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 54
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William Parker, grandfather of William Taber, was a son of "Rich Billy" Parker, who was a successful dealer and slaughterer of cattle, and a member of the Society of Friends. He followed farming as an occupation, residing near Eatontown, Mon-
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mouth county, New Jersey, where he was the owner of immense tracts of land. He married Miss Corlies, and they reared a family of five children.
William Parker, father of William Taber, was born at Eatontown, Monmouth county, New Jersey, but in 1837 removed to Little Silver, and located on a farm, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1861. His attention was di- rected to farming and butchering, and he was known by the title of "Butcher Billy." In politics he was an old-line Whig, and in religion he was a member of the Society of Friends. He was united in marriage to Miss Lydia L., a daughter of the Rev. Taber Chadwick, one of the pioneer preachers of the Methodist Episcopal church in New Jersey. The following children were born to them: William Taber; Eliza- beth, wife of Dr. Benjamin F. King, of Little Silver; and Richard, a farmer of the same place.
Hon. William Taber Parker, son of the parents above named, was born at Little Silver (formerly known as Town Neck), on May 6, 1844. He acquired his education in the public. schools, and at Ocean Institute, Oceanport, Monmouth county, New Jersey. He then engaged in farming and oystering, but upon the death of his father, two years later, he succeeded to the management of the farm for the following three or four years, when his brother Richard identified his interests with him, and they have been in business association until the present time. In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Parker is a director in the Second National Bank at Red Bank, and is a stock holder in many other financial institutions. He was also a director in the Lovett Nursery Company until the company dissolved; the nursery is now owned by J. T. Lovett and is the largest nursery in the state for small fruit.
Mr. Parker is a leader in the Republican party for his section of the state, and he has been honored by election to the following named offices: Surveyor of highways for a number of years; member of the township commissioners for twenty-five years, and for eighteen years as chairman of the board. He was a member of the general assembly of the state of New Jersey during the sessions of 1891-2 and 1892-3, and in that body he introduced the famous "Race Track Bill," commonly referred to as the "Parker Race Track Bill," during the session of 1892-3. He was re-elected to the next session, the only candidate on the Republican ticket who was elected in Mon- mouth county, during which, after a hard-fought battle on the assembly floor, he succeeded in getting his bill passed, the text of which is as follows:
"Assembly Bill No. 299, entitled 'An Act concerning the maintaining of the race course in the state of New Jersey, to provide for the licensing and regulating the same.' No. 300, entitled, 'An Act to provide that betting and the practice of betting, commonly known as bookmaking, upon horse races within the enclosed grounds of any corporation, association, or body in this state, or the keeping of a place or places within such grounds to which persons may resort for such betting, shall not constitute any misdemeanor or criminal offence when such association or incorporated body is not indictable for the carrying on said races therein.' No. 301, Supplemental to an Act entitled. 'An Act for the punishment of crimes.' (Revision.) Approved March 27, 1894."
This was one of the most important measures ever passed by that body, and excited much discussion and interest throughout the state. His successful champion- ship of this popular measure gave him a wide reputation, and brought him into prominence. He served during his first term on the committees of agriculture and federal relations; and during his second term on fisheries, incidental expenses and lunatic asylum committees. Fraternally he is a member of Red Bank Lodge, No. 233, B. P. O. E., and of the A. O. U. A. M.
Mr. Parker has a beautiful residence at Little Silver built in modern style of
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architecture and design, which he enjoys to the utmost, and where he entertains his many friends drawn to him through appreciation of his worth and ability.
On October 3, 1866, Mr. Parker married Miss Amanda Lippincott, of Little Silver, and the following children were born to them: Susan; Jessie, wife of Henry Crossley, of New York City; Sadie L., wife of B. J. Parker, of Shrewsbury; and Frances M.
IRA S. CHAMPION.
The Atlantic coast of New Jersey has become a summer resort to which annually many hundreds of people go, finding there rest and recreations from the cares and responsibilities of business and social life. To attend to the needs of these visitors many enterprises have been established, and of the control of one of which Mr. Champion has charge. His efforts have largely contributed to the welfare and up- building of Ocean City, and his labors have not only brought him individual support, but have been a factor in the prosperity which has attended the city in which he makes his home.
Numbered among the native sons of New Jersey, Mr. Champion was born in Pleasantville, Atlantic county, July 27, 1866, and is a son of Somers T. and Anna M. (Lake) Champion. His grandfather, Elmer Champion, resided at Absecom, Atlantic county, and was a sea captain. His children were Elmer, Enoch, Daniel, Caroline, Jane, Ruhanna and Anna. The father of our subject obtained a common- school education, and has spent his entire life in New Jersey. Since 1880 he has been interested in sea shore real estate, carrying on business at Atlantic Highlands. He was the superintendent and the secretary of the Atlantic Highlands Association for about eight years, and he owns extensive real-estate interests there. He received the first deed for lands sold by the Ocean City Association, in May, 1880, and has been an important factor in the advancement of the beautiful towns which ove:look the Atlantic.
In his political views he is a strong Republican and his opinions carry weight in the councils of his party. Hethas labored earnestly to secure its success, and for three years he served as the sergeant 'at arms in the New Jersey senate. One of the most prominent and valued members of the order of Knights of Pythias, he is now occupying the position of grand chancellor, and is also a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red M'en. During the Civil war he manifested his loyalty to the Union cause by offering his services to the government, and as a member of Company B, Twenty-fifth New Jersey Infantry, he followed the stars and stripes upon southern battlefields. The friendships which he formed in those days are still continued through the medium of the Grand Army post. His religious belief is in harmony with the doctrines of the Methodist Epis- copal church, of which he is accounted a representative member. He has held all of the church offices and has efficiently served as the superintendent of the Sunday- school. Mr. Champion married Miss Anna M. Lake, and they became the parents of eight children,-Frank E., who married Flora E. Risley, and has four children, Benjamin, Jesse, Milton and Alfreda ; he is now living a retired life in Tren on, New Jersey ; Ira S. is the second of the family; Ezra R., who married Clara Haines, has one son, Stanley, and is proprietor of the Portland hotel at Atlantic Hills, New Jersey ; Barton F. resides at his parental home; Jesse died at the age jof fourteen years ; and the other three children died in infancy. The mother of this family was called to her final rest June 15, 1898.
IRA S. CHAMPION.
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Ira S. Champion is indebted to the public-school system of Atlantic county for the early educational privileges which he received. Later he attended Pennington Seminary, and on the 4th of March, 1884, was graduated in Eastman's Business College. Thus well equipped for the responsible duties of life he entered upon an active commercial career in Ocean City, as the proprietor of a meat market and grocery. He afterward spent two years as a bookkeeper for the firm of Strowbridge & Clother, of Philadelphia, and in 1889 came to Ocean City, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of ice cream for the sea shore trade. He has prettily appointed parlors, and not only sells to the local trade but does an extensive wholesale business as well, shipping to various points in Cape May county. He is also suc- cessfully engaged in business as a milk dealer, handling eighty thousand quarts of milk annually. He built his residence and place of business in 1885, a substantial structure thirty-five by seventy feet. In addition to his other interests he is the man- ager of the Bell Telephone Company at Ocean City and the operator of the exchange, which is located in his office.
On the 15th of October, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Champion and Miss Florence M. Cronin, a daughter of Edmund D. Cronin, of Philadelphia. They now have four children ;- Anna M., Violet M., Beulah G. and Ira Barton. Their youngest child, Florence E., died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Champion hold mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as a trustee. He is connected with various fraternal organizations, belonging to Iota Council, J. O. A. M., the Improved Order of Red Men and the Ancient Order of United Work- men. He is also a representative to Ocean City Lodge, No. 66, K. of P. The various enterprises which tend to benefit the city receive his support, and his active co-opera- tion has been a much prized factor in the advancement of various movements for the public good. He is an active member of the Ocean City fire department, and in 1895-6 served as a member of the city council. "Later he filled the position of city clerk, and at one time :was a representative to the general assembly. The Republican party receives his allegiance and he frequently attends its conventions, where his counsels carry weight. for his opinions are practical and contain the elements of suc- cess. His prosperity in business is due to his close application to the varied interests in which he is engaged. His unassailable reputaton and h's honorable d al'ngs have gained him the respect and good will of all who know him.
BENJAMIN VAN BRUNT.
Among the various occupations of men, the greater number are followed as a means of livelihood, and however honorable the calling, are such as attract no par- ticular attention. There are those, however, who perform duties which are especially hazardous, for the protection of their fellows-duties which demand a degree of personal courage similar to that demanded upon the battlefield, yet never find the same reward in the plaudits of the world and the distinction of rank. Among such occupations, is that of the life saving service along our coasts, and a fit type of the gallant men engaged is found in the person of Captain Benjamin Van Brunt, keeper of the United States Life Saving Station at Asbury Park, New Jersey.
He was born March 23, '1852, in Tinton Falls, Monmouth county, New Jersey, son of Benjamin and Maria (Macdonald) Van Brunt. His ancestry through both his parents was from that hardy maritime people whose constant warfare with the elements has endowed them with peculiar courage and resourcefulness upon the
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waters, and heredity doubtless afforded him a predilection for his calling. He received a common school education, and he labored upon a farm until he reached the years of manhood. When twenty-one years of age he engaged in fishing, along the treacherous Atlantic coast of his native state, and he has constantly followed that occupation to the present time. In this he is in no way different from thousands of his fellows. His long service, however, in the life saving department, signals him out for more particular mention. In . November, 1875, when twenty-three years of age, he became Man No. I, at Station No. 7, at Shark River, one of the most dangerous points along the Atlantic coast. Four years later he was transferred to Asbury Park Station, where he was on duty in the same position until November, 1894, when he was made keeper at that station, and there he continues to serve in that capacity. During his service there, Asbury Park has grown from an insignificant point to be one of the most important on the coast, and, during the summer season, the population is phenom- enally large, while during the winter its vicinage witnesses many disastrous wrecks and narrow escapes of imperiled shipping. Through all his long service of more than a quarter of a century, Captain Van Brunt has borne his part with intrepid courage and sailor-like resourcefulness, and he has been instrumental in saving many lives and much valuable property. With muscle and nerve inured to hardship and ex- posure, his iron constitution shows no evidence of impairment, and he gives prom- ise of many more years of faithful and efficient service ..
Captain Van Brunt was married September 1, 1878, to Miss Emeline White, daughter of Tucker and Mary White, of Asbury Park, and they are the parents of one child, Florence, born February II, 1880. The family are members of the West Park Methodist Episcopal church. . Captain Van Brunt is a Republican in politics, and he is a member of Neptune Lodge, No. 84, I. O. O. F., and of Park Lodge, No, 38, A. O. U. W.
JOHN H. GREGORY.
Among the most important interests of the city of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is its maritime affairs, in which it has held pre-eminent place from its very founding, and in those lines John H. Gregory stands as one of its most conspicuously useful and successful representatives.
A native of the state of New-York, he was born at Sag Harbor, Long Island, September 16, 1862, a son of Matthew H. and Mary J. (Talmage) Gregory, also of that place. His youth was principally passed in his native village, and there he ac- quired his education in greater part. When he was sixteen years of age he became a resident of Red Bank, New Jersey, and there made his beginning as a wrecker. Ir. 1888 he removed to Perth Amboy, which has since been his place of residence. He had become expert in his calling, and there is not a detail of the business of buying, selling and breaking up steamers and sailing vessels, saving cargoes and raising sunken vessels with which he is not entirely familiar. . He soon engaged in business upon his own account, and conducted it most successfully from the outset. No difficulty or danger could disturb him, and on occasion, when others have shown timidity, although an employer and director, he frequently engaged in the most arduous labors and dangerous tasks of the wrecker. For a number of years past he has given his attentions to larger operations in a kindred line, purchasing sunken vessels and cargoes, raising them and marketing the material and merchandise saved. In these ventures he has been eminently successful, his practical knowledge of wreck- ing operations and of property values being familiar and ample. He is also a me-
John of Gregory
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chanical engineer, holding an engineer's license, and he has served as an expert wit- ness with reference to machinery in important cases.
Mr. Gregory is one of the public spirited citizens of Perth Amboy, and has a deep interest in the welfare of the city. In 1900 he aided in the reorganization of the Perth Amboy Savings Institution, of which he was elected vice-president, a position which he has occupied to the present time. As trustee he has charge of the large estate interests of his father at Great Neck, Long Island. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, a member of its board of trustees, and chairman of its repair and building committee, and is a governor of the city hospital. His political affilia- tions are with the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Foresters, and is treasurer of the local lodge of the last named order.
Mr. Gregory married Miss Ella A. Shafto, of Asbury Park, New Jersey, and he has two children, John and Arthur.
JOSEPH P. SPROUL.
Ever since his birth, which occurred on October 12, 1853, Joseph P. Sproul, has lived upon the farm which he now owns and so successfully cultivates. This farm is located in Raritan township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, contains sixty acres and is considered one of the finest producers for its size in that section. Its products include a general line of garden truck; twelve acres are covered by fine fruit trees, bearing apples, peaches and pears, while nine acres are devoted to the raising of asparagus. Mr. Sproul's life-long experience enables him to utilize every available inch of ground to the best possible advantage.
Mr. Sproul is a descendant of a substantial Scotch family, which came to America among the early settlers. His great-grandfather, James Sproul, served as an ensign during the Revolutionary war, in which service he lost his life, being killed in battle at Short Hills, New Jersey. He was a man of family, having married Zelphia McChessney, by whom he had two children, Oliver and Elizabeth; the former was born on October 10, 1776, and in 1797 married Rachel Dorsett; they were blessed with seven children, as follows: Alice, James, John, Joseph, Jonathan, Samuel and Samuel, second. The father of these children died June 3, 1859, upon the farm now occupied by his grandson, Joseph P. Oliver's son, Joseph, born September 15, 1805, was the father of our subject. He was reared on the old farm and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for many years; finally abandoning it, however, he pur- chased his father's farm, from that time (1860) devoting himself to agricultural pur- suits. He married Elizabeth Walling, about the year 1840; she was born in the year 1815, and comes of an old family who were among the early settlers of the county, and have ever been among the most influential families. Four children were the result of their marriage, all of whom lived to maturity, namely: Emeline M., who married John S. Conover, Holmdel; William D., of Jersey City; May H., wife of A. B. Ackerson, of Holmdel; and Joseph P., of whom this sketch is written.
Our subject was reared on the old farm, educated in the common school, and from early life engaged in the occupation of farming. On September 25, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Elenor C. Bedle, who was born October 27, 1857, daughter of James and Louise C. (Carhart) Bedle, of Raritan. No two families in this section are better or more favorably known than the two last mentioned. For generations their names have been connected with the affairs of both county and state, they having taken an active interest in all things pertaining to the advancement and growth of their community.
ยท
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Mr. and Mrs. Sproul have four children: Harvey B., born June 24, 1880, is a graduate of the Keyport high school, and is now qualifying to become a mechanical. engineer ; Frank P., born May 10, 1884, now residing at home; Elizabeth, born July 13, 1890; Lois, born December 12, 1892.
The male members of the Sproul family for many years have been stanch Dem- ocrats. Mr. Sproul has occupied a position on the school board for fifteen years. He is a member of the Fruit Grower's Association, of which he is a director. He and his family are all attendants of the Baptist church.
WILLIAM A. KELLY.
William A. Kelly, the well known proprietor of the Long Branch Steam Laundry, was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, July 23, 1867, the son of Thomas and Mary (Hayes) Kelly. After receiving a thorough common school education, he entered the State Normal School at Mansfield, Pennsylvania, from which institution he was graduated in the year 1889. For two years subsequent to the completion of his studies he acted as instructor in the schools of his native county, but finally entered the employ of Swift & Co., of Chicago, well known throughout the country for their superior beef, where he remained for six years. The territory in which his business was transacted covered New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including the Wyoming Valley. His employers were thoroughly appreciative of the young man's energy and interest in their behalf, yet young Kelly recognizing the opportunity and the wide field for his present work in Long Branch, determined to try his fortune by venturing in busi- ness on his own account. So in 1899 he purchased a site and built his present establishment, which is situated on Lippincott avenue, Long Branch, New Jersey. His plant is capable of turning out three hundred shirts a day, besides as many collars and cuffs and other pieces. His machinery is operated by steam, and the workman- ship can not be surpassed by any laundry in Monmouth county. His property covers a space of 58 by 150 feet, and is thoroughly and well equipped with all modern appliances. Mr. Kelly's ability as a business man is best appreciated in measuring his successful career. Not only has his present business prospered under his able manage- ment, but other enterprises have found a stimulus through his energy and persistence. In 1894 Mr. Kelly was united in marriage to Miss Viola A., daughter of Hubbard H. and Ann M. Howland, of Eatontown, New Jersey.
Mrs. Viola A. Kelly was born at Eatontown in 1876, and is a 'most estimable lady ; her family is well known, her ancestors being among the early settlers of the Jersey coast.
EDWARD L. RICE.
On the roster of the officials of Cape May county appears the name of Edward Ludlam Rice, who is one of the most popular and efficient officers that have filled the position of county clerk. A gentleman of scholarly attainments, of marked indi- viduality and strong force of character, he is well fitted for the place of leadership accorded him in Democratic circles, for his personal worth and recognized ability secure to him the confidence and respect of the public. The true measure of indi- vidual success is determined by what one has accomplished, and, as taken in contra- distinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own
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country, there is a particular interest attaching to the career of the subject of this review, since he is a native son of the county in which he has passed his entire life and has so directed his ability and efforts as to gain recognition as one of the repre- sentative citizens of Cape May county.
His birth occurred in Dennisville, January 25, 1864, his parents being Leaming M. and Maria (Ludlam) Rice. The Rice family is of English origin and at an early day the progenitors of the family in America took up their abode in New England. For some time the Rices resided in Boston, whence Edward Rice, the great-grand- father of our subject, removed to Philadelphia. He was the captain of a merchant vessel sailing between Philadelphia and European ports and engaged in the East India trade. He died and was buried at sea while making the return voyage from Liverpool to his home. He married Hannah Leaming, and our subject now has in his possession two fine paintings of them, the work having been executed in 1791. Han- nah Leaming was a daughter of Christopher Leaming and a granddaughter of Aaron Learning. After the death of her first husband she married Aaron C. Moore. Ed- ward Rice, Jr., the grandfather of our subject, was born in Philadelphia and came to Cape May county, where he engaged in teaching school. His last days, however, were spent in his native city. He held local offices and was a gentleman of con- siderable prominence. His last days were spent in the city of his birth, where he died in 1853, at the age of sixty years. His wife passed away at the age of eighty years. She bore the maiden name of Jane Diverty, and was a daughter of a Scotch- man. Unto Edward and Jane Rice were born the following named: James D., who married Rebecca Johnson, became a miner in California at the time of the gold excitement and served his country during the Civil war; and Leaming M., the father of our subject.
William Diverty, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Aber- deen, Scotland, March 15, 1754, and was married February II, 1780, to Jane Smith, whose birth occurred March 28, 1757. He was connected with the Bruces, one of the oldest and most prominent families of Scotland that furnished to that land one of its most distinguished heroes. William Diverty died in 1811, and his wife passed away in 1832. James Diverty, their son, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, November 25, 1783, and when seventeen years of age came to the United States to complete his education. He afterward learned the cooper's trade, and when on a trip to Cape May county, where he intended to purchase hoop-poles, he met Miss Deborah Hand, whom he afterward married. She was born in 1787 and was a daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Leaming) Hand, the latter a daughter of the celebrated Aaron Leaming. After his marriage Mr. Diverty located in South Dennis, where he engaged in mer- chandising and ship building, and also dealt in cord-wood. He died May II, 1858, at the age of eighty years, and his wife passed away in 1830. They became the par- ents of James, Jesse, Jane, Mary and William.
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