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 46
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CHARLES LIVINGSTON STOUT.
The old and honored Stout family was of early date in Monmouth county, in Middletown township, where three brothers of that name settled soon after the year 1600. There was born David Stout, paternal grandfather of Charles L. Stout. David Stout was a prosperous farmer, and a man of prominence, as is attested by the fact that he was a judge of the Hunterdon court prior to the division of the county. Politically he was a Whig. He married Margaret Weart, and their children were Henrietta, Mary, Charles W., James Monroe, Susan and Andrew Gilbert. The father died at the age of eighty-three years, and the mother at the age of seventy years.
Charles W. Stout, the oldest son in the family named, was born in Hopewell township, Mercer county, New Jersey, in 1804. He was a farmer, and was active in public affairs, serving as freeholder, assessor and collector. He was a member of the old militia company of his neighborhood, and with it served as escort to Wash- ington's friend and companion-in-arms, Lafayette, when that distinguished French nobleman and American soldier traveled from New York to Philadelphia during his visit in 1824. In religion he was a Baptist, and in politics a Whig and subse- quently a Republican. He married Sarah Merrill, a daughter of Benjamin Merrill, who was in the quartermaster's department during the Revolution. Their children were Mary A., who married Abraham Manners, a lawyer of New Jersey ; Adrianna, who married Israel Hunt; Furman, who died in young manhood; Benjamin; David ; Charles L .; and Carrie, who married Henry C. Holcome. The father died in 1871, at the age of sixty-seven years, and the mother in 1895, at the age of eighty-eight years.
Charles L. Stout, the third son in the last named family, was born on the paternal farm near Hopewell, Mercer county, New Jersey, July II, 1846. His student days were passed in Pennington Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1865, and at Fort Edward (New York) Institute, which was then a normal school, and which he was obliged to leave on account of impaired health. While he suffered disap- pointment in not being permitted to further perfect his education, he was abundantly competent to engage in teaching, a profession in which he has been engaged most usefully for many years and in which he has obtained considerable distinction. At various times he taught in the schools at Stoutsburg, Hopewell, Mt. Airy, Ewingville,
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Kingston and Jamesburg, and for nine years past he has served as principal of the Englishtown public schools. He is a member of the State Teachers' Association, and has frequently addressed that body on pedagogical topics. He is a member of and an elder in the Presbyterian church, and was formerly superintendent of the Sunday-school in Kingston. He is affiliated with lodges of Odd Fellows, United American Mechanics and Red Men.
Mr. Stout was married in 1873 to Miss Rhoda Holcombe, and five children have been born of this union-Edwin G., Chester A., Bertha M., Fied H. and Gladys M. Stout.
DR. WILLIAM EDGAR ANDERSON.
Dr. William E. Anderson is a descendant of an old and titled Scotch family who were the possessors of large estates in Scotland, some of which are still in the family. He was born at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and when he reached the age of four and one-half years his mother died, and he was adopted by his uncle and aunt and taken to Williamsburg, Virginia, where he was reared on a farm until he was sixteen years old. He was then engaged as a bookkeeper for a short period of time, and subsequently he entered into mercantile business at Williamsburg. He then spent one year in civil engineering, and later worked at this vocation for three years in New York. He then determined to take up the study of medicine, and asso- ciated himself with Dr. J. G. Denelsbuck, later attending the Baltimore Medical Col- lege, from which he was graduated in 1898, having previously passed one year in Bellevue Medical College. He also studied for three years in the old Williams and Mary College of Virginia, one of the most celebrated institutions of the south, where he pursued a special scientific course. At the present time (1902) he is directing his attention to the study of pharmacy.
When Dr. Anderson became proficient enough in his profession to practice it, he located in Englishtown, where he has remained ever since in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative practice. Aside from his professional duties, Dr. Anderson does considerable writing for the clinics and for various medical journals.
Dr. Anderson is a member of the Manhattan Lodge, No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, of New York City, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 62, Jersey City, New Jersey.
ADDISON ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG, M. D.
Prominent among the successful physicians and surgeons of Monmouth county, New Jersey, is Dr. Addison Alexander Armstrong, who is located at Fair Haven, and has a large practice on the whole of Rumson Neck, where he is highly esteemed both as a practitioner and a citizen. He was born at La Porte, Pennsylvania, July 15, 1859, and is the son of Rev. H. and Mary (Bronson) Armstrong, the former of whom is a graduate of La Fayette College, at Easton, Pennsylvania, and of Prince- ton Theological Seminary; he was a scholar of high standing, and a prominent min- ister of the Presbyterian church until his recent retirement, after celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of his ministerial career. The first ten years he preached in Sulli- van county, Pennsylvania, and was for several years county superintendent of the public schools. The next forty years he spent in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, where he preached twenty years in one town and ten years in each of two other towns.
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He was always greatly interested in educational work, and taught about twenty-five years.
Dr. Armstrong received his preparatory education in the excellent public schools, where a firm foundation was laid for higher study, his scholarly father becoming his tutor, who at the time conducted a select school. For five years after this period our subject taught in the public schools of his native county, all of this time cherishing a desire to become a student of medicine and directing his studies toward that end. Later he entered the regular medical department of Michigan University, from which he was graduated in 1883. He practiced for four years in northern Pennsylvania, but was compelled to leave there on account of failing health. He decided to try the seashore, and found a fine opening at Fair Haven, where he located in 1887, regain- ing excellent health, and building up in the fifteen years a reputation for medical skill not exceeded by any other practitioners in that vicinity.
In 1883 Dr. Armstrong was itnited in marriage to Miss Harriet Woodward Cool- baugh, who was born near Towanda, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Armstrong traces her ancestry back to the Yorks of England, and all of the necessary papers are made out for her to become a Daughter of the Revolution. It is a matter of history that her great-great-grandmother left the fort at the time of the Wyoming massacre rather than stay in the fort with a Tory officer who had caused the death of her husband. Almost miraculously she escaped, traveling all of the way to Massachusetts on horse- back. Three children were born to them: Helen, Mildred, Addison Alexander, Jr.
Dr. Armstrong is a member of the Monmouth County Medical Society, and is medical examiner for most of the large life insurance companies. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Junior Order of United American Me- chanics. He is a close student professionally, taking advantage of every new dis- covery for the alleviation of human suffering and the prevention of disease.
JOSEPH LITTLE.
It requires ability of peculiar order to successfully engage in the hotel business. A first essential is the power to correctly judge human nature; to recognize the per- sonal characteristics of every individual, and to mold one's conduct accordingly. Added to this there must be the same elements which are necessary to the prosperous con- duct of any business, energy, industry, and close application. A third requisite is a social, genial disposition and a sincere desire to please. Well qualified in all these par- ticulars, Joseph Little has become well known to the traveling pubic as a most capable, courteous hotel man, and especially is he a favorite with summer tourists, who leaving home through the heated season, seek rest and recreation at some well equipped hostelry.
Mr. Little was born in New York City, October 12, 1860, and was graduated there from the grammar schools. Throughout the greater part of his business career he has been connected with hotel life, having for some time been associated with the Annex at the Highlands, while recently he severed a seven years connection with the Oceanic Inn. He then took a long lease of the Newman Springs Villa, of which he is now the proprietor. This desirable summer hotel is situated on the old Lincroft road, about a mile and a half from the town of Red Bank and only two- fifths of a mile from the electric cars running between Red Bank and Long Branch. This has long been known as one of the oldest and best known hotels in Monmouth county. The original building is still standing, in colonial style of architecture, but
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in recent years has been enlarged and greatly improved, being at present a most delightful place in which to spend a summer holiday in a quiet and beautiful retreat. There are twenty-three acres of ground finely laid out and many miles of good walks. There are delightful views to be had from the spacious verandas and from other parts of the grounds; beautiful shade trees afford cool retreats to those who desire to spend their time without doors; there is a spring of iron water, and the Shrews- bury River affords boating and fishing. The grounds and buildings are lighted by electricity. The soil is light and sandy and thus drains off quickly, while all the surroundings are excellent for healthful and pleasureable recreation. Mr. Little has arranged to produce fine theatrical attractions each season and provides accommo- dations for one thousand guests at each performance. Everything possible is done for the comfort and convenience as well as the pleasure of his guests and under the new management the Newman Springs Villa is receiving a very liberal patronage, its fame as a first-class hotel having become widely known. Mr. Little's latest enterprise is the opening of Parker's Track near Red Bank for trotting and running races and ath- letic contests, the initial meeting having been held September 25, 1901.
JOHN H. MATTHEWS.
One of the intelligent and progressive farmers of Howell township, Monmouth county, is John H. Matthews, who resides on a highly cultivated tract of land of one hundred acres, which he devotes to general farming. He is a descendant of an old and highly respected family who have resided in New Jersey for many genera- tions. His great-grandfather, Charles E. Matthews, was the owner of about two thousand acres of land which extended through Shrewsbury, Ocean and Eatontown townships to the coast. He engaged extensively in wood and timber and was very active in financial circles. Much of his land was devoted to track purposes for the exercise and training of his horses, of which he had many, and which were noted for their speed and were the admiration of all lovers of high-bred horses. His wife was Hannah Hulls, by whom he had six children, as follows: Charles, David C., Cornelius, Joseph, Hannah and Kessiah. Charles, the grandfather of our subject, was born in what is now Howell township, not far from New Prospect. He, too, was a large real estate owner; a man of good impulses, kind and genial, and highly re- spected by all who knew him. He married Miss Mary Nickson, by whom he had seven children: Sarah; Charles, the father of our subject; John I .; Hannah ; Mary; James ; and Maria. Charles Matthews first opened his eyes to the light of day in 1818 on the old homestead in Jackson township. He followed farming as his lifelong occupation and lived a life of honesty and usefulness. He never aspired to hold any office, being content to devote his time to the duties of his farm. He married Anna- docia Hulls Hart, 'and their children numbered nine, of whom two have since passed away: John H .; Mary E .; Charles T., now deceased; Kate; Hannah; Martha, de- ceased; Edith; Joseph; and Matilda.
John H. Matthews, the subject of this review, was born in May, 1839, and re- ceived his early education at the common schools of his native township. On his father's farm he was taught the labors and duties that fall to the lot of the agri- culturist, and- being thoroughly familiar with everything pertaining to this occupa- tion, chose farming as a means of obtaining a livelihood. In 1867 he purchased his present farm, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, so that it yields to him bountiful harvests. In 1862, when every true American put aside all per-
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sonal interests and went to the front in defense of his country, he showed his patriotism, which was a noble inheritance from his ancestors, and enlisted in Com- pany D, Fourteenth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, under Colonel Truax. His term of service was for three years, but he remained with his comrades until the close of the struggle, when he received an honorable discharge. His army record was above reproach and plainly showed the valiant spirit which was descended from his ancestors. His great-grandfather fought for the independence of the Union, while his grandfather served faithfully in the war of 1812.
On the 21st of February, 1866, John H. Matthews was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah E. Matthews, a daughter of Joseph and Kesiah Matthews, and a native of Jackson township. They are the parents of five children, one of whom survives, namely: Bertha L., the youngest of the family. Those who have passed away are: Isaac, Jonathan, Martha and Laura. Mr. Matthews is identified with the J. W. Conover Post, No. 63, and also holds membership with the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a man greatly respected and esteemed by his associates, and his life record is one of honesty, industry and integrity.
L. OSCAR GRENELLE.
L. Oscar Grenelle, whose residence is at Asbury Park, is recognized as one of the most substantial and influential citizens of Monmouth county. New Jersey, and his activities are exerted in various channels of usefulness.
Mr. Grenelle was born July 5, 1857, at Middletown, Orange county, New York. His parents were Lewis Osborn and Amelia (Waring) Grenelle. He received an excellent education, beginning in the public schools of his native town and com- pleting an academical course at Peddie Institute, at Hightstown. New Jersey, from which he was graduated in 1874, at the age of seventeen years. He made a study of pharmacy, and in 1876, before attaining his majority, he engaged in the drug busi- ness in Princeton, New Jersey, and this business he has successfully pursued to the present time, while making his residence at Asbury Park, where he has considerable property interests.
Mr. Grenelle is an active member of the First Baptist church of Asbury Park. He is prominent in Masonic circles, affiliating with Asbury Lodge, No. 142, F. A. M .; Standard Chapter, No. 30, R. A. M .; and Corson Commandery, No. 15. K. T. He is also a noble of Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine. February 21, 1879, he was married to Miss Fannie B. Snook, a lady of education and refinement. Born of this" marriage was a daughter, Lottie A., July 21, 1880. Mr. Grenelle is a gentleman of excellent attainments, pleasing address and fine social qualities, and is highly regarded in) all the various circles in which he moves.
HARRY STEELMAN SCULL.
Harry Steelman Scull, whose intelligent effort has largely contributed to the advancement of public interests in Atlantic City, was born at Leeds Point, Atlantic county, New Jersey, June 4, 1849, a son of the late Lewis W. and Esther (Smith) Scull. He began his education in the public schools of his native village, and when sixteen years of age he entered upon a course in the Quaker City Business College
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of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1867. He entered the employ of the firm of Curwen, Stoddart & Brother, of Philadelphia, in the same year, and remained with them until 1881. He subsequently engaged with Hood. Bonbright & Company, whom he served usefully and creditably for three years. He then embarked in the retail dry goods business at Camden, and was so occupied until 1886. when he located in Atlantic City, and there opened a dry goods store. Some years later he also became actively interested in the real estate and insurance business. From 1890 to 1899 he served as a member of the board of health, and acted as secretary of that body for four years. Taking a great interest in matters pertaining to the health of the community. he has connected himself with the State Sanitary Association, American Public Health Association, and was state delegate to the National Pure Food and Drug Congress, which during its four days' session, among other important business, labored for the passage of a bill by Congress providing for governmental control of foods, drugs, etc.
He was made a member of the county board of elections in 1890, and 'he has been the secretary from the time of the enactment of the ballot reform law. He is secretary of the Ventnor Dredging Company. and has been actively ins rumentai in the work of reclaiming the low lands of Chelsea and Atlantic City. Deeply loyal to his city, he constantly devoted his best efforts to the advancement of every public interest. Mr. Scull is one of the governors of the Atlantic City hospital, and has ever been influential in advancing the interests and promoting the usefulness of that worthy institution, a history of which appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Scull was one of the charter members of the Atlantic City board of trade.
October 18, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Bruner, of Phila- delphia. Of this marriage have been born the following children. namely: Florence E., wife of Isaac Bacharach ; Lewis R .; Maie E .; Harry De Mar; Nan B. : Frank R. ; Emil C .; Charles L .; and Helene M. The family attend the First Presbyterian church of Atlantic City.
WILLIAM CRAIG WEEDEN.
William Craig Weeden, a substantial citizen of Asbury Park, active in the conduct of an important business, and prominent in connection with church and fraternal society affairs, is a native of New Jersey, born on a farm in the township of Manalapan. Monmouth county, April 17, 1853. His parents were William H. and Sarah A. (Soden) Weeden. He attended the public schools near the home of his parents, and until he was eighteen years of age assisted his father upon the farm. He then went to Cranbury, Middlesex county, to learn carriage painting, and was so occupied for three years, during which time he became quite proficient in all the ordinary lines of the trade. Ambitious of perfecting himself in the higher branches of the art. he went to Woodbridge, New Jersey, where he spent a year under the instruction of a very capable carriage painter, who had learned his trade in a leading establishment in England. His progress was rapid and thorough. and he was now entirely capable of taking charge of any description of painting work. He returned to Cranbury, and was made foreman of the shop in which he served his apprenticeship. but relinquished the position some eight months later on account of impaired health. After his recovery he was for a year employed in the Union Carriage Works at Trenton, New Jersey. He left the latter named establishment to enter upon business on his own account in the same city. and prosecuted it successfully for six years, when he sold out to his brother and removed to Asbury Park. There he inaugurated a business
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similar to that in which he had been so long engaged, and this he continues to conduct, having built up an excellent patronage and added greatly to his already fine repu- tation for mechanical ability and commercial integrity.
Mr. Weeden is a member and deacon of the First Baptist church of Asbury Park, and is active and liberal in its support and in aid of its various benevolences. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of Trenton Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., of Trenton, New Jersey; the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the United American Mechanics, the Royal Arcanum, the Improved Order of Heptasophs, and the Grand Fraternity. He was married, March 31, 1875, to Miss Margaret Imlay, daughter of Joseph Imlay. She died April 14, 1887, leaving two sons, Fletcher T., bon Novem- ber 5, 1878, and Doris I., born July 19, 1885. Mr. Weeden was married, October 14, 1889, to Miss Eleanor R. Hamilton. Mr. Weeden's eldest son, Fletcher T. Weeden, a young man of fine business qualifications, is associated in business with his father.
HENRY SINCLAIR WILSON.
Henry Sinclair Wilson, a merchant of Asbury Park, New Jersey, was born at Allentown, Monmouth county, on October 14, 1852. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Allentown, and this was later supplemented by a course at the Lawrenceville high school. Upon finishing his studies he turned his attention to farming, which he carried on up to the year 1880, on a farm to which he holds title located at Allentown. He felt, however, that his efforts were more or less confined on the farm, so determined to enlarge the scope of his endeavor through a' new line of business; he accordingly went to Asbury Park with the purpose of entering the milk business; his venture proved a success, and he is at present located on Emory street, where he caters to a well established trade.
Mr. Wilson is a Republican and takes a keen interest in party issues. He is a man of social inclinations, as is evidenced by his membership in Allentown Lodge, I. O. O. F. As a member of the First Congregational church of Asbury Park he is highly respected.
On January 19, 1873, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Maria H. Sexton, of Jacobstown, New Jersey. Their union has been blessed by two children: Mabel F. and Harvey L.
MARY A. LONGSTREET.
The subject of this sketch lives on a farm in Holmdel, Monmouth county, New Jersey, which was once owned by her maternal ancestor, Hendrick Hendrickson, a Hollander, who emigrated to America in the early part of the eighteenth century, probably about 1728 or 1730, and bought over one thousand acres of land two miles northeast of Holmdel village, five hundred acres of which is comprised within the farm of Mary A. Longstreet. She is a descendant of Hendrick Hendrickson in the fifth generation. That emigrant became a man of influence and was a successful business man. Aaron Longstreet, our subject's grandfather in the paternal line, mar- ried Williampe Hendrickson on the 9th of March, 1778, she being a daughter of Hen- drick Hendrickson. Since 1778 Miss Longstreet's farm has been in the possession of the Longstreet family. Aaron and Williampe (Hendrickson) Longstreet had five children, named Anna, Lydia, Nellie, Hendrick, and John. Hendrick married Mary.
HENDRICK LONGSTREET
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Holmes, October II, 1804. He was born May 14, 1875, his wife on the 16th of January, 1786, and they had ten children: Aaron, Eleanor, Lydia H., Ann H., Emeline, Joseph H., Henry H., Mary A., John I. H., and Jonathan. Of these children Mary A., who was born June 30, 1821, is the only one now living
Hendrick Longstreet was born on the old farm in Holmdel, and died there February 26, 1860, aged seventy-five years. In religious faith he was a zealous Baptist and in politics was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian type, but was not active in po- litical matters. He was an excellent friend and neighbor, and was often an arbiter in the affairs of his vicinity. His wife, a most estimable woman, died January 28, 1872, aged eighty-six years.
Miss Mary A. Longstreet's farm is managed by her grand-nephew, Jonathan I. Holmes, who was born December 16, 1870, in Holmdel, and is a son of Chrineyonce Holmes by his first wife, Lydia A. Smock; he came to live in the family before he was one year old, having since- been regarded as one of its members. He is an en- -terprising and successful farmer and an active man in township affairs. He mar- ried Flora Taylor, a daughter of John Taylor, a prominent farmer, and they have one- "daughter, Mary L. Holmes. In politics he is a Democrat, and he takes an active in- terest in party affairs.
For much interesting ancestral history concerning this family, the reader is referred to other sketches of Holmes and Longstreets which appear in this work.
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