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 63
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
world. Locating at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, he was first employed on the railroad and later purchased a farm in Woodbridge township, Middlesex county-the place now known as the Liddle homestead. He at once began its further development and. improvement and transformed it into a very desirable property. His wife bore the maiden name of Anna Buck.
In the local schools near his home George S. Liddle pursued his studies until fourteen years of age and after that attended only in the winter months, for in the summer season his services were needed upon the farm in the cultivation of the fields and the harvesting of crops. At the age of twenty-two he went west, remaining for a year, but on the expiration of that period he returned to New Jersey and locating in the town of Woodbridge, there conducted a grocery store for four years. On dis- posing of his stock he entered his present position as superintendent of clay mining for F. A. Edgar, and for eight years he has served in this capacity, having charge of the labors of those who are engaged in digging clay on Mr. Edgar's land.
On the goth of October, 1884, Mr. Liddle was united in marriage to Miss Anna Augusta Hope, of Woodbridge township, Middlesex county, and they have three living children : Thomas Wesley; Ralph Farnum; and Nettie Manning. Willam, a fourth child. died in infancy. They reside at Fords, and are well known people of the community. In his political views Mr. Liddle is an earnest Republican and for several years he held the position of road master for one of the districts of Wood- bridge township, during which time 'his capable service was highly commended. His life has been one of industry and all that he has was achieved through his own efforts.
WILLIAM J. McDEDE.
Success is methodical and consecutive and comes only as the result of well' di- rected endeavor backed by unwavering integrity of purpose. In referring to the career of Mr. McDede we can do so with a feeling of respect and satisfaction, for he is recognized and honored as one of the reliable and representative business men of New Brunswick, New Jersey, where practically his entire life has been passed. Here he is engaged in the undertaking and livery business, having a well equipped establish- ment in each department of his enterprise and so conducting the same as to merit and secure the good will and confidence of all with whom he has dealings, thus adding to the high reputation secured by his honored father, who established the business and whom he succeeded in the same. A brief review of the career of Mr. McDede is therefore signally appropriate in this work.
Mr. McDede was born in Warren county, New Jersey, on the 18th of June, 1857, and thus is one of the younger generation of business men in New Brunswick. He is the youngest of the children born to William and Mary (Butler) McDede, and one of the seven surviving at the present time. His father was born in Ireland, of stanch old stock, and inherited the indomitable energy and alert mentality so characteristic of the race. He emigrated to America as a youth and here was solemnized his mar- riage to Miss Mary Butler, a native of New Jersey. About the year 1830 they located in New Brunswick, the father 'here establishing himself in the undertaking business at 23 Easton avenue, where our subject now has his headquarters in this line, the place having been consecutively utilized for this purpose from the time of the inception of the enterprise, many years ago. His livery and auxiliary headquarters are located at 68 and 70 Albany street, and he figures as the leading funeral director and livery- man of the town.
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Our subject received his early educational discipline in the public schools of New Brunswick and supplemented this by an effective course of study in an excellent institution in the city of Philadelphia. He left school in 1878 and forthwith became associated with his father in business, thus continuing until the death of the latter, in 1883, when he succeeded to the business, purchasing the remaining interest in the same. The livery adjunct of the enterprise had been added in 1881, and this has received an excellent support from the start, while affording also exceptional facilities in connection with the undertaking branch of the business. The mother of our subject is still living, having attained a venerable age.,
In his political proclivities the attitude of Mr. McDede is indicated by the stanch allegiance he accords to the Democratic party, but the only official preferment which he has held is that of coroner. Fraternally he is a popular member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Royal Hibernians. He is well known in New Brunswick, where his friends are in number as his acquaint- ances.
F. M. KITCHEL, D. D. S.
The acknowledged leader in the ranks of the dental fraternity in Perth Amboy, Dr. Kitchel has risen to his present enviable position through earnest study, close application and marked ability. With a nature that could not be content with mediocrity and prompted by a laudable ambition to rise in his profession he has steadily advanced step by step, keeping in touch with the progress made in the science of dentistry and thus he has gained prestige that is indicated by the regard which his fellow practitioners entertain for him and by the liberal patronage which he receives.
He is descended from one of the old and prominent families of the state, tracing his ancestry back to Robert Kitchel, who was born in 1604 and died in 1672. He married Margaret Sheaffe, a daughter of the Rev. Edward Sheaffe, of Cranbrooke, Kent, England, and on the 26th of April, 1629, they left the "merrie isle" with the company of Puritan refugees, led by the Rev. Henry Whitfield, sailing in the first vessel that landed its passengers in the harbor of Quinepiac, now New Haven, Connecticut. They settled at Guilford and Robert Kitchel became one of the leading and influential residents of the community, but not satisfied with the location on account of the liberality denied the Puritans he joined colonists from Guilford, Bran- ford, Milford and New Haven and removed to New Jersey, becoming one of the most prominent of the first settlers of Newark. Robert Kitchel was accompanied by his son Samuel, who was born in 1633 and died in 1690. He first married Eliza- beth Wakeman and after her death wedded Grace Pierson, a daughter of Abraham Pierson, one of the leaders in the Newark settlement. Robert Kitchel also had two daughters: Joanna, the wife of the Rev. Jeremiah Peck, and Sarah, who died in Guilford, Connecticut.
The children of Samuel Kitchel by his first wife were Elizabeth, Abigail, Samuel, Mary and Susanna, while those born of the second marriage were Abraham and Grace. The former married Sarah Bruen and their children werc Samuel, Joseph, John, David, Gracc, Mary Alice and Abigail. Of this family David was the ancestor in direct line to our subject. He married Ruth Tuttle and unto them were born four children, Uzal, Stephen, Zenas and Abigail. Stephen married Hannah Darling and their children were Ezekiel, Joseph, Zenas, Jemima, Susan and Timothy.
Zenas Kitchel was the grandfather of the Doctor. He wedded Mary Tuttle
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
and unto them were born the following named: Elizabeth, Stephen, Francis Wilmot, Isabella, David F. and Parkhurst. Stephen Kitchel, the Doctor's father, was united in marriage to Miss Ann Kelsey and their union was blessed with nine children : Frank M., Mary, Clara, Nellie, Ned, Bessie, Anna, Elma and Susie.
Dr. Kitchel, whose name forms the caption of this article, was born February 21, 1854, in New Jersey and after acquiring his literary education he prepared for the practice of dentistry, following the profession for a quarter of a century. Of this time twenty-two years have been passed in Perth Amboy and he has easily maintained a leading place in the ranks of dental practitioners. He has a well appointed office and his liberal patronage is constantly increasing. Prominent in social circles and in public affairs, he is a well known and valued representative of the Masonic fra- ternity and the Royal Arcanum of Perth Amboy. He is also a member of the New Jersey Historical Society and is president of the board of trustees of the Perth Amboy library. He takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community along lines of progress and improvement and is accounted one of the most prominent and respected citizens of the county.
THOMAS H. HAGERTY.
Thomas H. Hagerty is one of the younger members of the bar of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, but his prominence is by no means measured by his years; on the con- trary he has won a reputation which many an older practitioner might well envy. A native of this state, he was born on the 3d of January, 1877, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, at which place his parents, Patrick and Mary (Hughes) Hagerty, still reside.
During his boyhood and youth Mr. Hagerty attended both the public and parochial schools of New Brunswick, and after completing his literary education took up the study of law in the office of Peter F. Daly, where he read Blackstone and other commentaries for a time: He subsequently entered the New York University Law School, and was graduated at that instituton in 1899. On the 12th of November, 1900, he was admitted to the bar and came to Perth Amboy, at once opening an office at this place. Although his stay here has been of short duration, he has already built up a good general practice, and his clientage is constantly increasing. He prac- tices in all the courts of the state and is thoroughly versed in the law. In his political affiliations Mr. Hagerty is a stalwart Democrat, and in his social relations is connected with the Knights of Columbus.
JOHN HENNESSEY.
The subject of this review is the prime factor in the well known firm of Hennessey Brothers, of North Long Branch, New Jersey, and though the business is conducted under the title given, Mr. Hennessey's brother and able coadjutor in the enterprise died in 1895, since which time the management of the business has devolved entirely upon the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph.
Mr. Hennessey is a native son of New Jersey, having been born at Hamilton, Monmouth county, on the 18th of November, 1844, a son of John and Elizabeth (White) Hennessey, the former of whom was born on the fair Emerald Isle and the
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
latter in Monmouth county. They became the parents of twelve chidren, of whom eleven attained years of maturity, the subject of this sketch having been the third in order of birth. John Hennessey, Sr., was a farmer of considerable means and wielded no slight influence in the community where he maintained his home. He was a man who commanded uniform confidence and esteem, as his incumbency of the office of road master for a period of more than fifteen years amply testifies.
Our subject's maternal grandfather, Garrett White, achieved a brilliant record as an intrepid and efficient officer in the war of 1812, during which conflict he was stationed at Sandy Hook, in command of a company of Monmouth county militia. He was every inch a soldier, with loyal fighting blood coursing through his system, and in every cause and in all the relations of life he gave unequivocal evidence of his devo- tion to duty and his intrinsic patriotism, thus winning the respect and admiration of aN who knew hini.
John Hennessey, Jr., to whom this sketch is dedicated. received his early edu- cational discipline in his native town, and, as is the case with the average boy reared near the seaboard, he early acquired a taste for fishing, and forthwith began to turn his efforts in this direction to some profitable account, thus showing that business sagacity and pragmatic ability which have conserved his success in connection with industrial enterprises of later years. Thus through his love of fishing came his introduction into the field of commercial endeavor. When in his seventeenth year he began operations at Port Monmouth, where he continued for some time. In 1863 his next venture in connection with the fisheries industry was made in the Shrewsbury river, but his success did not meet his anticipations, and in 1864 he took up piloting as a business, having already become a skillful navigator through his long experience along the coast and its bays and rivers. This vocation, however, he soon abandoned and accepted a position on the City of Richmond, a vessel which was at that time used as a transport in the government service. Mr. Hennessey did not long retain this incumbency, leaving the same to become an attache of a steamer belonging to the Old Neptune line. During these several changes the war of the Rebellion had been in progress, and it was now that the intrinsic patriotism and loyalty of the young man proved its dominating influence, for he prepared to enter the ranks of the Union army and to assist in suppressing that armed rebellion which threatened the integrity of the republic. However, before he could be mustered into service General Lee surrendered and peace was declared. Once more our subject turned his attention to fishing, the new field of his labors being in the waters off Sea Bright. In this line of enterprise he continued to be actively engaged for several years, passing the winter seasons in the New England states and thus being able to con- secutively follow the same vocation throughout the entire year. In 1878 Mr. Hen- nessey engaged in business on his own responsibility, in Galilee, New Jersey, and in 1880 removed to North Long Branch, where he immediately established himself in business on Ocean avenue, and he now enjoys the full confidence of his many patrons. His success has encouraged and enabled him to establish three other fish- eries on the Jersey coast. In 1878 he admitted to partnership William H. Monahan, and this business alliance continued for a period of eight years, at the expiration of which his brother Michael became his associate and the present firm name was adopted. This relationship continued until the death of his brother and partner, who passed away in 1895.
Mr. Hennessey's experience has been so wide, varied and interesting that it is unfortunate that space will not permit the recounting of some of his adventures in detail. He has done sea duty on board eighteen different vessels, serving in various capacities, from the lowest to that of acting captain, and in more than one instance
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
his heroism and dauntless courage have saved both life and property. One year, when the three-masted schooner Thomas W. Havens went ashore, Mr. Hennessey put off to the rescue in his own boat.' In the face of a terrific storm, the surf lash- ing the shore in relentless fury, he braved the elements, facing death itself to do what he conceived to be his duty. His valiant and sef-abnegating act resulted in the saving of three lives, and in this connection it may well be said that too much praise can not be given a man who will jeopardize his life for the sake of others.
In the year 1874 Mr. Hennessey was united in marriage to Miss Annie M. Frances, and to them have been born six children, namely: Ada, Mary E., Harry, Amelia, Ralph and Ira. The family deserve and enjoy the good will and respect of their neighbors.
JACOB HANSON.
A very important industry in coast countries is the building of wharfs and docks, this line of work requiring thorough knowledge of different kinds of labor. Among those who have successfully pursued this business in the state of New Jersey is Jacob Hanson, a resident of Perth Amboy, but who was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on June 3, 1851. He was educated in the public schools of his native land and there learned the details of his trade, working at it until 1870, when he came to America, locating in the city of New York. For the succeeding ten years he followed his trade in that city, working for others.
In 1880 Mr. Hanson engaged in business for himself, his first contract being the building of the lighthouse at Stamford, Connecticut, a work of prodigious mag- nitude, which was successfully performed. Mr. Hanson has been engaged in much work for the government and has also done a large amount of bridge building, but his principle interest lies in the construction of docks, and for several years he has been actively engaged in this work for the Pennsylvania Railroad, at Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
Mr. Hanson was united in marriage in Perth Amboy to Miss Julia Peterson, who is also a native of Denmark, and the two surviving children are William and Howard. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and is a reliable, indus- trious and most respected citizen.
WILLIAM F. FISHER.
William F. Fisher is descended from an ancestry which for three generations past has been well and favorably known in Fishkill, New York, where William F., a son of David Fisher, was born and received his education in the public schools, later at the Schooley's Mountain Seminary, Warren county, New Jersey. After completing his studies he became manager of the general store of Sayre & Fisher for seven years, and then removed to Metuchen, New Jersey, where he conducted a grocery business until he was twenty-four years of age. He then engaged in the brick-making business at Sayreville, and conducted it alone for one year, and for two years in association with Mr. Edwin Furman, to whom he atterward sold his interest. In the early part of 1880 he established a new yard at South River, and he also became the owner of the yard of the late Casper T. Waite, of Metuchen. Mr. Fisher also owns and operates a yard at Cheesewick, in the vicinity of South Amboy,
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
which was formerly the property of the Ross-Hillward Company, Mr. Fisher being a member of that firm for five years.
Mr. Fisher manufactures all kinds of building, sewer and general hard brick, adamantine and other special kinds of brick. His yards cover an area of eighty acres, and he gives employment to two hundred and seventy-five men, who produce annually the great quantity of thirty-two million bricks. The plant and machinery are of the most modern type, and only continuous kilns are used. Mr. Fisher owns and sails two schooners and six brick barges, his shipment being in greater part by water to Newark, Jersey City, Brooklyn and New York City. He also has business relations in the large cities in the middle states, and he is well and favorably known among the builders and architects as a successful and prosperous business man. He is a member of. the New York Brick Exchange.
Mr. Fisher is a Democrat in his political views and engages actively in all mat- ters pertaining to local affairs; from 1877 to 1880 he was a member of the board of chosen freeholders.
His marriage to Miss Medora Rose, a daughter of Elias Rose, of Middlesex county, occurred on November 15, 1876. Seven children were born of this union, tiamely : Leon and Rufus, who died in infancy ; William J., Jr .; Anita; Adrian; Maud and Elberon Fisher. Mr. Fisher made his residence in New Brunswick in 1892 and built for himself a beautiful and commodious home on Livingston avenue.
ISAAC B. ESBERG.
Many people give music the highest rank among the fine arts. It has not the limitations of sculpture or painting, it is not bounded by form and color and size and therefore leaves much greater play for the imagination. It reaches man only through the sense of hearing and exercises over him an intangible power, probably the more strongly felt because indescribable. From the remotest ages it has ad- ministered to man's pleasure, has given enthusiasm to the soldier on the field of battle, brought comfort to the sorrowing and heightened the happiness of the joyful. One of the best interpreters as well as instructors in music in Perth Amboy is Professor Isaac B. Esberg, who now devotes his time largely to teaching, in which profession he has won distinction.
Mr. Esberg was born in Hanover, Germany, July 3, 1856, his parents being Benjamin and Sarah (Koenig) Esberg. His paternal grandfather, Memdel Esberg, was an extensive dealer in horses and cattle in Germany and was a man of wide local reputation. His son, Benjamin Esberg, also followed the same business in the fatherland for many years, and in 1866 he came to the United States, locating in New York City, where he was engaged in the liquor business. He was of the Jewish faith and was a consistent and zealous supporter of the synagogue. His death oc- curred in 1878. His wife, a daughter of Isaac Koenig, of Felsberg, Germany, passed away in 1880, leaving four children: Johanna, Isaac B., Marianna and Moses.
In the common schools of his native land Isaac Esberg began his education and after accompanying his parents on their emigration to the new world he continued his studies in the day and night schools of New York City. His business ex- perience was in learning the printer's trade, being employed in the composing room of the New York Daily News for some time, after which he became foreman on a German weekly paper, occupying that position for a number of years. During that period, while working at his trade, lie was also diligently studying music, for which
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
he had an inherent taste. He gave special attention to the violin under such noted masters as Buesing, Larz and Seitz, and finally he abandoned his trade in order to devote his entire time to studying and teaching music, which occupied him twelve years. In 1884 he established a wholesale liquor house, which he conducted for a few years and then sold out. In 1890 he removed to New Jersey, spending two years on a farm near Perth Amboy, but in 1894 returned to the profession of music. He has gained an enviable reputation as one of the most skillful and successful teachers in Perth Amboy and he has a large number of pupils from among the best homes in the city, his services being in constant demand.
In his political views Mr. Esberg is a Republican, voting for the men and meas- ures of the party, but never seeking office. Religiously he adheres to the faith of his ancestors. His social manner as well as his talent renders him a favorite in social circles. He is not only a superior teacher but a fine performer on both the violin and mandolin and his musical selections add to the pleasure of many a social function.
WILLIAM J. VAN PELT.
The maritime interests of the eastern shore of New Jersey are well represented by William Joel Van Pelt, who is now extensively and successfully engaged in the construction, sale and rental of yachts and boats at Perth Amboy. The superiority of his workmanship and the well known reliability of the members of the firm, for in the business he is associated with his nephew, have brought to them a very gratifying degree of prosperity.
Mr. Van Pelt of this review is descended from one of the oldest and most honored families on Staten Island, and his birth occurred near the old Methodist church at Woodrow, on Staten Island, September 1, 1838, his parents being John and Susan Ann (Christopher) Van Pelt. The VanPelt family is of Holland extraction and was founded in America in the seventeenth century. Peter Van Pelt, the grand- father of our subject, was born at Woodrow, Staten Island, and spent his boyhood days upon the old homestead farm, but removed to Perth Amboy about 1842. By occupation he was a steamboat engineer and for seven years followed that line of business on the steamers Transport, William Penn, John Nelson and Thomas Hunt. From 1861 until 1865 he served as an engineer on government transports and after the close of the war he returned to South Amboy. For four years he continued steam- boating and then purchased a steamer called the Mary Robert and subsequently a second one named the W. P. Boggs. With these vessels he plied between Perth Amboy and New York, carrying paper, fire brick and clay, until failing health caused him to abandon the water and he engaged in the ship chandlery and grocery business at the corner of Front and Broad streets until 1882, when he retired from active busi- ness life, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. Peter Van Pelt was a leading and influential citizen and served as a member of the town council of Perth Amboy. He was a charter member of Lawrence Lodge, I. O. O. F., and was a consistent member of the Methodist church, taking a deep interest in its work and advancement and doing all in his power to extend its influence. In his will he bequeathed a sum of money to the Simpson Methodist Episcopal church for the purchase of a chime of bells. He also took a deep interest in political affairs and was a stanch Republican in his affiliation. He married Jane E. Sanford, and their chil- dren were John, George, Alice, Henry and William, the last named being the only surviving member of the family.
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