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 62
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Captain De Groff was united in marriage to Emma Hanson, daughter of James Hanson, of New Castle, Delaware. Two children have been born of this union, Mary and Lolita.
DAVID F. VAN NORTWICK.
Monmouth county, New Jersey, includes among its leading and highly esteemed citizens David F. Van Nortwick, who is now living retired at his beautiful home in Belmar. A native of New Brunswick, New Jersey, he was born in 1850, a son of Christian and Eliza (Gordan) Van Nortwick. The father, who was of Holland Dutch ancestry, was one of the early settlers of New Jersey, as were also the mother's people. Her grandfather Gordan was. a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Van Nortwick was an enterprising and successful farmer, much respected in the locality in which he made his home, and was a liberal contributor to the Reformed church.
David F. Van Nortwick, of this review, was married on the 21st of February, 1870, to Isabella White, who was born in 1855, a daughter of Peter and Jane (Shafto) White, both of English ancestry. An uncle of Mrs. Van Nortwick, Robert Shafto, at one time owned a large tract of land where the village of Spring Lake now stands. Peter White was also a large land owner, owning extensive tracts at. Belmar, but in 1872 he sold two hundred and fifty acres to the association which has since developed the place into a popular summer resort. His father, John L. White, owned at one time over six hundred acres of land at this place, which he purchased at a very early day for six hundred pounds sterling. He was an extensive farmer, a successful business man, a muchi respected citizen and a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church. The home of Mrs. Van Nortwick is a part of the original purchase of her grandfather and has been in the possession of the family for over one hundred years, the plot consisting of one acre. Peter White, who was born at Belmar in 1801, died in 1884. and his wife survived until the Ist of January, 1892, passing away at the age of seventy- eight years. They had a family of three sons and two daughters, but the sons have all passed away. Mrs. Van Nortwick's sister, Sarah, is now the wife of John Davison and a resident of Wall township, Monmouth county. Onc brother, Robert, was a soldier in the Civil war, and he was called upon to lay down his life in the defense of his country. Mr. Van Nortwick is a genial and much respected citizen, and is a Republican in his political affiliations. For several years he has been a member of the common council of Belmar. He is a prominent member and an elder in the Presbyterian church, to which both he and his wife are liberal contributors.
E. E. CRENNING.
The world is not slow to pass judgment upon the individual, and when a man has won the respect and confidence of those with whom he has had business and social relations it is by reason of his intrinsic honor and worthy achievements. Among the representative business men of the younger generation in Milltown, Middlesex county, New Jersey, is the gentleman whose name initiates this review and who is a native son of the town which now figures as his home. Through well directed effort and honorable methods he has built up an important and profitable enterprise here, in the manufacturing of extracts and drug specialties, and his is the prestige and success which conic only as the concomitant of progressive ideas worked out to a practical realization. Such is his standing in the community that he is particularly worthy of representation in this work.
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Mr. Crenning, as has already been stated, is a native of Milltown, where he was born on the gth of October, 1863, being one of the four sons of Henry and Harriet (Mulholland) Crenning, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in New York City. At the age of fourteen years Henry Crenning left the German fatherland and came to the United States. He had been trained in the excellent schools of Germany and had also been taught the valuable lessons of industry and self-reliance while he was still a mere lad, so that he was not ill equipped to face the problems of life, even though early thrown upon his own resources. He located in Milltown, New Jersey, soon after his arrival in America and here entered the employ of the Meyer Rubber Company, with whose operations he continued to be identified for nearly half a century-until the concern closed up its business. He was a faithful. and honored employe of the company, as is evident from this long term of service, and in the community where he has thus practically passed his entire life he has ever commanded unequivocal respect and esteem. He and his devoted wife still reside 'here, the former having now practically retired from active business associa- tions. They became the parents of four children, namely: E. W .; William H .; E. E., the immediate subject of this sketch; and O. J. The father and all of his sons give their political support to the Republican party.
E. E. Crenning secured his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools of Milltown and later attended the Oak Hill school. While yet a mere lad, the as- sumed personal responsibilities, as had his father before him, being employed by the same company with which his sire had inaugurated his business career. Finally, having attained a good knowledge of business methods, Mr. Crenning determined to. engage in business on his own responsibility, and associated himself with Mr. Brisett, under the firm name of Brisett & Crenning, and engaged in the manufacture of and wholesale dealing in extracts and rug specialties. The partnership was dissolved. at the expiration of four years and since that time our subject 'has individually con- ducted the enterprise, which has grown to be one of considerable scope and importance. He has been essentially progressive and has directed his busines's with discrimination. and with that integrity of purpose, which always begets objective confidence and sup- porting patronage. In connection with his manufacturing and wholesale business Mr. Crenning also conducted a wholesale drug business in his native town for a number of years until 1901, when his store was destroyed by fire and he has not resumed business in the retail line, finding that the other branches of enterprise place full demands upon his time and attention. Mr. Crenning has thus far clung to a life of celibacy, residing with his parents, to whom he accords the deepest filial solicitude, conferring credit upon them as well as himself by his upright and useful career as a business man and a citizen.
While a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party and an active worker in its local ranks, Mr. Crenning has never sought the honors or emoluments of public office. Fraternally he is identified with Charles L. Walters Council of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, of which he is treasurer at the time of this writing; and with the New Brunswick Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having identified himself with this fraternity when twenty-two years of age.
DANIEL F. HENDRICKSON.
Daniel F. Hendrickson, who is the subject of this biography, is a descendant of" one of the most conspicuous families of Monmouth county, New Jersey, its antiquity and honorable character placing it in the front rank.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
In 1663 Hendrick Henderson, of Westphalia, Holland, left his home by the Zuyder Zee and crossed the ocean to the new world. He had brought with him his wife and household goods and located in the same part of the United States which claims its ancestry from Holland. The exact location which this ancestor selected was Flat Lands, Long Island, and from that forefather came the family to which our subject belongs, the branches of which are now scattered over many states. Hendrick Henderson married Jane Lutguirt and they had two children,-Hendrick and Daniel.
Daniel Hendrickson, that is, Daniel, the son of Hendrick, was the first Dutchman who held high office under Queen Anne in Monmouth county, New Jersey, Her Ma- jesty appointing him to the position of high sheriff.
Daniel Hendrickson, son of Daniel, married Catherine Van Dyke, and they also had a son Daniel, who was born in 1723. This son was educated at Yale College, at which he graduated, and was then sent to France to complete his education as a minister of the Reformed church, but later his artistic instincts caused him to abandon that idea and become an artist. A picture portrait of himself, painted from his re- flection in a mirror, is still a possession of the family. Daniel Hendrickson became distinguished during the Revolutionary war, being captain of a company of Mon- mouth troops and was particularly mentioned for gallant action at the battle of Lewisburg. The wife of this noted ancestor was Catherine Cowenhoven, and they had a family of twelve children. Daniel (3) died in 1788.
Cornelius Hendrickson, son of Daniel (3), was born in 1746, and he, too, was conspicuous in the Revolutionary war, being one of the "minute men." He married Lydia Vanderbilt, who was a sister to the father of Commodore Vanderbilt, a name well known not only through New Jersey but over the world. Cornelius died in 1804, leaving three children,-Daniel C. (4), Catherine and Peggy.
Daniel C., the fourth Daniel in the family line was born in 1783, and married Deborah Tilton and died in 1863. Their two sons were Daniel T. and Cornelius.
Daniel Hendrickson, the fifth of the family name, was born in 1822 and died in 1857. He married Deborah Morris, who was a daughter of George W. Morris, and to this union six children were born, five of these still surviving.
Daniel C., the sixth Daniel and the father of our subject, was born in 1854 and married Lillian Bloodgood, who was a native of New York, and the one son of this union is our subject, the seventh Daniel, who was born on July 29, 1876. Fortunate social surroundings and family influence gave our subject every possible educational advantage. From the district school he passed into the Keyport high school, at which he graduated with honor in 1891, and then entered Peddie Institute, graduating at this institution in 1895. Then he entered Princeton College and there pursued a classical course for the succeeding two years, since which time Mr. Hendrickson has taken a prominent part among the brokers of New York City. His trained faculties, his ex- cellent judgment and his inherited calm good sense and business instinct have all contributed to the happy results by which the name of our subject has become a synonym for excellent and substantial citizenship.
Mr. Hendrickson was united in marriage in 1901 to Miss Bertha L. Willett, who was a daughter of George Willett, of Port Monmouth, New Jersey. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, the Royal Arcanum, the Holland Society, the Alpha Phi fraternity, the Princeton 'Club and the Cavalry Troop of Red Bank.
Mr. Hendrickson well represents a family which traces an ancestry far beyond the American founder, even to Captain Cornelius Hendricks, the famous commander of the "Onrest," which was the first vessel from Holland to enter New York harbor, in 1598. Our subject is a type of the manly, energetic citizen produced by a com-
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
mingling of superior blood, social opportunities and high education, and his business career has shown that he can be trusted with great responsibilities and large business interests.
THOMAS HOBEN.
One of the much respected citizens of Monmouth county, New Jersey, is Thomas Hoben, who was born in Ireland, on December 23, 1839, and who was a son of Patrick and Mary Hoben. The former died in the old country in 1848, but the mother lived to cross the sea, in 1893. She lived but two years in the strange land, dying in 1805, at the age of seventy-four years.
Mr. Hoben has always been a farmer and has passed forty years at agricultural work in Manalapan township. During the Civil war he became connected with the navy and faithfully served his adopted country from 1861 to 1865.
Mr. Hoben was married at the Catholic church at Freehold, in 1860, to Miss Ann Mehan, and eight children were born to them. It is most sad to record that all of the bright littie lives were ended in 1873 from that scourge of infancy, diphtheria. This was a crushing affliction to Mr. and Mrs. Hoben. When a niece, who was Miss Mary Hoben, was married to James McCaffery, a farmer of Manalapan township, they took up their residence with them.
Mr. Hoben and wife are worthy and consistent members of the Catholic church, while he is fraternally connected with Conover Post, No. 63, G. A. R., of Freehold, in which he is highly valued.
EDMUND STERNE MORGAN.
A man whose life has been one of active and successful labor is Edmund S. Morgan, who is now living retired at Jackson Mills, Ocean county, New Jersey. He is a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was born on the anniversary of the independence of our country, July 4, 1854. In early life he spent much of his time abroad, receiving his education in various schools of the east and at the Western Uni- versity of Pennsylvania (Pittsburg). Desiring a broader knowledge along educational lines, he crossed the ocean to Germany and there entered the Heidelberg University, taking a course in the medical department, from which he was graduated. Upon his return to his native land he engaged in newspaper work, which he followed with marked success for twenty-five years, principally upon the morning papers of New York City.
For his companion through life he chose Miss Fostina W. Matthews, a daughter of Benjamin and Patience (Strickland) Mathews. Mrs. Edmund S. Morgan is a descendant of an old and highly respected family of New Jersey. Her maternal and great-grandfather, Cornelius Strickland, removed from Blue Ball early in life, locat- ing in the vicinity of Jacksons Mills and was numbered among the first settlers of that section of the state, then known as Howell township, Monmouth county. At this time the Indians were numerous and the Meteteconk tribe dwelt in close proximity to Mr. Strickland. He married Miss Bennett, and of the children born to this worthy couple was Berkalow Strickland, who was the grandfather of Mrs. Morgan. He. and his wife, Abbey Strickland, became the parents of a family of children, of whom was Mrs. Patience Mathews. She was joined in marriage to Benjamin Mathews, who was born in 1836, and is now living in retirement on a farm of three hundred
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
acres, the property of Mrs. Mathews. Benjamin Mathews is a man widely and favor- ably known in Ocean county. He has spent considerable time in Keyport, where he successfully conducted a livery business, and through his upright dealings and high moral principles became known as a mian of true worth. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Mathews now consists of Mrs. Fostina W. Morgan, and Mrs. Anne E. Sproul, who married the Honorable John S. Sproul, of Keyport, New Jersey, who is now deceased. He was a member of the assembly from Monmouth county, and an active worker and leader of the Republican party in his county.
Mrs. Pacience (Strickland) Mathews is the owner of the mill now known as Jacksons Mills. Before she came into its possession the property had passed through several hands. In 1750 the place was known as Lawrence's Mill; in 1763 it passed to Samuel Reynolds, who conveyed it in 1814 to Samuel I. Foreman; in 1821 Hugh Jackson became the owner of the property, but sold it in 1832 to Cornelius Foreman. Three years later it again became the property of Hugh Jackson, but during that year passed into the hands of Benjamin Mathews, who married Miss Ann Jackson. The property is in good condition and is considered very valuable.
WILLIAM TRUSTRUM.
William Trustrum, who is an energetic and prosperous agriculturist of Wood- bridge township, Middlesex county, was born July 21, 1830, in Gamble-Gay county, Cambridgeshire, England. He is a representative of an old English family ; his grand- father, Thomas Trustrum, as well as his father, William, were natives of England. The father, with his wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Violetta Moore, a daugh- ter of Thomas Moore and a native of England, came to America in 1834, when our subject was but four years of age, and settled at Woodbridge Neck, Woodbridge township, Middlesex county. Here he engaged in farming and was greatly respected by all who knew him.
William Trustrum, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the public schools of Rahway, New Jersey, until seventeen years of age, when he learned the business of manufacturing sash and blinds. For twelve years he pursued this busi- ness at Morrissania, New York, and for a period of ten years, during that time, he also conducted a milk business in New York City. He then returned to Woodbridge town- ship andl located on a farm, where he is still residing. He has successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, being the owner of a comfortable residence, a large dairy of forty cows, substantial barns and outbuildings, and all modern implements and equipments necessary with which to carry on farm work. His industry and well guided efforts have brought to him well merited success, and his well tilled fields annually yield to him golden harvests.
On the first day of June, 1852, William Trustrum was joined in marriage to Miss Jane Scardefield, a young lady of intelligence and refinement, who has been to him a most willing helpmate in his life work. She passed away on the 10th of June, 1889, greatly mourned by all who knew her. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Trustrum have been born five children, namely: Violetta, William, Jane, George, deceased, and Mary.
In politics Mr. Trustrum is a stanch Democrat, supporting the men and measures of this party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Morris- sania, New York, and also holds membership with the St. Paul Episcopal church at Rahway, New Jersey. His life has been one of perseverance and fidelity to his duties, and as a man of honor and uprightness, he well deserves the high regard in which he is held by his friends and associates.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
RICHARD E. K. ROTHFRITZ.
Richard E. K. Rothfritz is one of the representative German-American citizens of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Always a faithful and conscientious workman at his trade of marble and granite cutting, he has worked his way gradually toward the top of the ladder that so many climb only to fall, overcome by the obstacles they en- counter, until he is now the head of the successful establishment located at 905 Main street, Asbury Park.
Mr. Rothfritz was born in Maulbroun, Germany, February 17, 1857. He is the son of William and Katherine Rothfritz. His education was received in the schools of Maulbroun and Stuttgart, Germany. After completing his schooling he took up the trade of marble and granite cutting, thoroughly mastering its details. Growing restless in the confines of a small town, and looking out toward a future bright with possible achievement, young Rothfritz made his way to America, and located at Newark, New Jersey. Here he worked at his trade for about two years and in 1883 took up his residence in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where he was employed by Genung & Co. in the same line of work until 1895. He then established himself in business as the successor of Genung & Co., in the manufacture of granite and marble headstones, curbing, flagging and the furnishing of all kinds of stone for building purposes. His yard and office are located, as before stated, on Main street.
Fraternally Mr. Rothfritz is a member of Asbury Lodge, No. 142, F. & A. M .; of Asbury Park Lodge, No. 253, I. O. O. F .; Park Lodge, No. 38, A. O. U. W. He is also connected with the Asbury Park Wheelman Club. He is an honored member of the Evangelical Lutheran church of the Atonement, of Asbury Park. On August 22, 1883, Mr. Rothfritz married Miss Katherine Stoll, who was also a native of Germany. Their marriage took place at Newark, New Jersey, and their four children are as follows: K. P. Mary, born June 20, 1884; Emma E. A., born January, 1887; Charles W., born October 26, 1891; George G. A., born January 26, 1893.
JOHN BAIRD.
John Baird, who was one of the most honored of the old and substantial farmers of Marlboro, Monmouth county, New Jersey, was born on his father's farm in Marl- boro, May 5, 1822. He was reared to farm life, attending school only during the winter months. He remained on the farm, achieved an abundant competence, the universal respect and confidence of all his townsmen and an honorable old age. He died suddenly in his chair of heart disease in his old home at Marlboro July 10, 1898.
In 1848 he was married to Sarah DeNise, with whom he lived on the old homestead for fifty years. They were members of the old Marlboro Dutch Reformed church. The children born by this union were: Sarah, born in 1849; James H., born in 1851; Daniel De Nise, born in 1854; David August, born in 1857; Robert Cook, born in 1860; and Carleton H., born in 1865. Of these children Daniel D. died in 1872; David is living, a widower with his mother, Mrs. John Baird, on a farm near Marl- boro village. James H. is engaged in the produce business in Marlboro village.
Mr. Baird's father, Mr. James J. Baird, was born in Marlboro township, Mon- mouth county, in 1791, and followed farming there during his entire life time. By marriage to Emma Birch, he had six children: Elizabeth, John B., David, K. H., Henry Q. and Caroline B., all of whom were either farmers or farmers' wives. This ancestor died March 1, 1848, and his relict died March 10, 1861.
Mrs. Sarah Baird, widow of John Baird, the subject of this sketch, is the only
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surviving member of the family of her father, Daniel De Nise. He was a native of Freehold, now Marlboro township, Monmouth county, and was born in 1795. Her mother was Ann Wycoff, a native of old Freehold township and was born in 1797. Mrs. Baird is the only survivor of a family of five sisters: Jane Maria, Alice, Cath- erine, Mary G. and Sarah, born to their parents between the years 1817 and 1831. Alice became Mrs. Henry Buck; Catherine, Mrs. John DeNise; Mary, Mrs. Sylvesta Buck; and Sarah, Mrs. John Baird. Her father, Daniel, died in 1885 and her mother five years later. The ancestor of the DeNise family, according to tradition, was Tennis Denise, born in Gelderland, Holland, and died in Freehold township in 1663. His descendants took an active part as patriots in the Revolutionary war and also distinguished themselves in the war of 1812.
WILLIAM H. BANNARD.
William H. Bannard was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, February 16, 1875. He prepared for college in the Princeton preparatory school, entered Princeton University in 1894 and was graduated in 1898. At college he was deeply interested in athletics and was a member of the foot ball teams of 1894-95-96 and 97. He displayed oratorical ability and participated in the graduating exercises of 1898 as the recitation orator. After graduation he began the study of law, remaining for eighteen months as a student in the office of Fred Parker in Long Branch. While engaged in studying law he invested some money in the furnishing business then conducted by Walter Davis in Asbury Park. In the summer of 1900 Mr. Davis died and Mr. Bannard purchased the entire business. He then discontinued the study of law and has since given all of his time and attention to his mercantile esablishment.
There is probably no other city of the size of Asbury Park that can boast of any mercantile establishment of the style and size of that conducted by Mr. Bannard. The line of merchandise handled is best described as "furnishings," including all materials for furnishing and decorating homes from the lowest in price to artistic gems of highest value. The business extends from Seabright to Barnegat bay and goods are shipped all over the United States and Canada and occasional deliveries have been made to points in Europe and Asia. Two large buildings 100 by 75 and Ico and 40, five stories in height, having floor space of nearly 60,000 square feet, are required to transact the business, which it can truthfully be stated has been remarkably successful.
Mr. Bannard is deeply interested in politics. He is secretary of the Republican executive committee of Asbury Park and is vice-president of the Young Men's Re- publican Club. He is a director of the Asbury Park Wheelmen. a director of the Monmouth Club and a member of the University and Princeton Clubs of New York.
GEORGE SMITH LIDDLE.
George Smith Liddle, who is holding the responsible position of superintendent of clay mining for E. A. Edgar, is an enterprising man widely known in his native county-for he was born on the old Liddle homestead in Woodbridge township, Middlesex county, August 1I, 1855. His father, Joshua Liddle, was born in West- moreland, England, March 8, 1807, and spent the first twenty-five years of his life in his native land. He then bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for the new
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