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 64
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70
445
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Of this family John Van Pelt was the father of our subject. He was born at the old homestead, near Woodrow, Staten Island, and after acquiring a common school education, he learned the stonemason's trade, which he followed throughout his entire life on Staten Island. He was a skillful mechanic and built the old Moravian church at New Durep, Staten Island. He was also a consistent member of that church, and his remains as well as those of other members of the family now repose in the old graveyard connected with the church. He married Susan Ann Christopher, and they became the parents of six children, as follows: John C., who is residing at Greenwich, Staten Island; Peter, deceased; George, who is residing at Pleasant Plains, Staten Island; Tunis, who makes his home at Annandale, on Staten Island; Mary E., deceased wife of James Woglom; and William Joel.
The last named was educated in the old Huguenot school, at Huguenot, Staten Island, and learned the blacksmith's trade. After becoming proficient in that depart- ment of labor he went to Buffalo, where he remained for a year and then removed to East Hamburg, Erie county, where for four years he carried on business for him- self. In 1876, however, he disposed of his interests at that place and went to Montana, making Helena his headquarters until 1893, in which year he returned to Perth Amboy, where for a short time he was engaged in the real estate business. In 1895, in con- nection with his nephew, William F. Van Pelt, he engaged in the building and rent- ing of yachts and boats, a pursuit which he has since followed, and in this con- structive labor his mechanical skill finds ample scope. The enterprise has prospered and the firm is now doing a successful business. Mr. Van Pelt is a member of the Order of American Mechanics and of the Exempt Firemen's Association of Perth Amboy. He has a wide acquaintance in this portion of the country where he has so long resided and his sterling worth commends him to the confidence and respect of all.
William F. Van Pelt, the junior member of the firm, was born in Perth Amboy, March 22, 1863, and attended a school held in the old court house, the building now used as a town hall, completing his education, however, in public school No. I. When eighteen years of age he assumed control of the grocery business formerly con- ducted by his father, and carried on the same for four years, after which he devoted his energies to the livery business for two years. When that period had elapsed he turned his attention to boating and yachting, which he followed until 1895, when he entered into partnership with his uncle, William Joel Van Pelt, in the building and rental of yachts and boats, which has proved a paying enterprise, their patronage continually increasing.
In Perth Amboy, April 27, 1890, William F. Van Pelt was united in marriage to Miss Ida, a daughter of John T. and Hester Woglom. He is now deputy health officer for the city, and from 1885 until 1890 he was a member of the Lincoln hose company. As a citizen he is public-spirited and progressive, co-operating in every movement for the general good. In politics he is quite prominent, being recognized as one of the leading workers in the ranks of the party in his district, while at the present time he is an executive member of the Republican committee.
IRVING L. CRANSTON.
The leading undertaker of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Irving L. Cranston, was born at Tarrytown, New York, July 13, 1869, a son of David and Ellen (Blauvelt) Cranston. The Cranston family is of Scotch ancestry, the father being born in
446
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
Sterlingshire, Sterling, Scotland, 'August 31, 1819. His wife was born at Spring Valley, Rockland county, New York, in 1820. David Cranston spent his boyhood in his native land, where he acquired a limited education. After coming to America he spent a short time in Massachusetts and soon after located at Nyack, where he learned the trade of tinsmith. He worked at this trade for a number of years and subsequently engaged in the retail dry goods business, which had previously been con- ducted by his wife's mother and was the first retail dry goods establishment in Nyack. He was engaged in this business until 1880, when he retired from active work for the balance of his life. He was connected with both the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and took an active part in political matters, but always refused to hold office. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and lived a consistent Christian life. Both parents died at Nyack, New York, the father April 19, 1901, the mother January 27, 1894. Eight children were born unto them: Richard E .; Cornelius B., deceased; Rosetta, wife of Frank Blauvelt; John N., deceased; Irving L .; and three children who died in infancy.
The subject of this review, Irving L. Cranston, received his education in the public schools of New York, and upon leaving school learned the trade of car- penter and builder, which he followed for ten years. On May I, 1888, he engaged in the undertaking business in Nyack, and three years afterwards established his busi- ness in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He is a graduate of the Massachusetts College .f Embalmers, and his thorough knowledge of this work has brought to him gratifying success, until he now leads in this branch of business.
On June 17, 1894, Mr. Cranston was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Smith, and by this union one child has been born, Clair Lovatt. Mr. Cranston is a member of Middlesex Council, R. A. M .; Hamilton Council, L. & B., of Paterson, New Jersey ; Junior Order U. A. M .; Daughters of Liberty .. He is identified with the Presbyterian church and is true to all its teachings. He is devoted to his family, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all with whom he is associated.
WILLIAM P. O'HARA.
Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of Perth Amboy than William O'Hara. He has been an important factor in business and journalistic circles and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced many characteristics which go to constitute valuable citizenship. Reliable in business, he has built up one of the leading industries of the city, has published one of its lead- ing papers, is an active factor in the control of political forces and contributes in large measure to the progress and success of every movement which has for its object the general good.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. O'Hara was born on the 16th of March, 1866, a son of John and Emily O'Hara. The father died in 1877, but the mother is still living in Perth Amboy, whither our subject accompanied his parents during his childhood days. The public schools here afforded him his educational privileges and his early business training was received in a printing office, where he learned the trade, following that pursuit in the employ of others until 1890, when he established a job printing office in company with Mr. Donovan, the firm being known as Donovan & O'Hara. This connection was maintained for a year, at the end of which time Mr. O'Hara purchased his partner's interest and has since been sole owner of the business. He "engaged in general job printing and book work until September 22, 1900, when he
447
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
extended his labors into the field of journalism, purchasing the Perth Amboy Citizen, which is a Democratic paper and has a circulation of twenty-five hundred. It is one of the most popular papers in the county, neatly printed, tastefully arranged and con- taining all matters of local and general interest, including editorials which present the subject under discussion in a most concise, instructive and entertaining way.
In political matters Mr. O'Hara has for a number of years taken an active part. He is a student of the political situations and issues and is therefore able to support his position as an advocate of Democratic principles by intelligent argument. In 1892 he was appointed clerk of the legislative committee on railroads and canals, receiving the appointment from the Hon. John Beekman, of Perth Amboy. In 1898 he was elected alderman from the fifth ward and served so acceptably as a member of the city council that he was again chosen for the office in 1900, in which he is now serving. In the same year he was the Democratic candidate for the assembly, but was defeated. Reform and progress may well be designated as the watchwords of his political career, for he is ever active in promoting those measures which are calculated to benefit or improve the community.
Mr. O'Hara was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Larkin and unto them have been born five children, Emily, Lizzie, Theresa, Mary and Jane. Mr. O'Hara and his family are members of St. Mary's church and he belongs to the Lincoln Hose Company of the firemen of Perth Amboy. He likewise belongs to the Typographical Union, No. 365, of Rahway, New Jersey; to the American Order of Foresters, of Perth Amboy, and in both the local and state department of the society he has filled all the offices, serving for four years as an officer in the grand court; he is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, the Knights of Columbus and San- salvador Council, Catholic Benevolent Legion. His actions have during his life been such as to distinctively entitle him to a place in this publication among the progressive and representative men on the Jersey coast. His life has been one of industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable business methods which he has fol- lowed have won him the support and confidence of many.
WELCOME G. CLEMONS.
Without any especial advantages or opportunities to aid him in the journey of life, Welcome G. Clemons, placing his dependence in the substantial qualities of energy and industry, has advanced to an enviable position in the business world, win- ning creditable success. He is now superintendent of the American Snuff Company at Helmetta, and enjoys a high reputation in business circles.
A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Montrose, Susquehanna county, on the 2d of January, 1846, his parents being Henry and Eunice (Helme) Clemons, the latter now deceased. The son pursued his early education in the schools of his native town and later became a student in Eastman's Commercial College, at Poughkeepsie, New York. Removing to Connecticut, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits at Ncw Preston from 1867 until 1882, but in the latter year he sold his farm and came to Helmetta, New Jersey, where he accepted the position of outside superintendent of the Railroad Snuff Mills, as they were then called. Since that time the name has been changed, business being now conducted under the name of the American Snuff Company. In 1888 he was appointed superintendent of the manufactory and has since served in that capacity, capably conducting the enterprise and making the business one of profit to the stockholders.
448
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
In New Preston, Connecticut, on the 9th of May, 1867, Mr. Clemons was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude A. Meeker, a daughter of David and Mary (Tracy) Meeker, old residents of the Charter Oak state. By this union have been born four children : George H., who was born June 28, 1868, and died in Denver, Colorado, October 22, 1900; Florence Gertrude, born December 3, 1872; Clinton Meeker, who was born March 23, 1875, and was married at Helmetta, April 21, 1897, to Alice M. Rush, a daughter of Walter Rush, by whom he has two children, Ruth Gertrude and Loring Meeker; and Melvina E., who was born March 23, 1887, and completes the family.
Mr. Clemons was one of the organizers of St. George's Protestant Episcopal Memorial church, in which he holds the office of vestryman. He has resided in Hel- metta for almost twenty years and has long been regarded as one of its leading and influential citizens, keenly alive to its best interests, its welfare and progress. He has served for five years as a member of the borough council and is now its president. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum and is a genial courteous gentleman, who wins friends wherever he goes by reason of his sterling worth.
HENRY DELP ZANDT, M. D.
Scientific knowledge has broadened to a remarkable extent in the past half cen- tury. Research has resulted in marvelous discoveries and in no line has greater ad- vancement been made than in the science of medicine. To-day its followers who win success and renown are men of strong mentality, accurate in comprehension, of wide reading and broad sympathy. A representative of this class is Dr. Henry D. Zandt, of Jamesburg, New Jersey, who, having long since left the ranks of the many, stands among the successful few.
The Doctor is a native of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where his birth occurred on the 22d of August, 1846, his parents being Frederick D. and Mary (Delp) Zandt. On both the paternal and maternal sides the ancestry is German and the family name was originally Von Zend. The paternal grandfather, Frederick Zandt, was born in Carlsruhe, Germany, and about 1820 crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Philadelphia. He was a glass manufacturer and was one of the first to introduce that industry into the Keystone state. In the evening of life he removed to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he spent his remaining days in quiet retirement from business cares, his labors in former years having brought to him a comfortable com- petence. To him and his wife were born three sons, Thomas, Adam Henry and Fred- erick, all yet living.
Frederick Zandt, the father of the Doctor, was born in Carlsruhe, Germany, but was only six months old when brought by his parents to the new world. He pursued his education in the schools of Philadelphia and was there reared to manhood. He is an architect and builder and a large portion of his life has been passed in Mont- gomery county, Pennsylvania, where he still resides. His children were Livinia, now deceased ; Milton; Susan ; Henry D .; Elizabeth; and Maurice.
In the public schools Dr. Zandt acquired his -preliminary education and prepared for college in Freeland Seminary. He afterward matriculated in Lehigh Univer- sity, at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and studied medicine in the University of Penn- sylvania, where he was graduated in the spring of 1871 with the degree of M. D., and in the fall of the same year with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. His preparatory training for his profession was thorough and comprehensive and his college course has ever been supplemented by wide and comprehensive reading.
449
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
The Doctor began practice in 1873 at North Branch, Somerset county, New . Jersey, where he remained for two years, after which he spent a similar period in Somerville. He was for two years engaged in the practice of medicine in Raritan and since 1879 has been in continuous practice in Jamesburg, where he is enjoying a large and lucrative patronage. He is one of the best informed practitioners in this. part of this state and his knowledge is being continually supplemented by reading of medical journals and investigation into the medical works which are annually: published. He belongs to the State Medical Society and the Middlesex City Medical- Society and of the former was at one time president. He has served as health officer of Jamesburg; has been physician and surgeon to the State Home for Boys: for twenty-two years; and for eighteen years has been surgeon to the Pennsylvania. Railroad Company.
On the 25th of May, 1875, in Somerville, New Jersey, the Doctor was united. in marriage to Miss Elizabeth McCoy Reger, a daughter of August T. and Mar- garet Reger, of Somerville. They now have two living children, their first two, Maggie May and Bessie, having died in childhood. Frederick Berg, the only son, is a physician and surgeon of Erie, Pennsylvania, and is physician to the Soldiers'. and Sailors' Home. The youngest member of the family is Mary Finch. The Doctor, his wife and daughter are consistent members of the Presbyterian church, take an. active part in its work and do all in their power for its advancement. He is a member of Daphne Council of the Royal Arcanum, and is a gentleman of courteous and dig- nified manner, of genial disposition and genuine worth, prominent in professional life and highly esteemed in social circles.
ASHER TUNIS APPLEGATE, M. D.
Asher T. Applegate, a leading physician of Englishtown, New Jersey, was born in the township of Monroe, Middlesex county, New Jersey, on September 17, 1846. He is the son of James and Dena (Dey) Applegate. The former was born and received his education in New Brunswick, New Jersey; early in life he started business as a merchant in New York, where he built up an extensive trade; un- fortunately, however, his stock and store were completely destroyed in the great fire of 1836, leaving him to begin life anew. In these straits he removed to the farm of his father-in-law, well known as the "Dey homestead," and located on the line be- tween Middlesex and Monmouth counties. Here he became favorably known, not only as a successful farmer, but as a dealer in real property and trustee of estates. Politically he adhered to Democratic principles ; was elected sheriff of the county, in which official capacity he served from 1859 to 1862; he also served in the legislature, and filled various township offices. His wife was the daughter of John D. and Hannah Dey, the former a wealthy farmer of Monmouth county. Their family, consisted of our subject, Asher T .; Amelia, wife of J. E. Van Dorn, of New York ;- and Hannah, wife of John Eli, a prominent attorney of Freehold, New Jersey. Mr. Applegate died in 1874, his wife in 1873.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Stephen Applegate, a prominent merchant of New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he died in 1861. His children were John, James, Maria, Elizabeth and Catherine.
Dr. Asher T. Applegate has spent much of his life in study and perfecting himself for the successful carrying out of his practice, and even now keeps abreast of advancing professional science in reading current literature pertaining thereto. In early life
29
450
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
he attended the public schools, was then under the instruction of a private tutor at New Brunswick, New Jersey, later entered the grammar school connected with Rutgers College, and then studied at the preparatory school of John C. Schenck at Princeton. In 1866 he entered the freshman class of Princeton College, where he remained until his sophomore year. Having decided to follow the medical profession Mr. Applegate entered the office of Dr. Thomas J. Thomason, of Perrineville. He then took a three-years' course at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in March, 1869; in October of the same year he entered upon his professional career at Hamilton Square, Mercer county, but only remained there for a year, when he removed in April, 1871, to Englishtown, Monmouth county, New Jersey, where he has acquired a splendid practice. Dr. Applegate is a member of the Monmouth County Medical Society; New Jersey State Medical Society; is a member of Dement Lodge, Junior Order of United American Mechanics; Columbia Lodge, Knights of Pythias; Olive Branch Lodge, F. & A. M. He has acted as examiner for the Mutual and United States Life Insurance Companies.
A Democrat in politics he has never sought public office, but his personal attain- ments have attracted public attention and he has been called upon to serve in various capacities. In the spring of 1894 he was appointed county collector, and is usually elected a delegate to county, state and congressional conventions; he has also served on the board of health. He now occupies the exalted position of mayor of English- town. Like all men who have the good of his community at heart, Dr. Applegate is a church supporter, he being trustee of the Presbyterian church of Englishtown.
On October 22, 1873, Dr. Applegate married Miss Jennie C., daughter of Robert K. and Helena Wilson, the former a well known farmer and land owner of Mon- mouth county. Two children have been born to them, namely: James T., named in honor of his paternal grandfather and his father's preceptor, and Kenneth P.
JOHN C. EVANS.
Everywhere in our land are found men who have worked their own way from humble beginnings to places of leadership, renown and high esteem, and it is still one of the proudest boasts of our fair country that such victors are accounted of thou- sand-fold more worth and value to the commonwealth than the aristocrat with his inherited wealth, position and distinguished name. Mr. Evans belongs to that class of valued citizens who owe their progress in business to their own efforts and to-day he stands among the most enterprising and prosperous residents of Milltown, his native city.
He was born here June 30, 1855, a son of John and Mary Augusta (Vanderbilt) Evans. In Rutgers College he acquired his education, attending the preparatory department and later pursuing the scientific course, which was completed by his graduation in the class of 1870. Four years later he became identified with the Meyer Rubber Company, of Milltown, now the Milltown India Rubber Company, and of the latter he is the president and general manager, successfully controlling the enterprise, which is now meeting with gratifying prosperity. His counsel and business sagacity are also important factors in the management of other important business concerns, for he is the vice-president of the New Brunswick Savings Institution and director of the National Bank of New Jersey, both of New Brunswick.
On the 21st of October, 1885, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Mary Fowler Austin, a daughter of Lemuel A. Austin, of New Haven, Connecticut. Their
451
HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
home is blessed with six children: John C., Mary A., Austin, Herbert Vanderbilt, Helen and Gladys. Prominent in the affairs of the city Mr. Evans has done much to promote the city's welfare along social, material, intellectual and moral lines. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican and at the age of twenty-one he was elected clerk for North Brunswick township, Middlesex county. He has also filled the position of freeholder and was the first mayor of Milltown. He is now the president of the board of education and his labors have been most effective in pro- moting the interests and progress of his native village. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is now serving as trustee. He is known as one of the leading men of Milltown and is respected by all with whom he comes in contact, either in social or business circles.
CHARLES A. LEWIS.
Charles A. Lewis, who is occupying the position of station agent at Deal Beach, is numbered among New Jersey's native sons, his birth having occurred in Dayton, on the 24th of June, 1873. He was reared upon his father's farm and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, for until twenty years of age he assisted in the plowing, planting and harvesting on his father's land. He then became connected with the railroad business, accepting a position as assistant station agent at Deans, New Jersey, with the privilege of learning telegraphy. When he had mastered that work and was capable of being entrusted with tele- graphic work he was employed as an extra operator by the Pennsylvania Railroad, working in that capacity for three years. On the IIth of May, 1896, he secured a position as assistant agent at Elberon on the New York & Long Branch Railroad, where he remained for more than two years. On the 27th of November, 1898, the station took fire from crossed electric wires and Mr. Lewis and his brother were forced to jump from the window of a second story room, in which they were sleeping, in order to save their lives. The station was entirely destroyed. On the 9th of August, 1901, Mr. Lewis was appointed agent at Deal Beach and is now acting in that capacity. He is a popular employe of the road, owing to his courtesy and obliging manner, as well as his efficiency in this work.
DEWITT C. WINCHELL.
DeWitt Clinton Winchell, who is now serving as postmaster of Carteret, and who for twenty years has been identified with the building interests of this place, was born November 16, 1860, in Stone Ridge, Ulster county, New York, and represents one of the old families of the Empire state, for his grandfather was born there, as was also his father, DeWitt Clinton Winchell, Sr. The son was reared in the place of his nativity and at the usual age entered the public schools, where he pursued his studies until he had attained the age of eighteen. He then entered upon an apprentice- ship to the carpenter's trade, which he mastered, becoming a proficient workman. In 188I he removed to Carteret, taking up his abode here in the month of November. Since that time he has been identified with its building interests and evidences of his handiwork are seen in many of the fine and substantial structures of this part of the county. He is reliable in his business methods, prompt in the execution of his part of a contract and in industrial circles he enjoys an excellent reputation.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.