Democrats in the county, the Hon. A. W. Irons, now deceased. He proved a most capable officer, discharging his duties in a fearless manner and with marked prompt- ness, so that his public career is entirely blamcless. Socially he is connected with the Raum Lodge, No. 132, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Toms River, of which he was thrice notle grand. He is past patriarch of the encampment and is the senior warden of Harmony Lodge, No. 18, Free and Accepted Masons, of Toms River, while with the Knights of Pythias, of Silverton, New Jersey, he holds membership. In his religious faith he is a Methodist and is serving as treasurer of the church in which he and his wife are members. Mrs. Hagaman is also active in the work of the church and its auxiliary societies, and is a most earnest Christian woman. She was born in Ocean county and is descended from one of the old families of Mon- mouth county, New Jersey. By her marriage she became the mother of three children : Grace Lee Hagaman, deceased; Ada L., a graduate of the State Normal Schocl, who for seven years was a successful teacher in Bergen county, New Jersey, and who in 1901 taught at Rutherford, this state; she was married April 1, 1902, tc Rev. Frederick Richardson, of Clinton, New Jersey.
Harry T. Hagaman, the only son of the family, was reared in his parents' home and pursued a high school course of study in Toms River. He also received private
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Harry I Hagaman
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instruction in bookkeeping and other higher branches of' learning, and thus entered upon his business career well equipped for its practical and responsible duties. He laid the foundation for his journalistic career as an employe in the office of the Ocean County Democrat, where after two years' service he was promoted to the position of foreman, acting in that capacity through the succeeding decade. In 1895 lie removed to West Hoboken, New Jersey, where he purchased a newspaper plant and for about a year edited the North Hudson Leader, at the end of which time he sold cut to Berggren Brothers. Removing then to Long Island, he accepted the position of business manager of the Islip Herald, and after serving one year in that ca- pacity, went to Asbury Park as pressman in the office of the Daily Press. Poor health at length forced him to resign that place and he returned to his former po- sition as business manager of the Islip Herald. When a year more had gone by he returned to the office of the Ocean County Democrat, where he had first been en- ployed, and remained there two years, at the expiration of which period he came to Lakewood, and on the 9th of November, 1900, he established the Lakewood Citizen. The office is furnished with power which operates the presses, and is well equipped with modern machinery and an excellent printing outfit. The Citizen is published as an independent Republican paper, devoted to the interests of the locality and the dissemination of general news, and already it has become an important and valuable factor in the town, being the champion of all progressive measures and movements.
On the 26th of June, 1895, Mr. Hagaman married Miss Maude Walton, the ac- complished daughter of George L. and Mary E. (Bailey) Walton. They have an in- teresting little son, Casper Lyle, who was born January 1, 1898. Mrs. Hagaman was born at Toms River, November 20, 1870. Mr. Hagaman is a valued member of several fraternal and benevolent organizations, including Harmony Lodge, No. 18, Free and Accepted Masons, of Toms River, of which he is a past master. He is also a past grand of Raum Lodge, No. 132, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Toms River, past sachem of the Mannahassett Tribe No. 95, Improved Order of Red Men ; and the Magnolia Council of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, the last two named being also local organizations of Toms River. He is likewise past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias lodge in Lakewood. He stands as a representa -- tive type of the progressive American citizen, who in the midst of active business cares finds time to devote to the best interests of his town, state and nation, and who by a busy, useful and upright life retains the respect of his fellow-men.
JOHN G. GARRETSON.
.A half century ago John G. Garretson, then a young man, first came to Perth Amboy. Since that time he has been an important factor in the development of the city, and no man has ever lived within its borders who has been or is more highly csteemed or sincerely respected. Few if any residents here have a wider acquaintance, and certainly none have a more extended circle of friends, for added to the qualities that have made him a reliable business man and a loyal citizen are certain social elements which have rendered him a genial and companionable man, gaining for him the good will and regard of all.
A native of New Brunswick, New Jersey, Mr. Garretson was born on the 15th of August, 1829. a son of Garritt I. and Cornelia De Hart (Suydam) Garretson. The Garretson family was one of the first to establish a home in that locality, and through many years its representatives were prominent in the development of that portion of
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the state, John . Garretson being one of the most influential and leading men of his neighborhood. He was the grandfather of our subject. Prior to the building of railroads the family engaged in carting between Perth Amboy, New Brunswick and Trenton. Garritt I. Garretson followed the same pursuit, his route being between Perth Amboy and Trenton. He married Miss Cornelia D. Suydam, a daughter of Rike Suydam, who served throughout the Revolutionary war as one of the brave and loyal soldiers of the Continental army. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Garretson was blessed with four children: John G., of this review; Peter, who died in child- hood; Ferdinand, who is a graduate of Yale College and is a minister of the Con- gregational church, now located in Seattle, Washington; and Samuel, who is engaged in the real estate business and is also a justice of the peace in Perth Amboy. Sam- uel served throughout the war of the Rebellion, and John and Ferdinand, who were drafted for the service, sent substitutes to the front.
John G. Garretson spent the first twenty years of his life in New Brunswick, during which time he mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools. He afterward learned the ship-carpenter's trade, at which he worked on Staten Island for three years, from 1849 until 1852, and then came to Perth Amboy, where for six years he engaged in building and overhauling vessels on his own account. Later he engaged in the butchering business for ten years, and then entered the service of the Camden & Amboy Railway Company, now the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, with which he remained for more than three decades, or until he had attained the age of three score years and ten, when he was put upon the pension list. He is one of the oldest employes of the company. He had charge of the barge and schooner department of the road, and that he gave excellent satisfaction is indi- cated in an unmistakable manner by the fact of his long retention in the service. During his early connection with the road he made himself familiar with every detail of the work which lay in his department, and was therefore capable of superintending the interests of the company to the best advantage.
Mr. Garretson throughout his residence in Perth Amboy has taken a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the city and to its promotion along lines of substantial improvement and material progress. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and in 1856 was elected a member of the city council and in 1857 as one of the aldermen. On four different occasions he was also a member of the board of chosen freeholders, his term of service covering about ten years, during which time he served as a director of the board and as chairman of the finance committee, also on many other committees. During the Rebellion he assisted in issuing bonds for the payment of substitutes for the drafts, and although this was considered unconstitutional, the bill was passed through the legislature and the bonds were legal. For more than twenty-one years Mr. Garretson was overseer of the poor, and also served on the board of education. In 1872, while holding both those offices, he was elected mayor of the city. He then resigned the other positions in order to devote his entire time to the duties of chief executive of the city, and capably administered the public affairs of Perth Amboy from 1872 until 1874. He was again elected mayor in 1882, and was city treasurer for seven years. He has held many minor offices and positions of public trust, and over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.
Mr. Garretson was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Vervalen, who was born in New York City but was reared in Rockland county, New York. The children of this marriage are: Captain Joseph Garretson, who is commanding a vessel owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; Mary J., the wife of Robert McCan; Edith, at home; Captain Elvert S. Garretson, who is also commander of one of the vessels
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; John, who died at the age of twenty- six years; and Cornelia, who died at the age of nine years. After a happy married life of thirty-three years the wife and mother was called to her final rest, and two years later our subject married Anna W. Hubbard, of Utica, New York.
Mr. Garretson is identified with the Masonic order, being a member of Raritan Lodge, No. 61, and for fifty-one years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in his life has exemplified the beneficent spirit of the fraterni- ties. He likewise holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and for thirty-five years has been a member of its board of trustees, acting as its president during a portion of the time. He is the author of the Municipal History of Perth Amboy, which appears in the General History of this volume, and no man is better prepared to write on such a subject than Mr. Garretson, who has been so closely identified with official life here through many years. While in the service of the railroad company he traveled over a million miles, visiting every city of importance in the country and covering fourteen states. He thus added greatly to his knowl- edge, for travel proves one of the most effective schools. He is broad in his views and liberal in his judgments, strong in his convictions and earnest in his opinions. Self- willed but not obstinate, a strong, stalwart character whose life record will bear the closest scrutiny without suffering criticism. Such men leave a lasting impression for good, and the story of their lives cannot fail to exert a beneficial influence on the youths of the succeeding generations.
ELISHA SHEPARD CONOVER SCHANCK.
Elisha S. C. Schanck, one of the old time substantial farmers of Atlantic township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, was born on the homestead farm, Pleasant Valley, in the year 1837, and died in 1885. He was the son of Garrett D. Schanck and Sarah Ann Schanck, and canie of Holland stock. The family was established in colonial days and became conspicuous during the Revolution. His great-grandfather, Garrett Schanck, fought in the war of 1776, and was commissioned captain in the Fifth Regiment, city and county of New York, October 9, 1793. ' The original commission is still in possession of Mrs. E. A. Schanck, and recites that the captain was in the regiment of Lieutenant-Colonel James M. Hughes. The commission is signed October 9, 1793, by Governor George Clinton and Lewis A. Scott, secretary. The original seal is still affixed to the commission, and the document is in a good state of preservation.
The Schancks came to Monmouth county, New Jersey, after the war of the Revolution. Garrett D. Schanck, father of Elisha S. C. Schanck, was a native of the township of Marlborough, and a lifelong farmer.
Elisha S. C. Schanck attended the early schools of his day, was reared to farm life, and spent his early days on the homestead farm. He then bought a small farm of Samuel W. Jones, where. he lived and died, after living an active, influential, and sub- stantial life as a citizen and farmer. He became identified with the current life of his native township, and was foremost in helping on the advance made in the material growth of town and county during the years of his useful and well spent. life. He was an active member of the Dutch Reformed church at Holmdel, and exerted a wide influence in religious circles. .
In 1867 Elisha S. C. Schanck was married to Eliza Ann Jones, a farmer's daughter of Atlantic township. They have two children: Williard Schanck, living with his mother at Freehold; and Marianna, now the wife of Jacob L. Pittenger, a farmer of Freehold township.
t
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Mrs. Schanck's parents were Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W. Jones, natives of Monmouth county, who died on their farm in Atlantic township, in 1888 and 1890 respectively. Their children were Jacob S., William L., Daniel, George S., Samuel, and Isaac W., all'of whom are farmers of Monmouth county; Garrett S., a bank cashier in Rahway; and Sarah Jane, now Mrs. Garrett V. Conover. Mrs. Schanck is living at home in Freehold, with her son Williard, having made this her home since her husband's death in 1886.
HON. WILLIAM HENRY BENNETT.
A man who has won for himself a place among the prominent and highly respected citizens of Bennett Mills, Ocean county, New Jersey, is William H. Ben- nett, who through his industry, his upright and honorable principles, and his genial nature, well merits the confidence and esteem in which he is held by his fellow men. He is a representative of one of the early families who settled in that portion of the country, his great-grandparents, Samuel and Mary Bennett, being residents of Toms River. Of the children born to this worthy couple was Aaron, born August 27, 1750, who passed away December 5, 1834. Unto him and his wife, Margaret Bennett, were born several children, one of whom was Moses, the father of our subject. His birth occurred at Toms River, July 1, 1782. For thirty years Moses 'Bennett followed the sea as an occupation and became one of the safest and most experienced pilots that sailed a vessel from Barnegat Bay. During this time he had accumulated considerable property in Toms River, but in 1825 removed from this place to Bennett Mills, having left the sea and embarked in the milling business. He purchased the mill property stil! known as Bennnet Mills from the firm of Stilwell & Cook, thor- oughly renovating and repairing it and putting it into operation, and thus continued the business until 1840. At one time he was candidate for a member of the assembly, but was defeated only by a small majority. In all circles of society Mr. Bennett was active and influential. In educational work he was especially interested, being earnest and zealous in all matters that would provide educational advantages for the children. At his own expense he built and equipped a school, as well as hiring a teacher, and in all movements pertaining to the advancement and welfare of his community he lent his material support. The cause of Christianity was advanced by his earnest endeavors, as well as by his financial support, he being a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as ciass leader, and his opinions in all matters pertaining to church government carried great weight with the congregation. His home was always a place of entertainment for the minis- ters of the church, and indeed the latch string to his door always hung on the out- side to those who came to him for aid. His acts of philanthropy were widely known and his influence for good was felt throughout the community in which he resided. He left to his children a legacy of far greater worth than mere worldly possessions; that of honesty, integrity and noble purpose. Moses Bennett was twice married. He first led to the marriage altar Miss Patience Imlay, who was born January 24, 1788. This union was blessed with eight children: Caroline, born in 1807; David I., born in 1808; George W., whose birth occurred in 1810; Margaret, who was born in 1812; Abigail, born in 1815; May A., born in 1817; Moses C., whose birth occurred in 1820; and Aaron E., born in 1822. After the death of his wife he was joined in inarriage to her sister, Lucretia Imlay, who was born August 23, 1795. To this latter union were born seven children, namely: Patience, born in 1823; Charles P., born in 1825; Amelia, whose birth occurred in IS27; Hannah A., who was born in
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1830; William H., born March 19, 1832; Sarah E., born in 1834; and Caroline A., born September 22, 1840. The father lived to be sixty-three years of age, his death occurring on the 4th of April, 1846. Mrs. Bennett survived her husband many years, she passing away in December, 1861.
William H. Bennett, whose name introduces this record, is the fifth in order of birth under the latter union. His early education was received (in the common schools of his native township, where he laid a firm foundation for his future life. Upon finishing his education he taught school in his native state and in Ohio, whither he removed, and where he also engaged in mercantile pursuits. In 1856, however, he returned to New Jersey, where he has since resided and where he has risen to prominence through his ability in the political as well as the mercantile lines.
Mr. Bennett responded to the call for troops in defense of the Union in 1862, enlisting in Company E, Twenty-eighth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry; he served for the full term of the enlistment, and received an honorable discharge as orderly sergeant. He participated in the battles of Fredericksburg (December 13, 1862) and in the two days' terrible engagement at Chancellorsville, May 3 and 4, 1863.
In connection with his active business career and while also discharging the duties of the public office to which he has been elected, he has followed agricultural pursuits quite extensively, in which he has inet with marked success. In 1860 he was superintendent of schools in Jackson township. In 1880 the citizens of his county, not only members of the Republican party, to which he be- longed, but the opponents of the party, elected him to a seat in the assembly, which office he filled with credit to himself and benefit to his constituency. For two years shortly thereafter he served as the engrossing officer of the assembly. He has also held the office of justice of the peace for ten years and other minor offices in the township, always discharging his duties with promptness and decision, and proving himself to be a man of ability and trustworthiness.
On the 19th of November, 1863, Mr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Kessiah Strickland. a lady of intelligence and refinement, who was to hini a loving and faithful companion during her married life. She passed away on the 27th of May, 1892, greatly mourned by her husband and many friends, who esteemed her for her many excellencies of character. The youngest sister of Mr. Bennett, Carolinc A., was united in marriage to Gilbert L. Bilyew, a native of Upper Freehold. Mon- mouth county, New Jersey, who was born in 1842, and who passed away at Toms River in October, 1879. They had one child, Laura B.
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