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 42
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He is a member of Lawrence Lodge, No. 62, I. O. O. F .; Raritan Lodge, No. 61, F. & A. M .; Scott Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M., of New Brunswick; and Temple Com- mandery, No. 18, K. T., of Metuchen. Mr. Tice and Miss Mary A. Bastead were united in marriage on January 31, 1866, and to their union have been born two chil- dren : Elizabeth P. and Andrew J.
ISAAC KENNEDY LIPPINCOTT HYER.
The late Isaac K. L. Hyer was one of the representatives of an old and respected family of New Jersey, his grandfather, Garret Hyer, being one of three brothers who emigrated from Germany and settled near what is now Lakewood, Ocean county, early in the history of this country. On a claim of one thousand acres he there lived with his wife, Mary Hyer, and reared a family of five children, one of whom was Gilbert or Guishert Hyer, the father of this subject. Gilbert Hyer was born in 1774 on a farm in Ocean (then Monmouth) county, near the late residence of his son. He followed the occupation of farming for a livelihood and was numbered among the prominent agriculturists of the county. His estate covered about eight hundred acres of rich farming land, and here he labored very industriou ly in the tilling of the soil and lumbering. He was the owner of a sawmill and grist mills, which he operated very extensively, and through his business ability and strict adherence to upright principles became a man of wide reputation and influence. He was a lover of good stock, and his horses were renowned throughout the country for their superior quality and for their speed and appearance. The cause of liberty found in him a loyal adherent, and he always gave his aid to any movement which would promote freedom and arouse the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of his fellow men. He was married to Miss Mary Throckmorton, born February 3, 1783, who was a member of an old and respected family of Monmouth county, New Jersey, and of this mar- riage were born: Dorothy, October 9. 1801; Garret G., September 18, 1803; Mary, August 24, 1805; James T., June I, 1803; Tammar, March 15, 1810; Lewis Gordon, June 14, 1812; Gilbert, April 18, 1814: Margaret Ann, October 4, 1816; John David- son, September 25, 1818; Joseph Wainwright, October 18, 1820; and Isaac K. L. Hyer. The father of these children died April 16, 1868, surviving his wife, who died June 10, 1865.
Isaac K. L. Hyer, the youngest child in the family named, and the last of its members, was born October 10, 1823, on a farm in the vicinity of his late residence.
2 72 Se . Hoyen
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
His educational advantages were limited, but being of natural intelligence and ability, he availed himself of the opportunities which were offered and aptly fitted himself for a life of usefulness. He early in life learned the labors and duties of the farm, and followed farming throughout his life with industry, intell geice and genuine enthusiasm. His five hundred acre estate was one of the largest in the region, and it was a model of perfection in its appointments and keeping, and the well tilled fields and rich pasture lands yielded to him large crops each year, while the commodious residence and substantial barns and outbuildings plainly indicated the care and labor that were bestowed upon them in order to retain their neat appearance and splendid condition. The house in which he lived is of an old architectural style, some portions of the building having been erected in 1799. Cherishing a commendable pride in his home, he was scrupulously careful in making its surroundings quiet and beautiful, and he would not part with any portion of his holding except for the best purposes. He donated the ground upon which was erected the Hope Presbyterian church, of which he was an exemplary member, and that upon which was laid out the handsome cemetery in which his remains now rest; and the spacious and beautiful Seton Inn was built upon land which he sold for that purpose. Almost a year prior to his death he disposed of his homestead farm for a large consideration, and this is to be ornamented with a modern mansion. Mr. Hyer was regarded as one of the fathers of the town, and he took a deep interest in promoting all local and county interests, and capably discharged the duties of public positions to which he was called at various times. His political affiliations were with the Democratic party.
May 27, 1846, Mr. Hyer was married to Miss Mary Parker, daughter of Joseph and Mary Parker, of an old and honored Monmouth county family. Of this mar riage were born eight children: Harrison, deceased, born in 1847; Annie M., born in 1848, now deceased; Gilbert Garret, whose birth occurred August 12, 1849; Grandon, born in 1854, who has passed away; Benjamin Franklin, born September 22, 1858; Mary Elizabeth, born August 14, 1860; Trevonian Everett, born November 20, 1865; and Carrie Dilworth, born July 26, 1871.
Mrs. Hyer, who was born October 26, 1827, died on the 14th of March, 1895, greatly mourned by all who knew her. Her husband survived her until April 13, 1902, when he also passed away, while lying in the arms of his devoted daughter, Elizabeth. The immediate cause of his death was heart failure, and his transition was with little suffering. His death, while not unexpected, was a deep sorrow to the community in which he was honored and loved throughout his long life of more than seventy-eight years, and the ministers who conducted the funeral and the local press alike pronounced fervent but sincere eulogies upon one whose presence among them had been a constant benediction-one who was upright in all his dealings, faith- ful in his friendships, and of whom it might well be said :
"Servant of God, well done! They serve Him well who serve His creatures."
NICHOLAS E. WEST.
Some writer has said, "There are three tests of wise work; that is, it must be honest, useful and cheerful." In reviewing the life of the subject of this sketch, the tests as applied to wise work are certainly fulfilled. Honesty, usefulness and cheerfulness have dominated in a marked degree every effort he has put forth in his struggle for a creditable position among men.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Nicholas E. West came into the world near Monmouth Beach, Ocean township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, on May 17, 1840. He is the son of James and Jane (Woolley) West. These two families, the Woolleys and the Wests, represent two of the oldest families inhabiting the New Jersey coast. . For generations old ocean has sung its rymthical measure and boomed its wild intonations in the ears of their forefathers, until it would be difficult for their descendants to exist away from its shores. His education was acquired in what was then called the "pay schools," which he attended near his father's home. Like so many young men of the coast, his first commercial enterprise was in the fishing business; later his attention was concen- trated upon the oyster trade, in which his operations were quite extensive, and it forms an important part of his present business. In 1893 he established the Green Gables restaurant, delightfully located north of Pleasure Bay, where his clam bakes and course dinners have gained world-wide reputation. His place is frequented by many of the leading men from all parts of the United States, and among his patrons he can also claim many who visit the coast from the old world. It is in his capacity as host that Mr. West's cheerfulness of disposition is so conspicuous an element in the success of his establishment.
Politically Mr. West is hampered by no party prejudices; he claims the right to think and act independently on all questions of public interest, and in exercising his prerogative in this respect endeavors to choose that which is most likely to redound to the benefit of the people.
Mr. West married Miss Hannah Letson, by whom he had three children: Mc- Clellan, Marcus and Genta. Mrs. West passed away in February, 1900.
JAMES NORTH, M. D., D. D. S.
Dr. James North, of Atlantic City, New Jersey, is a representative of an old and distinguished family, the founder of which in the United States was John North, of Clooneen, Kings county, Ireland, who came to America in 1730, accompanied by his wife Lydia; they settled in Pemaquid, Maine. His was a broad and many-sided character; he won respect for his knowledge, not only in book lore but for such as he acquired through actual experience. His unswerving patriotism, too, secured for him the hearty good will and fealty of the men of his community. No matter of interest to the town in which he lived was too insignificant for him to be identified, with if it pointed toward improvement. His death occurred in 1740. He was a de- scendant of Robert North, of Walkeringham, County of Nottingham, England, who. was an English subject during the reign of Henry V, and also of Sir Edward North, first Baron North of Kistling (the father of Sir Thomas North), who translated "Plutarch's Lives," from which Shakespeare obtained much material for several of his marvelous dramatic productions.
Captain John North, son of John North, was born in Ireland, and came to this. country with his father in 1730. During the French and Indian wars he was com- mander of Forts Frederic and St. George. By occupation he was a surveyor, and he bore the distinction of being the first judge of the court of common pleas at the organization of Lincoln county in 1760. He was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Lewis, and his second Elizabeth Pitson, daughter of Judge Pitson, of Boston, Massachusetts. Captain North died March 26, 1763.
Hon. Joseph North, of Augusta, Maine, son of Captain John North, was born at St. George's River, Maine. He was the representative from Gardinerstown during
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the provincial congress in 1774-75, and was commissioned colonel by the council on February 14, 1776. Like his father, he received the appointment of judge of the court of common pleas for Lincoln county in 1788 and for Kennebec county in 1789. 'His. brother, General William North, of Revolutionary , fame, was the friend and aide of Baron Steuben. Joseph North married Hannah Flagg, daughter of Gershon Flagg, of Boston, Massachusetts, the latter named being a descendant of Lieutenant Gershon Flagg, who was killed by the Indians at Wheelwright's Pond, in the town of Lee, New Hampshire, July 6, 16go. Hon. Joseph North died April 17, 1825.
Joseph North, son of Hon. Joseph North, was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Clinton and Augusta, Maine. He it was who constructed the first bridge that spanned the Kennebec river at Augusta. On November 3, 1801, he received from the Humane Society of Massachusetts a gold medal for acts of bravery. His wife was Lydia, daughter of Dr. John McKecknie, a learned Scotch physician, who accompanied Arnold on his expedition to Quebec. Joseph North died in September, 1832.
His son, Dr. Joseph Henry North, an eminent physician of Hammonton, New Jersey, was a graduate of the Maine Medical School, at Brunswick, in the class of 1835. He first took up the practice of medicine in West Waterville (now Oakland), where he remained for a number of years. In 1858 he removed to Hammonton, Atlantic county, New Jersey, and there enjoyed a large and lucrative professional practice. His reputation as a skilled physician was not confined wholly within his own town; so well and favorably was his success known in the treatment of fevers that he was called upon to take charge of the great fever hospitals in and about Wash- ington during the Civil war. Dr. North was a profound student aside from his professional researches, a brilliant conversationalist and a man of genial temperament, and well esteemed. He was also extensively engaged in the sale of real estate, and to his energy and interest Hammonton owes much of its material advancement. " He married Eliza Hall, daughter of Hon. Joseph H. Underwood, of Fayette, Maine."." Four of their sons were physicians, practitioners in Atlantic county. Dr. North died September 19, 1893.
James North, M. D., 'D. D. S., son of the last named, Dr. Joseph Henry North, was born in West Waterville, Kennebec county, Maine, on September 2, 1855. In 1859 he came to Hammonton, New Jersey, in whose schools he received his prelimin- ary training; later he attended the State Normal School at West Chester, Pennsyl- vania, and then took a course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College of Philadelphia. He determined to enter the medical profession, and became a student in the Jefferson Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1880, beginning his professional career in Hammonton, where he was successfully engaged for two years. At this time he determined to practice dentistry, and he entered the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he was graduated in 1883 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. . Upon obtaining his diploma he located in Atlantic City in the spring of the same year, and by his peculiar adaptability and professional skill he has built up the largest and most lucrative practice in southern Jersey.
Dr. North is a member of a number of social, fraternal and professional organiza- tions, in all of which he occupies a high and honorable place. He is a thirty-second- - degree Mason, a Knight Templar, past master of Trinity Lodge, past high priest of Trinity Chapter, and a noble of the Mystic Shrine, past sachem of Pequod Tribe, past grand of American Star Lodge, past noble chief of Ocean Castle and past regent of the Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the At- lantic County Medical Society, the Atlantic City Academy of Medicine, the State Dental Society, the Moore Literary Society, the Fortnightly Club, of which he is vice-president, the Atlantic City Hospital Association, the Morris Guards, Joe Hooker
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Post, Grand Army of the Republic, the Knights of Pythias Association, the order of Odd Fellows, the United Workmen, the Heptasophs, the American Mechanics, etc.
As a public speaker Dr. North is surpassingly graceful and fluent. His words are fraught with poetic sentiment, and eloquence breathes through every sentence. Upon subjects, professional and otherwise, that have commanded his particular atten- tion, Dr. North has written voluminously in contributions to various periodicals. He bears the title of poet laureate of Atlantic county, although his reputation as a master of poetical art is not confined within its boundaries. He is the possessor of one of the choicest and most extensive private libraries in the county, containing many rare and valuable works, and representng the careful accumulation of years. Although unobtrusive, Doctor North has naturally become identified not only with the literary, but with the material success of both Atlantic City and county. While adhering to Republican principles and policies, he is in no sense a politician or an aspirant to political honors.
His marriage to Miss Cora Ella Faunce, daughter of Andrew J. Faunce, of Hammonton, a descendant of Revolutionary ancestry, occurred in 1883. They have two daughters, Mary Eliza and Cora Marguerite.
EGBERT HOPPER.
Egbert Hopper, a worthy citizen of West Long Branch, is descended from John and Hannah Hopper, his paternal grandparents. John Hopper was a prominent mer- chant at what was then known as "Hoppertown," but now called Wert Long Branch. He owned much land and was an extensive and progressive business man of his neighborhood. He was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his home was looked upon as the stopping place of the ministers who traveled over that circuit. He was the father of four children, and of that number, Abraham Hopper, the father of our subject, was born at West Long Branch, where he was a prominent merchant for twenty years. He married Miss McGregor, and they became the parents of eight children. He was a second time married, to Miss Mary Tucker, four chil- dren having been born of the last union, of whom Egbert is the fourth in order of birth.
Egbert Hopper was born at West Long Branch, January 15, 1844. his educational advantages being those afforded by the common schools of his locality, and he was early prepared for the life of an agriculturist. On the breaking out of the Civil war he demonstrated his patriotism by becoming a member of Company C. Twelfth United States Infantry, entering the service in 1862. He participated in many of the hotly contested battles of the war, among which may, be mentioned Cedar Mountain, An- tietam, South Mountain, Culpeper Court House and Fredericksburg. He was hon- orably discharged in May, 1863, on account of disability, and he is still suffering from the privations and hardships which he endured during his army career.
In 1861 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hopper and Miss Mary A. McManus, and this union has been brightened and blessed by six children, namely: Abraham M., who was born in 1865; Mary, born in 1867; William T., born in 1869; Letitia, born in 1871; Cornelia, born in 1874; and George K., born in 1882. Mrs. Hopper is a Canadian by birth and was born in Quebec. Both she and her husband are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hopper holds membership with James B. Morris Post, No. 46, G. A. R. He is recognized as a progressive, public- spirited citizen, true to every duty devolving upon him, his record in private life vying with his history as a soldier of the Civil war, when he fought for the preserva- tion of the Union and the triumph of the stars and stripes.
Geburt Hopper
Ernest Hiltbrunner
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
HARRY GODLEY RUNKLE.
Harry G. Runkle, of Plainfield, New Jersey, is numbered among the most capable and progressive business men of that city, which is largely indebted to him for his valuable services in forwarding some of the most important enterprises which have contributed to its development in a commercial way and to its desirability as a place of residence.
He was born in 1858, in Asbury, Warren county, New Jersey, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Richey) Runkle, oi German descent, who were natives of the village named. The father was an accomplished man of affairs, active in many important con- cerns. He was president of the Warren Foundry, Phillipsburg; president of the People's Gas Light Company, of Paterson, New Jersey ; and a director in the Hacken- sack Water Company. He resided in Asbury, where he died in 1890. His widow died in 1901.
Harry G. Runkle was reared in his native village, where he began his education, completing it in the Charlier Institute, of New York City, from which he was grad- uated with credit. He at once entered upon active work in the office of the Jersey City Gas Company, where he remained for two years. During this period he de- veloped such ability in connection with this line of business that he was called to Paterson, New Jersey, to become treasurer of the People's Gas Light Company, of which the Hon. Garret A. Hobart, late vice-president of the United States, was president. Mr. Runkle subsequently removed to Paterson, New Jersey, where he resided for three years, removing thence, in 1883, to Plainfield, where has since been his residence. He became treasurer of the Plainfield Gas and Light Company, and, somewhat later, with E. R. Pope, he organized the Plainfield Gas and Electric Com- pany, which purchased the electric light plant and leased the gas works. Mr. Runkle became president of the new corporation, and yet occupies that position. He is also largely concerned in other corporations, and is a director in the water company, in the City National Bank, and in the Dime Savings Bank.
During his long and active connection with these enterprises, and in his personal affairs, he has enjoyed the confidence of his business associates and of the com- munity as a careful and sagacious financier and as a man of unimpeachable integrity. He is a member of the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian church, and his political affil- iations are with the Republican party. He was one of the organizers of the Union County Country Club, of which he was the first president, and afterward the treas- 11rer.
Mr. Runkle was married, in 1880, to Miss Jeannie F. Randolph, of Easton, Pennsylvania, a niece of the late Governor Randolph. Two children, Daniel and Mary, have been born of the marriage.
ERNEST HILTBRUNNER.
Natives of Switzerland, wherever they have located in the United States, have shown themselves to be not only lovers of liberty but respecters of law, and they have taken rank among our best citizens. Among the numerous men of Swiss ancestry who located on the New Jersey coast none more fittingly represents the national character to which allusion has been made than Ernest Hiltbrunner, a young and very wide-awake farmer, who owns a well-tilled and very productive farm of sixty acres in Atlantic township, Monmouth county, near Scobeyville.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Mr. Hiltbrunner was born in Switzerland, September 17, 1871, a son of Frederick and Mary A. Hiltbrunner, both natives of Switzerland. He emigrated to America with -his parents in 1884, when he was thirteen years old. His mother died in 1898, - his father in 1900. The family located in Monmouth county, where Mr. Hiltbrunner early devoted himself to obtaining a practical knowledge of farming. He has put many improvements on his farm and is known throughout his part of the county as a prosperous and successful husbandman. He is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and is personally popular in a wide circle of acquaintance.
In October, 1899, Mr. Hiltbrunner married Miss Anna Beckman, daughter of J. F. Beckman, of California, and they have a daughter named Lena. While too much devoted to his farming. interests to give attention to politics in a practical way, Mr. Hiltbrunner takes an active interest in public affairs and is ready at all times to further to the extent of his ability any movement having for its object the improve- ment of the condition of any considerable class of his fellow citizens.
JOSEPH C. MATTHEWS. .
Joseph C. Matthews, a progressive and enterprising farmer of Jackson township, Ocean county, was born November 18, 1831, in Freehold township, Monmouth county, New Jersey. He is a representative of an old family of Monmouth county, the mem- bers of which have filled some of the most prominent walks of life. His grandfather, Joseph Matthews, was the owner of a large amount of real estate, and was engaged during his life in agricultural pursuits, becoming a man of great influence in the locality in which he resided. He married Miss Applegate, by whom he had eight children. Charles J. Matthews, who is the father of our subject, was a member of this family and was born at Freehold, Monmouth county. His life was devoted to agri- cultural pursuits and he was greatly respected throughout his community. By his wife, who in her maidenhood was Catherine M. Clayton, of Freehold township, he became the father of ten children, namely: Joseph C .; Annie, now deceased ; Re- becca, who has passed away; Almira; Charles J .; James H .; Sarah, now deceased ; Cassie ; Martha; and David, deceased.
Joseph C. Matthews was the eldest of the family and was early taught the labors and duties of farm life. His education, which was limited, was received at the dis- trict school of his native township. This has been supplemented by reading, observa- tion and experience, which, together with the thorough knowledge of farming ac- quired in his earlier years, have brought to him marked success. In 1856 he pur- chased the property upon which he now resides, but. which at that time was unim- proved. He cleared the forests, erected a commodious residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, and through his untiring energy and perseverance transformed the wild tract into a flourishing and productive farm.
In 1852 Mr. Matthews was joined in marriage to Miss Catherine M. Conover, a daughter of Peter C. and Rebecca Conover. They became the parents of four children, two of whom are now living: David B. C. and Frank B. The former mar- ried Miss Jane Allen, to whom two daughters were born: Annie and May; the latter wedded Annie A. Allen, who has one child, Frances. Mr. Matthews was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, Mrs. Catherine M. (Conover) Matthews. The memory of his wife remained with him for a long time, but he finally took unto him- self a second wife, and on the 30th of December, 1896, was joined in marriage to Miss Phebe I. Lumley, of Canada. To this happy union has been born one bright boy: Joseph L., born December 4, 1900.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Mr. Matthews is a leading factor in matters pertaining to the advancement and welfare of his township and county, and has been honored with the offices of town- ship committeeman, in which capacity he served for ten years; and constable, serv- ing for a term of three years. He has been very active in the work of the Harmony Methodist Episcopal church, having held during the past forty years a'most all of the different offices in the church .. In all his duties of life, whether at the home farm or in public offices, Mr. Matthews has always adhered to the high principles which were instilled into his childish mind, and which through constant application have become deep-rooted in his nature and predominate his entire life. He and his wife arc held in high esteem by all who know them and have won a reputation of true worth throughout the county in which they reside ..
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