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 47
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70
ADDISON HUTCHINSON.
Addison Hutchinson, of Asbury Park, a substantial business man and enter- prising citizen, who has rendered valuable service to the public in important public positions and is prominent in various leading fraternal organizations, is a native of New Jersey, born at Hightstown, January 10, 1859, son of Clark S. and Elizabeth C. (Ford) Hutchinson.
.Mr. Hutchinson received a liberal English education in the public schools of his na- . tive place, and at the age of nineteen years he entered the employ of Borden Brothers, of Asbury Park, to learn the trade of tinner. He remained with this firm for seven years, and when he left he was a finished workman. For four and one-half years following he was in the employ of W. M. Pawley,, and for about five years in the employ of E. C. Van Clief, both manufacturing tinners. March 1, 1896, at Asbury Park, he opened a tinsmith's establishment on his own account, which he has con- ducted successfully from that time, each year showing a larger measure of success than did that preceding. The house is numbered among the most important in the city, and its proprietor enjoys the reputation which belongs to the capable and entirely honorable man of business.
Mr. Hutchinson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Bradley Beach, New Jersey. In politics he is a Democrat, and he wields a potent influence in the party councils. He has performed important service to the public as a member of the borough council of Bradley Beach, having been at first appointed to the position, and, after one year's service, being elected for a full term of three years. He is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and the Legion. of the Red Cross.
November 6, 1881, Mr. Hutchinson was married to Miss Hattie W. Farry, of Farmingdale, New Jersey. Their children are: Harry K., born January 8, 1883; Ernest R., born February 27, 1885; Clare L., born November 28, 1886; John W.,
326
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
born June 6, 1889, and died July 28, 1889; Elizabeth F., born July 2, 1891; Rebecca H., born February 15, 1894; Alma E., born July 19, 1896; Hazel, born August 6, 1899.
Mr. Hutchinson resides at Bradley Beach, and his place of business is at No. 632 Mattison avenue, Asbury Park.
WILLIAM WALLACE WARD.
The requirements of our modern civilization are many and varied, extending into avenues unthought of by the people of but comparatively few years ago. In few regions is the fact so apparent as along those portions of our sea coasts which are sought each summer by pleasure seekers from home and abroad. These are a multi- tude in number, and in larger part they seek relaxation from the most arduous and nerve-taxing employments. To properly. meet their wants, and to afford them enter- tainment healthful for both body and mind, calls for ability of a peculiar order, and he who performs these offices does as worthy a service as is that of the physician in time of mortal illness. Such service is that rendered to the visitors at Asbury Park and elsewhere by William Wallace Ward, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, and manager, at times, of various popular places of amusement.
'He was born May 8, 1828, in the city of New York, son of Nathaniel F. and Elizabeth (Tomkins) Ward. He was educated in the public schools of his native city and of Newark, New Jersey. He became a coach trimmer, having learned the trade under James N. Quimby, of Newark. He was engaged in this business for some years, when he engaged in the show business, conducting places of popular amusement continuously for thirty-eight years at Portland, Maine; Fall River, Massa- chusetts; Newark and Paterson, New Jersey, and in New York City. In 1887 Mr. Ward located in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and engaged in the hotel business. He is now proprietor of the Commercial hotel, at the corner of Cookman avenue and Heck street. This popular house of entertainment possesses ample and superior ac- commodations for both summer and regular guests, being open the year around. It is particularly sought by commercial travelers in all months of the year, and during the summer season it is continually thronged to its utmost capacity. Mr. Ward is a peculiarly popular landlord, being familiar with all points of interest along the New Jersey coast and with the history of the entire region.
Mr. Ward was married, August 22, 1847, to Miss Almira K. Ketchum, daughter of Jonathan Ketchum, of Newark, New Jersey. His children were: William T., born August 22, 1848; Joseph D., April 4, 1849; George W., born November 3, 1850; Ida May, born October 7, 1855, wife of J. W. Osborn; Eva A .; born July 28, 1857, wife of A. T. Gunther, city treasurer of Newark, New Jersey. He is a member of Lodge No. 19, B. P. O. E., of Hartford, Connecticut, and of St. Paul's Lodge, No. 124, F. A. M., of Auburn, New York. In politics he is a Democrat.
CHARLES R. LE COMPTE.
"Deserve success and you shall command it," says the old proverb, and the truth and force of this admonition have been verified throughout all the ages in which man has sought prosperity through the channels of labor. This adage is also splendidly exemplified in the life record of Charles R. Le Compte, of Lakewood, a general con-
ERNEST E. LE COMPTE.
327
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
tractor and a dealer in real estate, coal and wood. He is a man of untiring energy and capable business management, and these elements have certainly made h'm de- serving of success.
As the name indicates, the family is of French lineage and was founded in America in colonial days, John Le Compte, a native of France, having sought a home in the new world prior to the Revolutionary war. When the colonies attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression he took an active part in the struggle for freedom. His son, William Le Compte, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Toms River, New Jersey. He married and became the father of nine children, including John Le Compte, the father of our subject. The latter's birth occurred in Howell township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, September 4, 1812. He lived a quiet and uneventful life, following agricultural pursuits in order to provide for his family, and his sobriety, honesty, and uprightness commanded for him the confidence and respect of all with whom he was associated. His word was as good as his bond. He married Keziah Allen, a daughter of William and Sarah Allen, and they became the parents of ten children : William, James, David, and Joseph, all deceased; Charles R. ; William, the second of the name; Sarah E. ; Hannah Etta ; Phoebe A .; and Richard. The father of this family died December 18, 1891, and his wife, who was born in Howell township, Monmouth county, May 7, 1817, departed this life, October 14, 1893.
Charles R. Le Compte, whose name introduces this record, was born in Howell township, Monmouth county, June 29, 1851, and the schools of his native locality pro- vided him his education privileges. He worked upon his father's farm in the summer months, assisting in the planting and harvesting of crops, and in his early manhood carried on agricultural pursuits on his own account. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age and then entered upon an independent business career by speculating to some extent in real estate. He also dealt in lumber, wood and other such commodities on a small scale, and as the ycars have passed his business has increased. He now owns four hundred acres of valuable land, besides a number of houses and lots in Lakewood, which are very valuable and which are constantly increas- ing in value with the rapid growth of this locality. He likewise deals in coal and wood, in which he now has a large patronage, and does a general contracting busi- ness. In January, 1883, he took up his residence in Lakewood and in 1888 was elected freeholder, which position he held for eleven years, discharging the duties with promptness and fidelity, as is indicated by his long incumbency.
Mr. Le Compte was married to Miss Sarah C. Robbins, who was born August 5, 1851, a daughter of Lloyd and Maria Robbins, of Farmingdale. The wedding was celebrated March 4, 1877, and has been blessed with four children: John L., who is engaged in the hay and feed business at Lakewood; Ernest E .; Anna, and Charles R., a student. Ernest Everett Le Compte, born July 2, 1879, received his initial school- ing in the public schools of Lakewood and then took the full commercial course of the Stewart Business College, Trenton, New Jersey, and was graduated therefrom in 1898. For several years thereafter he was associated with his father in business, and in 1901 embarked in an independent business career, which embraces real estate and insurance, at Lakewood. Mr. Le Compte is a notary public and commissioner of deeds. In 1902 he was elected on the Republican ticket township clerk, and is the youngest incumbent of that office that the township has ever had. He is a mem- ber of Lakewood Lodge, No. 132, Knights of Pythias. He is also a law student under the preceptorship of Hon. Aaron E. Johnston. Socially Mr. Le Compte is connected with the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Inde- pendent Order of Red Men. His business record is a creditable one and indicates
328
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
the force of character of the man. His methods commend him to the confidence of the public, whose patronage he therefore secures, and he is now enjoying a gratifying income, which is the reward of well directed labors.
THOMAS J. WINCKLER.
Thomas J. Winckler, of Asbury Park, one of the most prominent citizens and enterprising business men on the New Jersey coast, was born in New York City, December 31, 1858, son of Augustus J. and Margaret A. Winckler. He acquired an excellent English education in the public schools of Brooklyn, New York City, and Plainfield, New Jersey.
Upon leaving school he became a thoroughly practical confectioner, learning all the features of the trade in the confectionery establishment of L. L. Compton, in Plainfield, New Jersey. In 1885 he located in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where he ยท established a modest business in his line. His success was steady and increasing, and new departments were added from time to time, until it has now become one of the most extensive wholesale and retail establishments along the New Jersey coast. This result has been due entirely to his personal enterprise and business sagacity, and he is regarded as one of the most successful merchants in that region. His personal qualities are such as become the capable man of affairs and the self-respecting progressive citizen.
Mr. Winckler is prominent in Masonic circles, and holds membership in Asbury Lodge, No. 142, and in Corson Commandery, K. T., in which he is past eminent commander. He is a member of the Monmouth Club and of the Asbury Park Wheelmen. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. February 4, 1891, he was married to Miss Martha Bridge, daughter of Ralph Bridge, of Long Branch, New Jersey. Their children are Edgar Ross, born July 23, 1896; Ruth Bridge, born May 10, 1898; and Edith, born April 4, 1899.
WILLIAM A. N. EMMONS.
William A. N. Emmons, a representative business man of Asbury Park, and active in public and social affairs, was born June 1, 1857, at Turkey, Monmouth county, New Jersey, son of Job and Elmira P. Emmons, people held in high regard in their community. He was educated in the public schools in the home neighborhood. At the age of eighteen years he began an apprenticeship to a blacksmith at Blue Ball, near the place of his birth, and after a period of three years he was well qualified for the performance of all descriptions of labor known to the trade. He established a business at Cedar Creek, in Ocean county, where he remained for two years, remov- ing thence to Asbury Park. At the latter named place he opened the establishment which he has since conducted most successfully, and which has broadened out from the repair work of the blacksmith to manufacturing and dealing in buggies, surries, runabouts, trucks, heavy and light, and all kinds of business wagons. Mr. Emmons is not only an accomplished mechanic, but he is a business man of discernment and enterprise, and has extended his market far beyond the former bounds in his line, and his representations are regarded with implicit confidence.
Mr. Emmons is an active member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of
329
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Asbury Park. He is an earnest Republican, and has been called by his neighbors to membership in the board of commissioners of appeals for the township of Neptune, county of Monmouth, in which position he has served for two terms. He is a charter member of Tecumseh Lodge, No. 60, Improved Order of Red Men; Coast City Coun- cil, No. 813, Royal Arcanum; and Asbury Council, No. 23, Junior Order of United American Mechanics. November 29, 1883, he was married to Miss Ada L. Lane, daughter of William D. Lane, of Cedar Creek, Ocean county, New Jersey, and to them was born a daughter, Florence M., born October 3. 1889.
MOSES CHERRY.
Moses Cherry, a farmer and dairyman, and one of the prominent citizens of Mon- mouth county, was born in the county of Tyrone, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish parentage, July 3, 1835, and when a boy came with an older brother to America. He is a son of Moses and Mary (Wood) Cherry. The family were very well-to-do people in their country, but, according to custom, their property descended to the eldest son, and the three younger ones sought their fortunes in America. Moses learned the carriage- maker's trade, which he followed at Keyport for many years, after which he retired to his farm in Raritan township, Monmouth county, where he is now engaged in the raising of garden vegetables and small fruits. He also has a dairy of from twelve to fifteen cows, and in all branches of business is meeting with a gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity. In 1873 occurred the marriage of Mr. Cherry and Miss Hannah Tilton, and their union has been blessed with six children, as follows: Jo- seph, who was born August 13, 1874; Elizabeth, born March 1, 1876; Frank, born September 18, 1878 ;. William, born August 31, 1881; Theodore, born November II, 1883; and Laura, born August 1, 1886. The family are Protestants in their religious views, and attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Keyport. In political matters Mr. Cherry is identified with the Democracy, but does not take an active interest in politics, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. He has, however, been prominently identified with the interests of the county, and is recog- nized as one of its most honored and highly esteemed citizens.
JACOB W. AUMACK.
Jacob W. Aumack, one of the leading farmers of Monmouth county. now owns about eighty-seven acres of the finest land in the county, most of which is under an excellent state of cultivation and is devoted to the raising of fruits and garden vegetables. He was born in Raritan township, on the 25th of December, 1851, and is a son of Thomas S. and Permelia (Walling) Aumack, who were also farming people. The ancestral history of the family is given with that of Thomas W. Aumack, and the Wallings are also mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
Jacob W. Aumack of this review was married on the 12th of October, 1887, to Annie E. Walling, who was born October 19. 1855, a daughter of Taylor W. and Lydia Ann (Wilson) Walling. The father. who was born in 1827, departed this life July 22, 1890, while his wife, who was born May 24. 1829, is still living and makes her home at Keyport. The former was a miller and farmer at a place called Walling's Mills, in Raritan township. Mrs. Walling's paternal grandfather traced
330
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
his ancestry on his mother's, Lydia Smith, side back to one John Smith, who came to Middletown township in 1670 from England, and six years later removed to New York City, where he was soon afterward granted a tract of land of two hundred and twenty-five acres at Middletown by Sir Philip Carteret, the governor. The deed bore the date of December, 1676. Mr. Smith subsequently purchased several hundred acres more, becoming a prominent man in his locality and was a great friend of the "Governor." Mrs. Aumack has the family tree of the Smith family complete for eight generations. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with one daughter, Addie, who was born July 11, 1889. Mr. Aumack was formerly identified with the Democratic party, but in later years has given his support to the Prohibition party; he has, however, never taken an active part in politics, although he is a public-spirited and loyal citizen, ever doing all in his power to advance the material and moral welfare of the community. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, Mrs. Aumack's paternal grandfather having been one of the organizers of the church in Keyport. The Aumack household is the abode of hospitality, and the members of the family hold a high position in those circles where true worth and intelligence are received as the passports into good society.
REV. WILLIAM JONES.
Rev. William Jones, pastor of the Baptist church of Belmar, New Jersey, and the genial and popular proprietor of the St. Elmo hotel at Ocean Grove, was born in Pwllheli, North Wales, on the 26th of June, 1850. He is a son of William and Hannah (Edwards) Jones. Our subject was reared and educated at the place of his nativity until his sixteenth year, when he went to sea, and for over fifteen year's he sailed to all parts of the world. In the meantime he became converted to the Christian religion, and when about forty years of age he began a two-years course in English in the Temple College, in Philadephia, Pennsylvania, after which he took a thorough course in theology in the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Kentucky. After leaving that institution he was principally engaged in evangelistic work for several years, and in 1901 he was appointed to the pastorate of the Baptist church at Belmar, New Jersey. He has endeared himself to hosts of friends since assuming the duties of this holy office, and has proved himself to be a tireless and efficient worker in the vineyard of the Master.
'As a hotel proprietor Mr. Jones has also met with an eminent degree of success. For many years he was the popular proprietor of the Beach View House at Ocean Grove, and in January, 1901, he purchased the well known St. Elmo hotel, which has since been largely refitted and furnished, many new and improved appliances have been introduced, and the hotel is now one of the most popular and home-like resorts in the Grove. It is open during the entire year. The St. Elmo is delightfully located on the principal thoroughfare and is central to all points of interest, and no labor or expense has been spared to make this a first-class resort in all its appointments, while the prices are extremely low. The large verandas and cool sea breezes, wafted from the southeast, are particularly attractive and pleasant, and those who once visit the St. Elmo will ever retain pleasant remembrances of the beautiful hotel and its popular proprietor.
On the 25th of July, 1894, Rev. Jones was united in marriage with Josephine Morehead, of Belvidere, New Jersey, her birth having occurred on the 14th of Janu- ary, 1856. Rev. Jones has done much to build up Ocean Grove as a popular resort,
331
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
not only by the excellence of the accommodations furnished by the St. Elmo, but also by his untiring zeal for the welfare of his fellow men, and he is gladly given an im- portant place in this history of the prominent families of the county.
WILLIAM HENRY SMYTH.
The subject of this sketch is a substantial farmer of Marlboro township, Morgan- ville postoffice, New Jersey, and was born in that township, July 27, 1819. He is the son of the late John B. and Rebecca (Geran) Smyth. John B. Smyth was a native of Philadelphia, and a son of Henry B. and Margaret (Boyce) Smyth; the former was of a prominent English family and the latter of German extraction, but they were married in this country.
Henry B. Smyth, the grandfather of our subject, was a college student, when at the age of eighteen years he determined to come to America; he was a finely educated young man, and one well endowed for any position in life he might elect to fill. The family name at that time was Bond-Smyth; he chose, however, to retain only the latter half of the name, by which the family in this country has been known ever since. For some time after his arrival here he devoted his time to teaching and taught in many places in New Jersey. Aside from his ability as a general instructor he was a surveyor and civil and mechanical engineer, also an artist of no mean ability, and an expert draughtsman. He had but two children, John B., father of our subject and Jane, who was the wife of William Hulsart, by whom she was left a widow and afterwards married George W. Smith, late of Marlboro township.
John B. Smyth, our subject's father, was educated by his scholarly father; he chose as an occupation that of farming, although he also worked at his trade, that of painting, which he thoroughly understood in all its branches. He was a veteran of the war of 1812 and a pensioner. Eight children were born to him, as follows : Thomas G .; Margaret A., who married James Devitt; William H., our subject; Cath- erine, who married William Van Cleef; John Q., who was a soldier during the Civil war; Maria, second wife of James Devitt; Amelia, who married Lewis G. Mess- lor; and Augustus F.
Thomas Geran, the maternal grandfather of our subject, served seven years in the Revolutionary war, was twice captured by the enemy and imprisoned on the old prison ship.
Our subject, W. H. Smyth, received a common school education; when this was completed he learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade, which line of occupation he followed for many years in connection with his farming pursuits. He was mar- ried December 25, 1848, his wife being Dorcas L. Warne, who was born on the farm where the couple still live, March 16, 1827. Mrs. Smyth is the daughter of Lewis and Sarah (La Tourrette) Warne, the former of English origin, his ancestors for many generations living in this country; the family of the latter is of French descent. For three generations the La Tourrette family have occupied the farm where the Smyths now make their home.
The Warnes were among the very earliest settlers of South Amboy. Mrs. Smyth's great-grandfather, Perrine, took an active part in the American Revolution. The family of this ancestor was one of the first to settle on Staten Island, where, during the Revolution, he only escaped capture by the Tories through the vigilance and fidelity of his negro slaves.
Mr. and Mrs. Smyth have had six children, four of whom have arrived at ma-
332
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
turity: Warne, born December 9, 1849, is now a prominent lawyer of Jersey City ; Adeline, born January 6, 1851, is the wife of George L. Greenwood, a farmer of Tinton Falls; Albert, born May 31, 1854, is a farmer of Marlboro township; Electa, born May 28, 1860, married Joseph Quackenbush; she is now a widow.
Mr. Smyth politically is an adherent of the-Democratic party; his first vote was cast for Martin Van Buren for president in 1840. He has occupied various positions of public trust, such as school trustee, surveyor of highways, overseer of the poor and other township offices, during most of his active life being in some public service. Mr. Smyth is a well informed man, and takes an active interest in the affairs of his political constituency. Both he and his wife are active and zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a trustee and steward for many years. His long life has been an exemplary one, and he fully merits the respect and esteem in which he is held by his fellow townspeople.
ROBERT P. MASON.
Back of Robert P. Mason is an ancestry honorable and distinguished. The family was originally of English lineage, and the great-grandfather of our subject was an English lord. It was his son, Robert Mason, who established the family on the American continent, coming from the "Merrie Isle" about 1800. He settled in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, and built the first house in Homesdale, that state, there spending the remainder of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died about 1820, and his wife, long surviving him, passed away about 1850. Their children were: Elizabeth, who became the wife of Ephraim White: John; Nancy, who married Charles Jameison, a civil engineer; and Sarah, who became Mrs. Bennett. All are now de- ceased.
Of this family John Mason, the second in order of birth, was the father of our subject. He was born in Homesdale, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1810, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade. On attaining his majority in 1831 he came to New Jersey and assisted in the construction of the Camden & Amboy railroad, now in- cluded in the Pennsylvania railroad system. In 1832 he was married and in 1837 he purchased a farm at Branberry, upon which he lived until his life's labors were ended in death. He devoted his attention to the cultivation of the fields and was successful in his undertakings. He was closely identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, took an active interest in its work and the extension of its influence, and died in that faith in October, 1896, respected by all who had known him, while his wife passed away in 1880. She bore the maiden name of Anna Perrine, and was of French lineage, her first American ancestors having come from France to the new world prior to the Revolutionary war and settled near Cranbury. One of her uncles loyally served in the cause of independence and being taken prisoner by the British, was held a captive for two years. The grandfather served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Mason was a daughter of Matthias and Ann Perrine, who were residents of Cranbury, and unto them were born nine children, namely: Anna, Hannah, Lydia, Catherine, Eliza, Daniel, Rachel, Susan, and Mary, all now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mason became the parents of three children: Mary the wife of Abijah Day; Margaret; and Robert P., of this review.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.