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 5
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Charles A. Hankins, whose name introduces this review, was the youngest son of John W. and Rebecca (Applegate) Hankins. Hc was reared and educated in the community in which he was born, and in early life became a clerk in a grocery store. In 1883, when seventeen years of age, he went to Chicago, where he obtained a position as clerk in a grocery store. In the following year he began business on his own respon- sibility, opening a confectionery and tobacco store in the same city, but this he sold out the next year, and started westward on a long trip, passing through Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City, Ogden, California, and many other ininor points of interest,
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
and finally located in San Francisco, where he remained for a period of four years. The greater part of this time he spent on the water, coasting as far north as Alaska, and southward to the Hawaiian Islands. In 1891, however, he returned to his native county and state, where he engaged in farming, in connection with which he opened a grocery store at Herbertsville, New Jersey. At the end of two years he sold this prop- erty and removed to East Lakewood, New Jersey. Here he purchased a tract of land and spent considerable time and labor in its improvement, and finally sold it in 1901. He then purchased sixty acres of farming property in Brick township, Ocean county, where he now resides, and his farm plainly gives evidence of the care and labor which has been bestowed upon it by the owner.
Mr. Hankins was joined in marriage in 1893 to Miss Lizzie Havens, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Havens, who was born at Herbertsville, New Jersey. Their home has been blessed with three children, two of whom are now living: Ellis B. and Blanch E. Mr. Hankins has all the characteristics of a good and worthy citizen, being a man of honor and integrity, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of all with whom he associates.
CHARLES J. ROSS. 1
Among all the denizens of the famous health and pleasure resorts along the New Jersey coast, none is more widely or more favorably known than Charles J. Ross, of Asbury Park, an accomplished stage artist and proprietor of one of the handsomest and best managed hotels and road houses in all New Jersey; and having a genial personality which attracts, he numbers his friends by the thousands, and from all parts of the country, and Europe as well.
Mr. Ross is a native of Canada, born in Montreal, February 18, 1859. His
THE ROSS-FENTON FARM.
life was one of arduous labor, even hardship, from the beginning. He left his native country when a mere boy, coming to New York City, where he obtained his only
צראד 530 "N.Y.
Can) Ross
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
schoolroom education in the intervals when he was not laboring. Making his own way in the world, he worked at such tasks as he could find until he was twelve years of age, when he laid down his books and bade farewell to school forever. His learning was not much, but he was possessed of ambition, determination, and rare powers of observation and discernment, and he acquired in later days a generous fund of knowledge, which qualified him for the prompt and accurate conduct of every business transaction, and to acquit himself creditably in professional and social circles.
On thus leaving school, when not yet in his 'teens, he went west and for thir- teen years worked on farms and in racing stables in Missouri. In 1885, when twen- ty-four years of age, he went upon the stage in song and dance work. He mani- fested a genuine talent for the business, and proved a favorite with the amusement loving public from the first; he made rapid progress, passing successfully to more prominent positions in the profession, until he came into the front rank of genuine genteel comedians. For five years he was a leading member of the Weber & Fields Comedy Company, and appeared before delighted audiences in all parts of the country. In 1883 he was married to Miss Mabel Fenton, a lady possessing gifts and tastes like his own, and the two-husband and wife-prepared themselves in original high class burlesque work, and soon became famous as the "Ross and Fenton Team." Under this name they played in "A Passing Show" and "Sleeping Beauty and the Beast." These delightful creations of their own proved entirely successful, and the one last named has just closed a most successful season at the Broadway theatre in New York City, and has added to their laurels as genuine artists and versatile innovators.
In 1897 Mr. Ross purchased a tract of land on Seventh avenue, in Asbury Park, upon which he erected one of the handsomest and mast spacious hotels and road houses upon the entire New Jersey coast-a place which has become world-famous as the "Ross Fenton Farm." He is also the owner of other large and valuable properties.
His social traits have endeared him to all circles in which he moves, and he enjoys a distinct popularity in various bodies of which he is a member, among which are Lodge No. I. B. P. O. E., New York; Union Lodge, F. & A. M., New York; Ulysses Lodge, K. P., of Boston; the New York Athletic Club; and the Elkwood Driving Club of Long Branch.
BENJAMIN DU BOIS SMOCK.
Benjamin Du Bois Smock is a worthy descendant of a family which has been prominent in the civil, religious and military life of Monmouth county, New Jersey. Hendrick Maythson Smock, the earliest American ancestor of the Smock family, camc from old and honored stock in Holland, and sailing from Utrecht, in 1654, he settled in Little Utrecht, Long Island. He married Gerritze Hermans, and several children were born to them, one of whom, Johannis, after reaching mature years removed to Monmouth county, New Jersey, where he was married to Catherine Barents. Their son, Hendrick Smock, was born October 16, 1698, was united in marriage to Mary Schenck, and his death occurred on the 30th of May, 1747. Their son John, who was born February 13, 1737, married Elizabeth Cowenhoven, and his death occurred on the 6th of September, 1808. Among their children was Hendrick Smock, who was born October 25, 1749. He married Sarah Lane and passed away March 25, 1814, 1caving
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
a surviving son, Aaron Smock, who was born July 24, 1783. The latter married Eleanor Schenck, and his death occurred on the 17th of August, 1835.
Daniel P. Smock, a son of Eleanor and Aaron Smock, was born on the 9th of December, 1812, and he was called to his final rest on the 2d of February, 1896. He was twice married, his first union being with Ann Schenck, a daughter of the Hon. De La Fayette Schenck, whose father, Captain John Schenck, was such a bitter foe to the British during the Revolutionary war that Sir Henry Clinton offered fifty guineas for his head. His sister Anna, who then lived on Long Island, overheard a piot laid for his capture and by a trusty messenger sent him a brace of pistols and also the good advice, "John, never allow yourself to be taken alive." The enemy came in force to effect his capture, fifteen hundred regulars landing near Sandy Hook, and, marching inland, they found the Captain with six hundred militia men and some farmers well posted on a high hill near his home. After a severe engagement the British were obliged to retire without him, and he continued to harrass the enemy on their return march until he was hit in the knee by a spent ball and was obliged to remain in a rye field for some timc, his men keeping in touch with the enemy until they reached their boats. During the skirmish Captain Schenck's babe lay hidden in the cellar while the musket balls were embedded in the house, and this boy was the first boy born in America named for the Marquis De Lafayette. He served his state in the legis- lature, was the first president of the first bank in Monmouth county, the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Middletown Point, was president of the Monmouth County Plank Road Company and was a man of great local influence. The Schenck family were descended from Die Schencken, chief butler to Charlemagne of France. For his second wife Daniel P. Smock chose Sarah J. DuBois, of Ohio. His son by the first marriage, Milton Smock, was born September 21, 1839, and died on the 6th of June, 1891. He married Elizabeth Du Bois, the great-granddaughter of the Rev. Benjamin Du Bois, and their son, Benjamin Du Bois Sinock, is the subject of this sketch.
There are few families in the state that are able to show a more patriotic record. One of the name distinguished himself in the Revolutionary war, and five members of the family have their deeds engraved upon the pages of history .- John, Henry and Barent, sons of Hendrick and Mary (Schenck) Smock, one grandson and a brother's grandson serving with courage and gallantry in the defense of their country. John Smock was a captain in the First Regiment at Monmouth in 1777, major and lieutenant colonel in the same regiment in 1778, was taken prisoner in September, 1780, and in the same year was promoted to the rank of colonel. Barent Smock, his brother, was also a captain in the First Regiment and subsequently was captain of artillery. He was taken prisoner in September, 1780. Hendrick Smock, the third brother, was one of the minute men and on October 12, 1775, was appointed captain of the First Regi- ment of Monmouth, while in the following year he was made captain of a military company. Hendrick Smock, son of John Smock, was a captain in his father's regi- ment and was taken prisoner in September, 1780. Barent J. Smock was a private in the light horse and was made a corporal in 1779, a lieutenant in 1780 and a captain in the same year. In 1812 the patriotic spirit of his ancestors prompted Aaron Smock, a grandson of John Smock, to take up arms for his country, and he was stationed at Sandy Hook fort in the capacity of lieutenant. While at this post of duty his son, Daniel P. Smock was born. This son in later years became well known throughout the country as an accomplished horticulturist and was the originator of the "Smock" peach, a hardy and delicious variety of this lucious fruit.
Not only on the paternal but also on the maternal side of the family the ancestry has been distinguished for bravery on the field of battle. The Du Bois family traces a direct line from the twelfth century, and through successive generations have kept
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
intact the same high standard of life. Louis Du Bois, the ancestor of the American branch of the family, was a French refugee who came to America in 1661. The family name signifies "of the forest," and the family motto is "Tiens ta Foi, u. c. hold fast the Faith." The descendants of this family in Monmouth county trace their ancestry through Jacob Du Bois, who married Grigeritze Gerritsen. They reared a large family, and it was through their efforts that the first Reformed church was established in Monmouth county. In fact this family have been prominently identified with almost every phase of the history of New Jersey. The Rev. Benjamin Du Bois was the great- grandfather of the late vice-president Garrett A. Hobart, his daughter Elizabeth (Du Bois) Van Deveer, being the mother of Sophia, wife of Addison W. Hobart and grandmother of Erastus, Garrett Augustus and David R. Hobart. Rev. Benjamin Du Bois was licensed to preach in 1764, and immediately identified himself with the Dutch Reformed church at Freehold, Brick church and Middletown. "Dominie" Du Bois, as he was called, had the ability to preach in Dutch to the older niembers of his flock and in English to the understanding of the younger members. During the Revo- lutionary war he showed the people that he was able to do more than preach, as he frequently shouldered a musket and knapsack to join the local militia, and Captain John Smock was always solicitous for the safety of the "fighting parson," and endeavored to keep him from too great an exposure to the fire of the enemy. He died in 1827, at the age of eighty-eight years, after having faithfully preached the Gospel for sixty-three years. His wife survived him twelve years, having almost reached her ninety-sixth year.
Benjamin Du Bois Smock, named for "Dominie" Du Bois, is a worthy bearer of this old and honored family name. Born January 9, 1871, on the farm belonging to his father in Marlborough township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, he acquired his edu- cation in the excellent public schools of his native place. Having been reared on the farm, he naturally took a keen and intelligent interest in agricultural pursuits, and since the death of his father he has assumed the entire management of the large estate, conducting it with ability and success. He is one of the foremost citizens of the locality, not only honored for his old and honorable ancestry but also for the many noble traits of character he possesses and for his pleasant personality.
JOHN N. BURTIS.
Among the business men of Asbury Park whose excellent business ability has been rewarded with a liberal patronage, and whose fine manly qualities have won the confidence and esteem of the community, is to be named John N. Burtis, who has con- tributed a full share to the commercial and social interests of the city.
Mr. Burtis was born at Wrightstown, New Jersey, January 31, 1859. His parents were Benjamin S. and Rachel A. Burtis, well regarded residents of that town. He was there educated in the public schools, and there he entered upon his first occupation in young manhood. He was first engaged with his father in a meat market business, in which he continued for three years. He then located in Asbury Park, where he took charge of a piano and organ establishment belonging to his brother. After a number of years he purchased the business, which he has developed to stich a degree, that it has become the most extensive in its line on that part of the coast. With excellent knowledge of the various classes of instruments, his judgment is regarded with con- fidence by his customers, and he has extended his trade largely outside the usual bounds of territory. For eight years past he has also conducted an undertaking establishment, and lias given to it such careful conduct that he has secured a very large patronage
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
from the city and its vicinage. His sales rooms and undertaking rooms are located at Nos. 645-7 Mattison Avenue. In his personal character Mr. Burtis is a well informed and affable gentleman. In all his dealings with his fellows he is the soul of honor, and he is a ready helper in every cause for the promotion of the material and moral advancement of the community.
Mr. Burtis was married, March 1, 1888, to Miss Virginia R. Baniber, a highly educated and cultured lady of Brooklyn, New York. Their children are Amy R., Mabel V., and Ralph J. Burtis. Mr. Burtis is an active and earnest member of the First Baptist church of Asbury Park, as is his wife. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Order of American Mechanics, and Neptune Engine Hose Company No. 2.
WILLIAM APPLEGATE WALLING.
One of the practical and prosperous farmers of Monmouth county, New Jersey, is William A. Walling, who belongs to an old and honorable family of this part of the state. His grandfather, Richard Walling, married Deborah Burrowes and they lived at Leonardsville, which is now Atlantic Highlands, and reared eight chil- dren, one of these being Thomas Burrowes Walling, who was the father of Will- iam A.
Thomas B. Walling was born in 1816, and in December, 1855, he purchased a large tract of land consisting of one hundred and ninety-two acres, which was form- erly a part of the property of the North American Phalanx Company. Here Mr. Walling lived a life of industry, raising large crops and numbers of fine cattle, enjoying to its utmost the blessings which attend a comfortable agricultural life. He was a man of more than average intelligence and education, and was a most highly es- teemed deacon in the Baptist church. He married Catherine Patterson Applegate and their children were the following named: William A .; Mary E., deceased; Deborah, deceased; James A. ; Rachel Ann, and Catherine. The death of Mr. Walling took place on February 12, 1898, and his wife died on February 19, 1889.
Catherine P. (Applegate) Walling, the mother of William A., was a descend- ant of Bartholomew Applegate, of whom it is recorded in the first volume of the "New Jersey Archives," that he applied to a council assembled at Fort William Hendrick, 1647, for permission to purchase land from the Indians, in Middletown, near the Navesink, fit for settlement for six or eight families. A patent was granted him for this land, located on the Raritan Bay, at what is now known as Applegate's Landing, a portion of which is now occupied by William Conover.
William A. Walling was born at Red Bank, New Jersey, April 10, 1849. His primary education was acquired at the common schools, and later he attended the Peddie Institute, at Hightstown, New Jersey, and later took a commercial course at Rider & Beecher's Business College, Trenton, New Jersey.
Amply prepared for almost any career, Mr. Walling decided to return to the old farm and follow, in a measure, in his father's worthy footsteps. By purchase from his father he acquired one hundred and fifty-five acres, seventy of which he sold to the Tintern Water Company, and upon the balance of eighty-six acres he has given especial attention to all the various lines of agricultural labor, until he has one of the most productive and satisfactory properties in the county. In conjunction with his farming operations, Mr. Walling is extensively engaged in the handling of agricultural machinery, proving himself as capable in this business as he is profi- cient in agricultural lines.
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W. A. WALLING.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Mr. Walling has taken a great interest in all township and county affairs, being progressive and public-spirited, and that he possesses the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, has been evidenced by the various positions of honor and trust, in which they have called him to serve them. For a period he was collector of taxes, performing the duties of this office to the satisfaction of all concerned, and during an equally long period he was one of the most efficient members of the board of education. His services as township committeeman embraced a period of two years. Fraternally he is a member of the Royal Arcanum. His early religious rearing was in the Baptist church, and he still remains one of its leading supporters and consistent members.
Mr. Walling was married on January 1, 1874, to Miss Susan S. Coleman, a daughter of William and Sarah A. Coleman, who was born in Trenton, New Jersey. To this union three children were born, namely: Sarah A., who married Daniel Shutts, of Asbury Park, New Jersey, by whom she had one child, Daniel Leroy Shutts; Thomas R., who is associated with W. H. Jackson & Company, of New York; and Henry A. Walling.
Mr. Walling is one of the leading men in his township and is highly esteemed for his many excellent traits of character, which are displayed in every relation of life, being a kind husband, a most devoted father, an exemplary Christian, and an excellent citizen.
MORFORD TAYLOR.
That thrifty, enterprising, and patriotic blood which distinguishes Scotchmen everywhere has flowed in the veins of the paternal ancestors of Morford Taylor for countless generations. George Taylor, his grandfather, came with his wife, Hannah, to America and settled in the locality that is now known as Montrose, Monmouth county, New Jersey, then called Barrentsen. He was a cooper by trade but turned his attention to farming. In religious faith he was a Baptist, attended the Holmdel church, and was liberal in the support of its various interests. His children were named James, George, John G., Edward, Hannah, Rachel, and Betsey.
John G. Taylor, father of Morford Taylor, of Holmdel, Monmouth county, New Jersey, was born in September, 1787. He received his education in the public schools and for a time after he left school he was employed on his father's farm. Eventually, he learned the cooper's trade with his father and worked at it much of the time during his earlier years. Later in life he gave especial attention to farmiing and milling, and became one of the proprietors of a grist mili known as Taylor's mill, in Atlanta town- ship, then known as Baptist-town. He was successful as a farmer and grain dealer and accumulated considerable wealth. Politically he was a Whig, who wielded a good deal of influence in local affairs and held the offices of township commissioner and overseer of highways at Middletown.
The farm of one hundred and thirteen acres near Holmdel, now owned by Morford Taylor, was bought by John G. Taylor, May 10, 1825, of Lafayette Schenck. Mr. Taylor was married three times. In 1809 he married Elizabeth Conover and after her death, in 1816, he married her sister, Mary Conover. They were daughters of Terris Conover, of Matawan, New Jersey. His, third wife was Lydia Morford, whom he married in 1823. By his first wife he had three children; by his second wife, six children; and by his third wife, eight children,-seventeen in all, twelve of whom grew to maturity, and four of whom were living in 1901. Mr. Taylor was a member of
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
the Baptist church, in which he held the office of deacon. He died in 1864 at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife, Lydia ( Morford) Taylor, died in 1877.
Morford Taylor was born on the farm which he now owns in 1836, a son of John G. and Lydia (Morford) Taylor. He has been a farnier all his life and, like his father, long gave attention to milling, a business which he abandoned in 1889. As a farmer he was practical and prosperous, and everything about his place betokens enterprise and prosperity. He is a member of the Baptist church of Holnidel, in which he holds the offices of deacon and trustee.
In 1864, Mr. Taylor married Miss Jane F. Frost, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Frost, who in 1867 bore him a son, Edward F. Taylor.
ROBERT FISHER.
One of the best known real estate dealers and progressive business men num- bered among the representatives of the commercial interests of Ocean City is Robert Fisher, who has traveled extensively in Europe and the United States, is broad and cosmopolitan in his views and work, and in his perceptions of the needs of the. city, which has reached that period in its development when every move exerts a
ROBERT FISHER'S HOME.
telling influence on the future, and thus his energies in both public and private life have been directed toward the consummation of the success which can arise only from wide administration of official prerogatives and from a careful conduct of business. affairs. He was one of the first real-estate agents to locate in the city and is now
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
one of the representative dealers here. He has been connected with the largest sales of lots that have ever taken place on the Island; his business interests are therefore very closely interwoven with the history of the city, while his knowledge of locations and values is of vast benefit to purchasers.
The record of his life cannot fail to prove of interest to the readers of this volume. He was born February 24, 1848, in the county of Antrim, province of Ulster, Ireland, his parents being James and Isabella (Hume) Fisher. The family is of Scotch origin, but the grandfather of our subject, John Fisher, was a farmer of county Antrim and was a member of a yeomanry company of cavalry in the rebellion of 1798. During his military service he participated in a number of hard- fought engagements. He had two children: Charlotte, who became the wife of John Tolerton, a farmer of the Emerald Isle; and James. The latter was born in 1791, became an agriculturist of county. Antrim and held membership in the Pres- byterian church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Isabella Hume, was a direct descendant of Earl William Hume, and they had eight children: Hume, who died in childhood; John, Anna, William, Isabella, Mary, Robert and Hume. The father of these children died in 1864, at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother passed away at the age of ninety years.
Robert Fisher, whose name heads this record, was educated in the national schools of Ireland and the Royal Irish Academy at Belfast, being graduated in the latter institution. He then accepted the position of wine agent for the firm of Dunville & Company, extensive merchants of Belfast, with whom he was associated for six years. He then came to the United States, in 1868, locating first in Brook- lyn, New York, whence he removed to Ocean City, February 22, 1880. He was for four years the local secretary and agent of the Ocean C.ty Association, in charge of their real-estate interests at this place. He then engaged in the real-estate business for himself. As the agent for the association he sold many plats of land in the island. He has been in one way and another identified with almost all the important real-estate deals that have taken place since his arrival in Ocean City. He is a very extensive real-estate operator, both buying and selling, and has just completed the largest sale made in Ocean City during the year 1899. He has ex- tensive property holdings of his own, among which is the Bourse building, and he conducts the leading drug store in Ocean City, located in the Bourse building, in which also his large and attractive offices are found.
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