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 61
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Joseph H., born in 1830, died in 1836; and Robert F., born in 1831, died in 1891. John C. Parker, the father of our subject, was a native of Red Bank, and was a farmer of considerable means and a worthy citizen. He removed to the farm now owned by our subject in 1845, there spending his remaining days, passing away in 1895. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Sevan, was born in 1814, and died in 1894. Their children were five in number, of whom three are living: Elizabeth, who was born in 1844, married Dr. S. H. Hunt, a surgeon in the Union army during the Civil war and afterward practiced medicine at Eatontown, New Jersey; Mary, who was born in 1840; and William P.
The latter was born on the farm on which he now resides, in 1855, and his entire business career has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. In September, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Alburta Wendell, who was born at Hamilton, New Jersey, in 1858, and is a daughter of Albert and Susan Wendell. Unto this union have been born two children-Charles M., who was born in June, 1879, and Asher S., born in February, 1883. Mr. Parker is well known in business circles throughout the county, and his reliability has gained him uniform confidence and regard.
PETER V. PATTERSON.
The "Plainfield Dairy Farm" at Red Bank, Monmouth county, New Jersey, is one of the best known farms in that vicinity. It is the property of Peter V. Patter- son, some account of whose busy, useful and successful career it is the purpose of the writer to give in this connection.
Peter V. Patterson is a native of Navesink, Monmouth county, New Jersey, and was born in 1859, a son of John L. and Maria Patterson. His father was born in Novia Scotia in 1812, and was during his entire active life a practical farmer. His parents were Robert and Catharine Patterson, who removed to New Jersey when John L. was six years of age. John L. Patterson was reared to farming, and owned, until 1885, the farm on which his son, Peter V. Patterson, now lives. John L. and. Maria Patterson had thirteen children, seven of whom are now living-Mary E., Alexandra C., Virginia, Hattie, John F., William F. and Peter V.
Peter V. Patterson married Miss Hannh Soper, of Poughkeepsie, New York, January 2,. 1887, and she has borne him seven children, named respectively, Robert,. Rachel, Abraham, Cora M., Charlotte C., Allie J. and William F. Charlotte C. is dead. Mr. Patterson's farm consists of fifty acres of fertile and well cultivated land which was originally a part of the Grover estate. He is not only a practical farmer but a practical dairyman as well, keeping twenty choice cows and selling an average of seventy-five quarts of milk a day. In politics he is independent, but his interest in his township and county have led him to demonstrate his public spirit in many ways, and his fellow citizens know that they may safely depend upon him to the extent of: his ability in all movements tending to the general good.
PHILIP DALY.
Throughout all the years of the greatest prosperity of Long Branch, when it was by far the most popular of the summer resorts of the Atlantic seaport, Mr. Philip Daly was a prominent figure in causing the steadily increasing flow of its visitors.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
As a club man no one was perhaps more widely known in the United States. His reputation was international, and he numbered among his friends and patrons many of the most prominent men of the old world as well as of the new. From the be- ginning to the close of his long and active business career his reputation was that of an absolutely fair man, and his word is and always has been as good as his bond, in a meaning repetition of this trite and much abused phrase. Mr. Daly has always been an efficiently generous man, and no solicitation for his contribution to a worthy public enterprise or charity has ever found in him an indifferent ear.
JOHN HENRY SKIDMORE. 1
For many years past one of the most familiar names in connection with Atlantic Highlands neighborhood has been that of Captain John Skidmore, a pioneer steamboat- man, and one of the most active and useful of those who brought that picturesque and historic spot into favorable notice for residence purposes.
He was born near Atlantic Highlands, February 28, 1828, son of Benjamin Skid- more, who was a son of Dr. John Skidmore, who was born in Philadelphia. He lived at Atlantic Highlands during the war of 1812; he died at the age of sixty seven years, and his widow is yet living at the age of seventy-four years. Their family consisted of four sons and four daughters-William, Benjamin, Richard, John Henry, Mary Ann, Eliza, Valeria and Sarah.
John H. Skidmore, third son of the parents named, attended the district school at Navesink, but when a mere boy, only eight years of age, he went to sea, and proved so thorough a sailor that his salt water experience was extended to a full half century of time. During this long period he sailed on various vessels of almost every de- scription in the coasting trade, and commanded at one time or other single-stickers, schooners and full rigged ships. In all his journeyings along a treacherous and dan- gerous shore he never once met with a serious disaster, although he made many narrow escapes from shipwreck, and witnessed many mournful scenes where human lives were literally washed away into eternity. Mr. Skidmore enjoys one peculiar dis- tinction-he put into commission the first steamboat which carried passengers between New York City and Atlantic Highlands, and during the same time he aided largely in the settlement and upbuilding of the region last named. About 1886 he abandoned a seafaring life, and since that time has devoted his attention to real estate operations and the timber business. In politics he is a Democrat.
Captain Skidmore was married to Miss Mary Cord, of Navesink. Four children were born of this marriage, of whom the eldest, Mary, is deceased. Those living are Valerie, Thomas and Benjamin, and of these the daughter named became the wife of George W. Walling, and to them were born four children.
PAUL L. DODGE.
Paul L. Dodge, of Asbury Park, New Jersey, was born in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, November 24, 1861, a son of E. R. Dodge, who was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania, and received his education at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Later he attended the Jefferson Medical College, from which he was- graduated with the degree of Doctor of Surgery. He secured a position as surgeon in the United States navy, and also acted in the
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HISTORY -OF THE NEW-JERSEY COAST.
same capacity during the Rebellion under Generals Porter and Farragut. He suffered severely from exposure to the elements, and he was also caught in a terrible typhoon while performing his duty on board the battle ship. "Dakota." Subsequently he removed to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. in order to give his children a thorough edu- cation, and his death occurred there when he was only thirty-eight years of age. His two sons were Fred H. and Paul L. Dodge.
Fred H. Dodge, brother of Paul I .. Dodge, obtained his educational training in' Bucknell University, and after his graduation he became an architect. He is employed at the present time (1902) as head designer for the firm of Potier & Stern, of New York City, one of the largest manufacturing companies in the country. He is a resident of New York City, but has a handsome country seat at Allenhurst, New Jersey.
Paul L. Dodge acquired his education at Bucknell University. Upon completing his- studies there, he attended the Spring Garden Institute, and later was a pupil. in the Art School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he pursued a course of study in designing. ' He then entered the carpet mills in the capacity of stamper, and re- mained there until he was thoroughly familiar with all the details of the carpet busi- ness. He has been engaged as a designer in various large carpet houses in Philadelphia, and he is associated at the present time with the firm of Potier & Stern, of New York City. He also performs house architectural work for the firm, and. they have designed the Waldorf-Astoria and the Manhattan hotel in New York. Mr. Dodge has designed the patterns for the carpets of the Vanderbilt, Astors and Goulds. Some of the carpets that he has designed the pattern for are sold for twenty thousand dollars.
Mr. Dodge was united in marriage to Miss Katie, daughter of David B. Kerr, who is the superintendent and manager of the carpet manufacturing firm of E. S. Higgins & Company, of New York.
CHARLES HORNER.
Charles Horner, a resident of Clarksburg, was born in Ocean county, New Jersey, March 25, 1838. His grandfather, Ezekiel Horner, was also a native of this state. and spent the latter part of his life in Ocean county, where in 1817 occurred the birth of Ezekiel Horner, Jr., the father of our subject. He devoted his energies to agri- cultural pursuits throughout the long years of an active business career, and died in Hightstown, Ocean county, in 1897, at the advanced age of eighty years, while his wife, Mrs. Susan Horner, who was born in 1819, passed away in 1894.
The family farmstead was the playground of our subject in early youth and his training school for the active duties of an agricultural career. His mental discipline was received in the district school of the neighborhood and he continued to assist in the cultivation of his father's land until he began farming on his own account. His time was thus employed in Ocean county until 1873, when he engaged in the hotel business, conducting an excellent hostelry until 1884, when in company with his son Frank he opened a general mercantile store in Clarksburg, Millstone township, in which he carried on business until 1899. They enjoyed a large trade, for those who once gave them their patronage remained as their regular customers and their reliable dealing together with the full line of goods which they carried secured to them the business support of a large majority of the residents of the community. At length with a good bank account, which had accrued from his labors, Mr. Horner retired from the store, which he sold to his son, and is now living in Clarksburg free from the cares and responsibilities of active business life:
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
On the Ist of September, 1862, Mr. Horner joined a company of soldiers pre- paring to go to the front, known as Company E, I'wenty-eighth New Jersey Regiment, and with his command he participated in all the engagements of the campaign until mustered out July 6, 1863, the term of enlistment having expired. "Soon after his return home he was married in Millstone township to Miss Ellen Bills, a granddaughter of Jolin and Mary Bills, and a daughter of John and Lucy Bills. Her grandfather died in 1855. His wife was born July 20, 1773, and the mother of Mrs. Horner was born November 15, 1820, and died in 1898, having survived her husband about thir- teen years, his death having occurred in 1885. All of Mrs. Horner's ancestors were- natives and residents of Ocean county. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children : Walter. who was born October 25, 1868, and died October 5, 1869; Luella, who was born March II, 1871, and is the wife of Charles Smith, by whom she has one child, Frank I .; Frank, who was born July 19, 1869, and married Gertrude Sylvester, of Clarksburg, by whom he has one daughter, Grace; Mary Eva, who was born September 21, 1873, and married Edward E. Fountain, principal of the public schools of Clarksburg, by whom she has a daughter, Mabel Ruth; and John H., who was born December 1, 1876, and married Eda Ely, at Perrineville, their children being Russell and Ruth. The parents and children hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Clarksburg, and Mr. Horner belongs to Conover Post, No. 63, G. A. R., and the Order of Red Men of Clarksburg. As a representative citizen of Monmouth county he deserves mention in this volume and with pleasure we present his life history to our readers.
HARRY A. HANKINS.
One of the prosperous and energetic agriculturists of Jackson township, Occan county, is Harry A. Hankins, who resides on a well improved farm of eighty-seven acres. He is a descendant of Richard Hankins who served in the Revolutionary war, displaying great courage in the battles of Valley Forge, Princeton and Mon- mouth. Among his children was John C., the grandfather of our subject,-a man of intelligence and high respectability. His family have all followed honorable profes- sions, mostly that of agiculture. Among them was John W. Hankins, the father of our subject, born August 29, 1840, near Bennetts Mills, Jackson township, Monmouth county. He was taught the trade of a carpenter, which he has followed in con- nection with agriculture during his entire life. The courage and patriotism of his ancestors was clearly manifest in him when in 1862, in response to the call of his country for soldiers, he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-eiglith New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. At the expiration of nine months, the term of his service, he was honorably discharged and returned to his'trade and the peaceful pursuits of citizenship. He was married in 1863 to Rebecca Applegate, by whom he had three children: Mary . E., deceased ; Harry A .; and Charles A.
Harry A. Hankins was born May 12, 1865, at Bennetts Mills, Jackson township, Monmouth county, and received his early education at the district school in New Prospect, which has been supplemented by reading, observation and experience. Upon his leaving the school room, he chose for his life's work that of agriculture, and his farm is one of the finest in the township, and in its neat and thrifty appearance clearly indicating the care and labor bestowed "pon it by its owner. . The modern residence has been erected on a natural building site which commands a pleasant view of the surrounding country. Substantial barns and outbuildings provide shelter for his grain and stock, and the well cultivated fields yield to him golden harvests.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
On the 20th day of December, 1885, Mr. Hankins was joined in marriage to Miss Georgia White, a daughter of James and Elizabeth White, of Hope Chapel. She was born at Hope Chapel in 1865, and belongs to a family of wide repute and high respecta- bility, whose ancestors have resided at Whitesville, some of whom have been members of the bench. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hankins has been blessed with seven children, as follows: Luella, Clara, Harold, Lloyd, Cecil, Pearl and Helen.
Harry A. Hankins is a man of sterling qualities, greatly respected by his fellow citizens, and both he and his wife have many friends throughout Ocean county. Mr. Hankins is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and takes an active part in the advancement and welfare of his community.
ROBERT A. TUSTING.
Robert A. Tusting is well known throughout his locality and is a worthy repre- sentative of an old and honored family. He is a son of Robert and Louisa (Hack) Tusting, and was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of December, 1860. In both the paternal and maternal lines he is of English descent. On leaving that country the paternal grandfather of our subject purchased a large tract of land in Canada, from which place he subsequently removed to the United States, here pur- suing his profession as a doctor of medicine in Philadelphia. The maternal grand- father of our subject was a collector for the port of London.
The boyhood days of Robert A. Tusting were passed in Allentown, New Jersey, where his father practiced medicine for many years. He attended the public schools of that place and was prepared for Princeton, but owing to astigmatic conditions of his eyes constant study so weakened the sight that he was compelled to forego a collegiate course. However, endowed with a retentive memory and naturally studious, he was, while still a boy, able to teach school, beginning his career as an instructor in Middlesex county, near Cranbury. From childhood he had displayed a taste for music, and under the tuition of his mother became an able pianist, while subsequently he continued his musical studies in Philadelphia and later studied the pipe organ under Peter Snecker, of New York. During the time that he was employed in teach- ing school at Cranbury and Ellisdale Mr. Tusting was also privately engaged as a " teacher of music, and after his removal to Monmouth county he was elected supervisor of music in the Long Branch schools, having charge of the piano department. Con- stant application to his profession and continual study, however, caused too great a strain upon his weak eyes, and he found it necessary to seek an occupation which would require less strain upon the sight. Accordingly in 1883 he purchased the musical instrument business of William Baldwin, which he has since conducted with success. As a merchant he has displayed the same powers of concentration that made him a successful teacher, and by constant application and good business judgment he has built up a large and profitable mercantile enterprise, He is also a stockholder, director and secretary of the Monmouth Trust & Safe depository. Shortly after establish- ing himself in Asbury Park Mr. Tusting became a member of the board of education of the township, and when the city was organized he was elected president of the board, since which time he has continuously filled that position. From the age of fourteen years, when he went from door to door to call a meeting to agitate the erection of a school house, until the present time he has been deeply interested in schools, and it is but just and merited praise to state that he has been largely instrumental in giving Asbury Park its present satisfactory system of public education. His experience as
Ta. Justing
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
a teacher and his knowledge of the requirements thereof, together with the enthusiasm which he displays in all movements in which he becomes interested, have made his services of more than ordinary value. He is also a member of the building com- mittee of the school board, and the erection of the present modern school edifice-a model of its kind-can be attributed largely to his efforts. Another educational enter- prise with which he is actively identified is the Public Library Association, of which he has been a trustee since the organization of the board.
In August, 1890, occurred the marriage of Mr. Tusting and Miss Mary F. Ford, of Whippany, Morris county, New Jersey, and they have two sons,-Robert E. and Philip Ford. In his fraternal relations our subject is a member of the Masonic body, being a past master of Asbury Lodge, No. 142, a member of Standard Chapter, No. 35, of Long Branch, and of Corson Commandery, No. 15, K. T., of Asbury Park.
JOHN L. ELY.
John L. Ely, who is engaged in farming in Holmdel township, where he owns a part of the old family homestead which came into possession of his ancestors in the latter part of the seventeenth century, was born March 27, 1860. It was in the early part of the seventeenth century that the Ely family was founded in America by English emigrants, who settled near Boston, Massachusetts. Soon afterward repre- sentatives of the name came to New Jersey. The first of whom we have any record in Mercer county is John Ely, who purchased a large tract of land in what is now Mon- mouth county, and a part of this constitutes the 'home farm of one hundred and fifty-one acres, upon which our subject now resides, while another portion of the original purchase is comprised within a large farm owned by his brother. Joshua Ely, probably a son of John Ely, also lived in this locality and at one time owned most of the original purchase. He was the great-grandfather of our subject.
Joshua Ely married Ann Chamberlain and unto them were born four children, one of whom, John J. Ely, the grandfather of our subject, became a leading and influ- ential men of the state; possessed of acute perceptions and a broad and cultured mind, he exercised strong influence in public affairs and was well fitted for leadership, owing to his ability' and his loyal devotion to the general good. In politics he was a Demo- crat and on the ticket of that party was elected to the general assembly, where he served on several important committees. He also filled the office of sheriff of Mon- mouth county for two terms. Throughout his business career he carried on general farming and was widely and favorably known for his upright principles, his fidelity to business ethics and his adherence to whatever he believed to be right.
Thomas C. Ely, the father of our subject, was born on the old home farm De- cember 22, 1822, and pursued his early education in the village schools of Holmdel, while later he continued his studies in an academy at Lenox, Massachusetts. The chosen occupation of his ancestors he also made his life work, and his energy and industry were among his salient characteristics and led to his success. He was held in uniform regard wherever he was known, for he merited the trust and respect of his fellow men. His death occurred when he had reached the age of seventy-two years. In 1858 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Longstreet, a representative of one of the oldest and most distinguished families of this part of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ely were born three children, of whom two sons grew to manhood: John L. and William H. The latter was born July 1, 1862, and now owns and operates the western portion of the old homestead, which was formerly in possession of his grandfather.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
John L. Ely was educated in the village schools and in early life worked on the home farm, following the plow almost as soon as 'he was old enough to reach the handles. He has placed his land under a very high state of fertility, making it one of the most productive places in this portion of the state. His fine orchards em- brace twenty acres of land and contain splendid varieties of apple, pear and peach trees, the fruit from which commands a ready sale on the market, owing to the excellence, flavor and size of the product.
On the 16th of December, 1885, Mr. Ely was united n marriage to Miss Adeline, a daughter of John L. and Adeline (Walling) Jewett, both members of old families of Monmouth county. Four children grace the union of our subject and his wife: Elizabeth, Adeline, Achsah and Thomas C. Mr. Ely votes with the Republican party and strongly advocates its principles, but does not seek or desire office, preferring that his attention shall be devoted to his business affairs, whereby he is annually in- creasing his income. He is a member of the Junior League of American Mechanics . and is favorably known within and without the order. .
CAPTAIN WILLIAM DE GROFF.
Captain William De Groff, a prominent resident of Keyport, Monmouth county, New Jersey, was born on September 23, 1848, at Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He is a son of Abram and Sarah (Lansing) De Groff, the former a native of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, New York. Abram De Groff acquired his education in the public schools of his native town, subsequently removing to Perth Amboy, where he devoted his time to agricultural pursuits and to the cultivation of oysters. Politically he was an old-line Whig, later becoming a Republican. While residing at Hyde Park he was made captain of a company of home guards. Mr. and Mrs. De Groff reared a family of thirteen children, namely: Adelia, married to J. L. Crowell, of Perth Amboy; John L .; Ezekiel; Mary; George; Marilla; and Jane, all deceased; Eugenia, wife of Richard Maxwell, of Yonkers, New York; Edwin; William; Sarah; Jacob and Steplien De Groff.
William De Groff for several years was a student at the high school of Newark, New Jersey. He then assisted his father with the management of the farm, and subsequently for five years found employment on board a steamship plying between Delaware and New York. So faithful was he in the discharge of his duties that he was advanced from rank to rank, finally becoming a captain. In 1875 he estab- lished himself in the oyster trade at Keyport, and so successfully has he carried it on that now he conducts the largest business of its kind in the town.
In his political views Mr. De Groff is a stanch and firm believer in Republican principles ; though never seeking office, yet on account of his popularity among the citizens he has been made chairman of Raritan township committee, and is also a member of the county committee. He takes a keen interest in all municipal affairs, and is recognized as a leader in the district in which he resides. He is a member of the Masters and Pilots Association of New York City, and a member of the Key- port fire engine company.
Captain De Groff is a firm adherent of the Masonic order, being a member and actively interested in Cesarea Lodge, No. 64, F. & A. M., a member and high priest of Delta Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M., and he is also a member of Corson Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templar. He has the good will and respect of the brethren of the Masonic order throughout the state of New Jersey.
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