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 53
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the command and was at the front in the engagement at Opequan, Virginia, Sep- tember 19, 1864, when struck by a minie ball in the lower part of the right forearm, the ball passing upward, fracturing the humerus and lodging below the elbow. Gan- grene set in and one-third of the large bone was removed. Mr. Pullen was sent to the field hospital, thence to the McClellan hospital in Philadelphia, and later to the Beverly hospital in Trenton, New Jersey, where he remained until March 25, 1865, when those in authority endeavored to make him join the invalid corps. But his fighting spirit was not quelled, and desiring active service in the field he refused to obey the command and was then sent back to his company. When near Danville, Virginia, the officer in command of his company ordered him to carry a rifle. Not being able to do so he refused and was ordered to report to Colonel Truax, in command of the regiment. The Colonel expressed surprise at seeing Mr. Pullen there and told him he would make him his mounted orderly, telling him also to return to his captain and inform him that he was under the Colonel's command. Under such conditions our subject remained with his regiment until it was mustered out of service at Trenton, New Jersey. There was no more brave or loyal soldier in the command and none deserves more commendation for fidelity than Mr. Pullen.
When the war was over he returned to his home and soon afterward purchased his present farm, since which time he has given his undivided attention to farming and fruit growing. He now has an excellent fruit farm in splendid bearing condi- tion, and the products of his orchards find a ready sale on the market, commanding the highest prices by reason of the size, quality and flavor. Mr. Pullen is continually studying to improve the grade of his fruit, and his opinions are largely received as authority on horticultural subjects.
On the 26th of February, 1856, Mr. Pullen was married to Miss Hannah A. Haley, and unto them have been born four children: Edward, who was born in 1858, and died in February, 1866; Lloyd B., who was born in 1860 and is married and resides on a farm near Perrineville; Harriet, who was born in 1862 and died when ten months old; and Howard A., who was born in 1869. Mr. Pullen and his family are all members of the Manalapan Presbyterian church, and when a young man belonged to Gellow Meeting House at Imlaystown. He is identified with Conover Post, No. 63, G. A. R., at Freehold, and has represented the organization as a dele- gate in the state encampment. His record of citizenship in times of peace is as commendable as that which he made when, on the battlefields of the south, he fought for the stars and stripes, and he is also widely known for his straightforward dealing in business.
WILLIAM BRYAN.
William Bryan was the first to establish the florist business at Elberon, New 1 Jersey, and besides his extensive floral interests he is a contracting landscape gar- dener and deals largely in first class nursery stock. His beautiful place, located on Lincoln avenue, has the reputation of being one of the finest and most artistically arranged and kept of all the magnificently designed grounds from Sea Bright to Cape May. He has been engaged in landscape work practically all his life, and no man understands the art better than he. Some of the finest gardens along the New Jersey coast bear evidence to his wonderful taste and skill, and his services are ever in demand where unexcelled workmanship is desired. It has been said that his own place compared more than favorably with gardens that have successfully competed in contests for their beauty and artistic arrangement; competent judges conceding .
10mm Bryan
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that had Mr. Bryan's place been in competition none other could have borne off the laurels. His grounds cover about two acres of land, situated on the line of the New York & Long Branch Railroad and the Atlantic Coast Electric Railroad.
William Bryan was born in 1859, and in 1883 came to Boston from the Vice Regal Gardens in Dublin, Ireland, where for several years he had served as gardener to Earl Spencer. After arriving in this country he soon found employment with the leading landscape architects of Boston, and is still engaged in executing their plans. In Boston, in 1886, he was married to Maria A. Cairns, who died on the 24th of June, 1902, leaving no children. Besides his Elberon property Mr. Bryan owns a fine place on the Rumson road. He is by nature a true gentleman, and possesses the happy faculty of making and keeping friends.
WILLIAM T. CONOVER.
The Conovers, or, as the name was formerly spelled, Cowenhoven, are one of ยท the oldest and most respected families of Monmouth county. The paternal great- grandfather of our subject, Daniel Conover, who was born in 1750 and died in 1820, was a resident of Atlantic township, Monmouth county, and was a farmer by occupation. He was united in marriage with Margaret Rezo, of French descent, who was born in 1763 and died in 1825. Their children were Daniel G., Garrett, Tyler, Eleanor, Elizabeth and Margaret. Tyler Conover was born on the first day of January, 1791, in Atlantic township, and on the 9th of December, 1812, was united in marriage with Maria, a daughter of Garrett Schenck. Their children were Sarah Ann, born in 1814; Daniel, born in 1820; William V., born on the sixth of January, 1824; Garrett S., born in 1831; and Tyler, born in 1836. After his marriage Mr. Conover removed to the farm in Middletown township, now owned by his grandson, the subject of this review, which he continued to operate until his life's labors were ended in death in 1847. He was an ardent supporter of Democratic principles, mani- festing much interest in political affairs, and his opinion on matters of both public and private import were regarded with much respect.
William V. Conover, the father of him whose name introduces this review, re- mained under the parental roof until seventeen years of age, and then, desiring to begin the battle of life on his own account, he removed to Long Branch, where he was employed as a clerk in a mercantile store until twenty-one years of age. He was then admitted to a partnership in the business, which was then carried on under the firm name of Conover & Morford, and there he remained until the death of his father, in July, 1847, when he returned to the old homestead on the banks of the Shrewsbury river. He is a practical farmer, and his well directed efforts have brought to him a handsome competence. Aside from his many business duties he has also found time to devote to politics, being a stanch supporter of the Democracy, and he has been the choice of his party for the office of freeholder and for many other positions of honor and trust. In 1875-6 he represented his constituency in the state legislature, where he served on various committees. He was also a director and president of the Red Bank and Eastern Turnpike Company, and was promi- nently identified with every movement calculated to prove of benefit to his town or county. On the 22d of December, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine, a daughter of John Bennett, of Middletown township, and they have had the following children: John B., born August 9, 1854; Sarah M., born March 22, 1856; William T., born November 19, 1857; and Henry H., born December 12, 1860. The parents are worthy and zealous members of the Presbyterian church.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
William T. Conover, the immediate subject of this sketch, is one of the prom- ising young farmers of Middletown township, where he was born, reared and educated, and with the exception of the year 1893, which he spent as a commission merchant in New York, he has devoted his time exclusively to agricultural pursuits. He is now residing on one of the oldest farms in the locality, it being formerly the property of Rev. Thomas Morford, an Episcopalian minister, who owned it in connec- tion with his brother Garrett. It subsequently became the property of Thomas Layton, was next owned by David Conover, and its present owner is one of the rising young farmers of the county. On the 22d of December, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Annie A. Cooper, who was born on her father's farm in Middletown township, a daughter of George F. and Elizabeth Cooper. This union has been blessed with four children,-Bessie, John B., Elsie and Lester. In his social relations Mr. Conover is a member of the Monmouth Boat Club, and served his time (five years) as a member of the Second Cavalry Troop of New Jersey.
REV. WILLIAM DISBROW.
Rev. William Disbrow, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, Howell township, Monmouth county, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1863, son of Milon Disbrow, who was born at Cranbury, New Jersey, in 1810, and died August 15, 1901, at the home of his son in Howell township. He was a shoemaker by trade, carried on his vocation in Trenton, New Jersey, and until a few years of his death was a man remarkably active and free from sickness. Rev. Mr. Disbrow's mother died in 1894, aged seventy-four years, at the residence of her son. The Disbrows are among the old families of Monmouth county, his paternal grandfather Disbrow being a native of New Jersey, and his maternal grandfather, John Voorhees, who was captain of a boat plying between New York City and New Orleans, also a native of New Jersey, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Rev. William Disbrow is a graduate of Pennington Seminary, Trenton, New Jersey, and since 1887 has been in the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, has met with continuous success in his various appointments, is prominent in con- ference and is particularly acceptable to his present charge.
In 1886 Mr. Disbrow was married to Anna Stryker, at Kingston, New Jersey, who is a descendant of General Stryker, of Revolutionary fame. They have two children : Clara and Russel, both young children.
E. A. HULTS, M. D.
Dr. E. A. Hults, who occupies a leading position among the medical fraternity of Middlesex county, his home being located in Perth Amboy, where he has a large and growing practice, was born in Plainsboro, of the same county, August 26, 1861, his parents being John and Leah (Howell) Hults. The family name indicates its Teutonic origin and is unquestionably the original name of the family, coming down to the present generation unchanged either through interpretation or abbrevia- tion, as is frequently the case in transplanting a name from the old world to the new.
James Hults, the grandfather of the Doctor, was born in Plainsboro, New Jersey, and was a well known and prosperous farmer. His political support was given
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the Whig party, but he never sought office as a reward for fidelity to its principles. At an early age he was married and became the father of the following named : Ellen, the wife of S. Davidson; Eva Ann, the widow of John Maple; Alfred, deceased; and John. The last named, the youngest member of the family, is the father of the Doctor. He, too, is a native of Plainsboro, and throughout his entire life has been identified with agricultural pursuits, his well cultivated land bringing to him a fair return for his labor. He is highly respected, both as a man and citizen. In politics he is an earnest Republican, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party, and in religious belief he is a Baptist and lives a consistent Christian life. In early manhood he married Miss Leah Howell and both are still living in the enjoyment of a happy and healthy old age. There are three children in their family: Carrie, Jacob M. and Eugene A., whose name begins this record.
Dr. Hults pursued his education in the public schools of his native town until sixteen years of age, when he put aside his text-books in order to provide for his own support. He secured a clerkship in a store, where he remained for a year, and at the age of eighteen began teaching. This vocation he followed for only a brief period, when, realizing his own need of better educational training, he entered the Normal school at Trenton. After studying there for a time he again engaged in teaching and during the winter season for four years was thus engaged, devoting his summer months to the study of medicine, having resolved to make the practice of the science his life work. He first studied under the direction of Dr. Skillman, of New Brunswick, and then again engaged in teaching until his exhausted exchequer was somewhat replenished. He then continued his medical studies, with Dr. G. M. Skillman, of Bound Brook, New Jersey, as his preceptor for two years, subsequent to which time he engaged in teaching school in Washington Valley for another year. His next step was matriculation in Hahnemann Medical College, of Philadelphia, in which institution he was graduated with the class of 1886.
His equipment was unusually good and thus it was not long before Dr. Hults had gained an enviable position in the ranks of the medical fraternity. He opened an office in Perth Amboy and from the beginning his patronage has increased until it has now assumed extensive proportions. He is medical examiner for various in- surance companies, including the Home Life Insurance Company, while his relation to the Royal Arcanum is of a similar nature. On May 15, 1900, he was appointed by Governor Voorhees as health officer for the port of Perth Amboy.
On the 16th of June, 1886, Dr. Hults was married to Miss Lucy Voorhees, a daughter of Charles Voorhees, and unto them have been born four sons-E. Arthur, Sidney E., Charles V. and Willard S. Socially the Doctor is identified with the Royal Arcanum and with the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He is an earnest and devoted Christian gentleman. He is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the material development and the intellectual and moral upbuilding of the com- munity, but naturally devotes most of his time to his profession. Whatever tends to promote the interests of his profession and place before man the key to the mys- tery of that complex problem which we call life, at once attracts the interest and co-operation of Dr. Eugene A. Hults.
PAULINE WILKINS.
Miss Pauline Wilkins, one of the most popular and successful educators in Monmouth county, New Jersey, is a granddaughter of George Wilkins, Sr., and a daughter of Job Wilkins, of Coltsneck. Her grandfather was born in England, March
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24, 1823, a son of John and Mary (Needle) Wilkins, and her father was born near Coltsneck, September 10, 1851, a son of George Wilkins, Sr., and his wife Pauline Cottrell. Job Wilkins, who is an industrious and prosperous farmer, married Mary H. Cottrell in 1880. She was born in Shrewsbury, Monmouth county, New Jersey, March 19, 1859, and has borne her husband three children,-Pauline, already men- tioned; Kathryn, who was born July 25, 1834; and Van, born September 10, 1886. Kathryn was graduated in the Freehold high school with the class of 1902, and will serve as a teacher during the coming year. Job Wilkins moved to his present farm of seventy acres in 1880. The place, which is one of the best in the neighborhood, was formerly owned by his father, George Wilkins, Sr., a biographical sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Miss Pauline Wilkins was born in Atlantic township, May 23, 1881. After receiv- ing a preparatory course in the district school she was graduated in the Freehold high school with first honors, being a member of the class of 1897, and since that time she has been teaching with much success, the result of careful preparation and pains- taking work. Firmly believing that there is no higher calling, she has devoted to it the entire strength of her conscientious and energetic character. . Her achievements thus far, gratifying as they are to her and her hosts of friends, are regarded by those who know her best as but a generous promise of better things for the future, and the people among whom she labors in her chosen calling congratulate themselves that their children have so able an instructor.
WILLIAM C. COTTRELL.
William C. Cottrell, of Asbury Park, New Jersey, is properly to be named among the most useful men in the state, his skill as an architect and builder finding monu- mental attestation in many splendid edifices, known to all who seek the most beautiful of the summer resorts on the New Jersey coast.
Mr. Cottrell is a native of this state, born near Freehold, Monmouth county, October 10, 1858. His parents were Job and Eliza Cottrell. His education was begun in the public schools of his native town, and had its amplification in the days of his apprenticeship to the profession he has long adorned. When but seventeen years of age he found employment in the office of Hon. Austin H. Patterson, the well and favorably known architect and builder at Freehold. Mr. Patterson was a master of his profession, thorough in its every department, and was designer and constructor of many of the most substantial and attractive edifices in the state, among which was the state capitol at Trenton. Under this excellent tutorship young Cottrell ac- quired a thorough practical knowledge of designing and construction, and after a period of ten years, during which no department of work escaped his attention or share of labor, in 1885, he began business upon his own account at Asbury Park. For eleven years he followed both designing and construction, but in 1896 he aban- doned the latter branch to devote his attention solely to the work of an architect. Among the many beautiful and substantial edifices of his design are the Columbia Hotel, the Minot Hotel, the First Congregational church and the First Methodist Episcopal church, all at Asbury Park, the last named being one of the most imposing structures in the entire state; also the First Methodist Episcopal church at Atlantic Highlands, and the First Methodist Episcopal church at Bradley Beach. In these and many other elegant buildings Mr. Cottrell has not only added materially to the beauty and dignity of the cities and towns in which they are located but he has built enduring
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monuments to his own achievements-those of an industrious, conscientious, self- made artist.
Mr. Cottrell has given considerable attention to inventing, and on November 22, 1900, he patented the Cottrell ball-bearing trolley wheel.
Claim I. A wheel comprising inner and outer sections independently revolvable, and annular plates secured to the side faces of one section and projecting beyond the same into engagement with the side faces of the other section to hold the two sections engaged, said plates having annular projectings extending inwardly between the sections of the wheel to form a bearing surface for the one upon the other.
2. A wheel comprising inner and outer sections independently revolvable, annular plates secured to the side faces of one section and projecting beyond the same into engagement with the side faces of the other sections to hold the two sec- tions engaged, said plates having annular projections extending inwardly between the sections to form a bearing surface, and bearing balls arranged to run on said surface.
Mr. Cottrell is a member of the board of trade at Asbury Park, of the Order of American Mechanics and of the Knights of Pythias. His political associations are with the Republican party, but he has never been ambitious for political distinction. He was married, March 18, 1878, to Miss Florence A., daughter of John Hampton, of Farmingdale, New Jersey. Born of this union were Arthur F., September 8, 1879; Walter P., March 10, 1885; and Helen, August 6, 1892. The eldest son, Arthur F., has engaged in the same profession with his father, and is his assistant, sharing his office in the Appleby building, Asbury Park, New Jersey.
JOSHUA LIDDLE.
Joshua Liddle, a prominent and energetic farmer of Woodbridge township, Mid- dlesex county, was born October 3, 1840, on the Liddle homestead, which is located about one and one-quarter miles from Woodbridge, New Jersey, where he is now re- siding. His father, who bore the same name as our subject, was a native of West- moreland, England, his birth having occurred there on the 8th of March, 1807. He came to the United States when about twenty-five years of age, settling at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where he engaged in working on a railroad. Later he purchased a farm in Woodbridge township, Middlesex county, which he has greatly improved, and is now one of the most productive farms in that community, being known as the Liddle homestead. The father married a young lady by the name of Anna Buck, who was of great assistance to him in his life work. Mr. Liddle was a loyal Republican, and for a number of years was a member of the school board.
The early boyhood of Joshua Liddle was spent on the homestead, his education being acquired in the public schools of Woodbridge, which he attended until fourteen years of age. He then assisted his father with the work on the farm, here learning lessons of industry and enterprise, and also the labors and duties which are a part of the farm life. When eighteen years of age he engaged in teaming for a time, when he entered the employ of A. Hall & Sons as foreman of their clay works. He held this position for twenty-three years, always performing his duties with prompt- ness and accuracy, which .won to him the confidence and esteem of his employers, as well as those with whom he labored. He then resumed the life of an agriculturist, assuming the work on the old homestead where he first saw the light of day, and where he now resides. He is also engaged in the ice business. The farm is under a high state of cultivation, and in its neat and thrifty appearance, indicates the enterprise and careful supervision of its owners.
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Mr. Liddle was married on the 23d of October, 1866, to Miss Anna L. Melick, a native of Woodbridge, New Jersey. Two children have been born to them, as follows: Arthur M., born September 24, 1867, who married Miss Fannie Tyler, and lives with his father on the home farm; and Clarence M., born September 29, 1871, the husband of Clara Pfeffer, resides in Woodbridge, New Jersey. In politics Mr. Liddle is an earnest Republican, strongly upholding the principles of his party. He has held the office of township freeholder, is a member of the board of education, and also holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal church at Woodbridge, New Jersey. He leads an honest and consistent Christian life, and is active in every movement which promotes the welfare of his community.
ISAIAH D. BARCLAY.
On the roster of public officials in Middlesex county appears the name of Isaiah D. Barclay, who .since 1899 has served as county sheriff. This is his native county, his birth having occurred in Cranbury township on the 7th of August, 1834; his parents were George and Margaret (Duncan) Barclay, After acquiring his education he entered upon his career as a farmer, and also for thirty years was engaged in the agricultural implement business, securing a liberal patronage, for his honorable business methods and his promptness made his sales large and he has a very valuable farm in Cranbury township, where he lived until he was made sheriff. He has ever been deeply and actively interested in the progress and development of his native county and his fellow citizens recognizing his patriotic spirit, his worth and his reliability, have frequently called him to position of public honor and trust. For two. terms he has served as a freeholder of Middlesex county and was. also a member cf the' township committee of Cranbury township for three years. In 1899 he was nominated and elected county sheriff and is now acting in that capacity, discharg- ing his duties without fear or favor. He is very loyal to the trust reposed in! him and has won the commendation and support of both political parties, although he is a stalwart Republican in his political allegiance and does all in his power to pro- mote the party cause in legitimate campaign work.
On the 2d of January, 1862. Mr. Barclay was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth S. Silvers, a daughter of Ezekiel and Lydia Ann (Stonaker) Silvers, of Cran- bury township, and unto them were born a daughter and a son, Catherine V. (Mrs.) John Major), and Ezekiel S. married Lizzie Chamberlin. Mr. Barclay holds mem- bership in the Second Presbyterian church of Cranbury, in which he is now serv- ing as elder. He is widely known in his native county and his upright career has won for him the sterling friendship of many of the leading citizens.
HON. WILLIAM TABER PARKER.
Hon. William Taber Parker is a worthy descendant of an English family which during the past three generations has been prominently identified through its repre- sentatives with the historical annals of the state of New Jersey.
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