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 66
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JOHN R. DEY.
John R. Dey was born in Monroe township, Middlesex county, on May 25, 1872. He is the son of John P. and Ann Elizabeth Dey. His early education was acquired in the common schools of his native town. His tastes and inclinations led him to follow agricultural pursuits, to which line he has devoted himself exclusively, making a study of farming in all its branches, bringing to bear upon the subject the results of scientific research to further his ideas of how a practical and up-to-date farm should be conducted. Thus it is that he, one of the youngest farmers in the county, has succeeded in bringing his seventy-five acres of farm land to its present wonder- ful state of productiveness, and earning for himself the credit of being one of the most prosperous farmers in Monroe township.
In the year 1890 Mr. Dey was united in marriage to Miss Annie, daughter of Lafayette and Mary E. (Merserow) Dey. To them have been born the following named children : Helen, June 1, 1891; Walter, September 1, 1893; and Warren, April 1, 1895. Mrs. Dey also is a native of Monroe township, where she was born in 1869. Her grandparents are Joseph and Rebecca (Hoffman) Dey, well known resi- dents of the township.
(For further information regarding the Dey family see sketch of John P. Dey.)
SIDNEY HERBERT.
Sidney Herbert is one of the highly respected and influential citizens of Herberts- ville, Brick township, Ocean county, New Jersey. He was born in this city in 1829, and has spent the greater part of his life here. His parents, Isaac and Sarah (Morris) Herbert, were prominent in agricultural circles in Brick township, Ocean county, but they died when our subject was but an infant. Of the twelve children born to this couple but two remain, Sidney Herbert and a daughter Sarah.
The early education of Sidney Herbert was acquired in the common schools of his native city, and when but fourteen years of age he left school life and began to work his way into the business world. He entered a brick-yard, where, with quick intelligence, he soon became thoroughly familiar with the art of manufac uring brick. At the age of nineteen he embarked in business for himself, and through well directed energy and perseverance he has become eminently successful, making as high as one million of bricks per annum. In addition to this business he conducted a general store in Herbertsville for over fifteen years, during which time he won to himself the con- fidence of his fellow citizens for his honorable dealings and his earnest desire to please his patrons. For thirty-four years his friends in Herbertsville have elected him to the office of a township committeenian, besides other minor offices for a more or
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less term of service, and he has never, on any occasion, proven a disappointment to them, having always. performed his duties with intelligence and promptness.
In 1869 he was joined in marriage to Miss Prudence M. Cooper, who was born near Farmingdale, Monmouth county, New Jersey. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Herbert have been born two daughters: Mary Ella and Laura E., both of whom are accomplished ladies, the latter .being a teacher of considerable ability. Mr. Herbert is a practical farmer as well as a thorough business man, being the owner of three different tracts of land, which amount in all to one hundred and twelve acres of highly cultivated farming property. He is also very prominent in church work, being an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is one of its trustees. True to his convictions and to the teachings of Christianity, he is a leading spirit in the church, and is earnest and zealous in upbuilding all that is holy and righteous in the carrying out of the policy of the church government. His life has always been consistent with the principles of religion, and he fully realizes that his success is due, not merely to his perseverance and industry, but to his adherence to the principles of upright living and honorable dealings with his fellow men.
CORNELIUS MATTHEWS.
A prominent agriculturist of Ocean county, whose energy and perseverance have brought to him well merited success, is Cornelius Matthews, who resides on a valu- able and well cultivated farm of seventy. acres near Hormony, Jackson township, Ocean county. His birth occurred on this homestead in September, 1852, he being a son of John and Mary (Matthews) Matthews. The ancestors of the Matthews family were among the first settlers in Jackson township, and owned a large tract of land running down to the coast. The maternal great-grandfather was known far and wide throughout the country for his swift-footed horses and for his large possessions of real estate. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Charles Matthews, as was also the maternal grandfather, and indeed Charles seemed to be a favorite name in the family. John Matthews, the father of our subject, was born near Harmony, New Jersey, on the farm now owned by his_son, Charles G. Matthews. He was a practical farmer and was the possessor of one hundred and fifty acres of rich farming property, which he divided among his. sons. He passed away in 1896, at the age of sixty-seven years, leaving behind him a life record of honor and uprightness, a man whose word was as good as his bond. . His wife, Mary, is still living, and was the mother of seven children, five of whom are now. living, namely: Charles. G .; Michael ; Cornelius; William; and Annie. Mr. Matthews gave his political support to the Democracy, and was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
". . Cornelius Matthews was early taught the labors and duties of farm life, and into his young mind were instilled lessons of honesty, perseverance and industry, and so well has he profited by these early teachings that he is now. numbered among the eminently successful agriculturists of his community: . A life devoted to agricultural pursuits has resulted in. the possession of a beautiful and highly cultivated tract of land; the meadows of waving grain, the verdant pasture lands, and the groves of sturdy trees present to the eye a landscape of beauty and perfection. A comfortable dwelling and substantial outbuildings add to the attractiveness of the place, and everything about the' farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance."
n: In 1873 Cornelius Matthews was joined in marriage to Annie Clayton, a -daugh- ter of Squire : William Clayton. . This union has been blessed with one son, De Witt,
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who is a successful young merchant of Lakewood, New Jersey, where he owns and conducts a flourishing business. He also has a branch store at Harmony. Mr. Matthews is very popular in his native county, and has been honored with the offices of commissioner of appeals, overseer of the roads, and registrar. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and of the Daughters of Liberty. He also holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is trustee, and his life has ever been consistent with the. teachings of Christianity. He and his wife have many friends in Ocean county, and all who know them entertain for them the highest regard.
JAMES V. DANSER.
James V. Danser, of Monroe township, was born in Windsor, Mercer county, New Jersey, December 26, 1839, the son of George E. and Margaret (Barclay) Dan- ser. His father, George E., was a native of Mercer county, in which he finally became one of its most prosperous farmers.
James V. Danscr in early life, after receiving a common school education, mas- tered the carpenter's trade, to which he gave his attention for fifteen years. He bears the reputation of being an excellent mechanic, second to none in his particular branch. His inclination, however, induced him to take up farming as an occupation, as better calculated to suit his natural ability along agricultural lines. The wisdom of this step is evidenced by the success his efforts have won, for he now has one of the finest and most productive farms in the neighborhood of Applegarth, consisting of one hundred and two acres of highly cultivated land, devoted to the raising of general farm products.
Mr. Danser was united in marriage to Miss Mary Anderson August II, 1864; six children were the result of the union, five of whom are now (1901) living, namely : Euphemia, Margaret A., Charles S., George V. and Carrie. Mrs. Danser is a native of Hightstown, New Jersey.
ELIJAH P. SUYDAM.
Elijah P. Suydam, an old resident and highly respected citizen of Madison town- ship, Middlesex county, New Jersey, was born December 31, 1825, upon the farm which is now his personal property. Indeed, Mr. Suydam not only first saw the light of day on this spot, but it was there he was reared, educated and began his career as an agriculturist. His farm contains fifty acres of well cultivated fields, whereon is also situated a fine old residence.
Mr. Suydam is the son of Cornelius and Margaret (Perrine) Suydam. His father, Cornelius, was a native of New Brunswick, New Jersey ; from this place, when a very young man, he accompanied his parents to Madison township, where they permanently located. When only seventeen years of age he responded to the thrill of patriotic enthusiasm which stirred the blood of our forefathers, and took active part in the struggle for freedom during the Revolutionary war. At the battle of Monmouth he performed a creditable part in assisting to defeat the British forces. Twice Cornelius Suydam entered the marriage relation, his first wife being Abbie Polhemus, by whom he had no issue. His second wife, Margaret, bore him eight
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children, four of whom are still living, namely: Elijah P., John, Mary and Abigail.
Our subject's grandfather, Jacob, was also a resident of Madison township, where he owned about eight hundred acres of land, the farm now occupied by his grandson, Elijah P., being a portion of that vast property. Jacob's family consisted of five children.
Elijah P. Suydam, of whom this sketch treats, is held in high esteem, and bears the entire confidence of the people of his community. They have conferred upon him the honor of election to the office of school trustee, which position he has hon- orably and satisfactorily filled for over twenty-one years. Mr. Suydam is a member in high standing of the Reform church of Spottswood, an organization in which he has always maintained an active interest.
On January 29, 1851, Mr. Suydam wedded Miss Caroline McGee; to them was born one daughter, Emma, now Mrs. H. Dey.
JOHN P. DEY.
John P. Dey, a well and favorably known citizen of Monroe township, Middle- sex county, was born in aforesaid township on February 23; 1825. His education was acquired in the town of his birth. For forty years he has followed his trade, that of carpenter, of which he is a thorough master. He resides on the old homestead, to which he has been constantly adding real estate until he now possesses one hundred and eighty acres of land.
In 1852 Mr. Dey married Ann Elizabeth Dey. The following children re- sulted: Mary E. (deceased), born in 1853; Mathias, born November 5, 1855; Clar- ence W. (deceased), born April 1, 1857; Hannah V., born June 4. 1861 ; John R., born May 5, 1872; Henry H., born February 10, 1877; Elizabeth, born June 26, 1879. Mrs. Ann Elizabeth Dey departed this life December 5, 1884.
Mathew R. Dey, the father of our subject, was active in the employ of the United States government during the war of 1812.
(For family history see sketch of Peter J. Dey.)
ISAAC JONES.
Isaac Jones, a veteran of the Civil war and resident of Freehold, Monmouth county, New Jersey, was born near Millstone township, Monmouth county, February 9, 1833, on his father's farm, and is of Irish extraction. His father, Nathaniel Jones, was a native of Ireland, married his wife Henrietta there, and came to Pelinville about 1830, dying there in 1892, and his wife died there in 1895.
Isaac Jones was brought up on his father's farm and having arrived at his majority commenced farming on his own account, running during the proper season a threshing machine in addition thereto, a combined industry which he continued for many years, from 1855. At the outbreak of the Civil war he joined the patriotic numbers who enlisted from Monmouth county and September 20, 1862, was mustered into the United States service in Company C, Twenty-ninth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. They went into camp at Vredenburg, near Freehold, on the battle-ground of 1778. He was with his regiment continuously, which was first attached to Casey's division in the defense of Washington. He was next sent to Aquia Creek on post
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and guard duty, in Patrick's brigade. In January, 1863, with his regiment, he was attached to the Third Brigade, First Division, First Army Corps, under Reynolds and took part in the battle of Fredericksburg, October 13 and 14, 1863, and the battle of Chancellorsville, May 2 and 3, 1863, and by reason of expiration of term of service was mustered out June 30th, following. In August, following, he re-enlisted and was mustered in as corporal in Company I, Second New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry, at Trenton. His regiment was attached at Alexandria, Virginia, to General Stoneman's Division, army of the Potomac, and was then ordered to Eastport, Mississippi, in the First Brigade, First Cavalry Division, and afterwards in the First Brigade, Seventh Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Corps. He participated in the battle at Fairfax Court House, and afterwards did duty in the southwest in the states of Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Kansas, and did scouting duty through the year 1864, up to April, 1865. They took part in the battles at Iuka, Corinth and Egypt, Mississippi, the latter occurring December 28, 1864, and being the hardest of their experience. Their last fight was at Manningham, Alabama, April 23, 1865. He was mustered out of service at Vicksburg, Mississippi, May 8, 1865. He is a member of the Baptist church, as are all of his family. He is a member of the Conover Post, No. 68, G. A. R., of Freehold, having been connected with it for the past twelve years. In 1901 he was elected sergeant of the post.
In July, 1864, he was married to Ella Augusta, daughter of George We'nhardt, by the Rev. S. S. Sutcliff. Her parents were both natives of Germany, who married and came to this country in 1852. Her father was a soldier in the Forty-fifth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and died in 1867. Her mother d'ed at Pelinville, later. Mr. Isaac Jones' children are : Hannah Margaret, Anna Matilda, Nathaniel, Mary Eliza, Anna Jane, John Henry, Isaac M., Charles Irwin and George W. Hannah M. Jones was married August 1, 1898, to Charles Brown, a carpenter in Freehold. Anna M. was married in 1888 to Jacob Leicht. Nathanael Jones, who married Martha Van Cleaf in 1895, is a mason living in Freehold. The other children reside at home.
Mr. Jones' only living brother, John, is a farmer of Monmouth county, New Jersey. One brother, Nathaniel, was a soldier of the English army during the Crimean war, and was killed in service. He has four married sisters living outside the county. Mrs. Jones' brothers and sisters all live in New York.
JOSEPH Q. ESTELL.
Joseph Q. Estell, a substantial farmer of Howell township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, was born in Howell township on his father's farm, August 19, 1836, son of William and Rebecca Estell. His parents and grandparents were natives of Monmouth county and his ancestors were farmers there prior to the Revolutionary period. His father, William Estell, was born in Howell township in 1800 and died there in 1878, on the farm upon which he had spent his entire life. His mother, Re- becca, born in 1802, died in 1892.
Joseph Q. Estell received meager educational advantages and commenced work- ing on a farm when a mere lad, nine years of age. He was reared to and continued at farm life until the Civil war broke out. At this juncture he enlisted in Com- pany D, Twenty-ninth Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, and went to the front. He served during the term of his enli tment and when mustered out returned home, badly broken down in health. He resumed farming, which he has
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since continued. He purchased his present farm in Howell township when the land was in a primitive state, covered with timber. He cleared it up, reduced the land to, a high state of cultivation, erected his present home and surrounding buildings, and is: recognized as one of the enterprising farmers and substantial citizens of Howell township.
In 1867 he was married to Leah Winters, of Paterson, New Jersey. Their chil- dren are: Mary, Martha, Samuel, George, Lizzie, William and Leah. William works the farm; Mary and Leah reside at home with their father; Martha is Mrs. Henry Shirely, living at Asbury Park; Samuel is a resident of Freehold; George, a farmer in Freehold township; Lizzie is Mrs. Frank Pleasant, who holds a railroad agency at Howell, Monmouth county.
JAMES S. WIGHT.
High on the roll of eminent lawyers on the Jersey coast appears the name of James S. Wight, whose conspicuous ability has won him prominence and gained for him a large clientage. He is now serving as city attorney of Perth Amboy and is also closely connected with her journalistic interests as editor of the Perth Amboy Chronicle. In the "learned professions" success must depend upon the various mental attributes of the individual; neither wealth nor influential friends can aid one in the progress toward fame. The man who has attained prominence at the bar is therefore entitled to great credit, for as he lengthens the distance between him and mediocrity. it is the indication of great zeal, marked ability, close application and thorough knowl- edge. It has been through the exercise of these qualities that Mr. Wight has at- tained an enviable position among the lawyers of his county.
A native of Warren county, New Jersey, he was born in the city of Warren, November 1, 1859, a son of Andrew J. and Adaline (Doolittle) Wight. His mother was a native of Warren county, but the father was born in Rochester, New York. In early life he engaged in contracting but later became interested in the shipping business and owned a number of steam lighters and barges. He died in 1894, having for many years survived his wife, who passed away in 1862. James S. Wight, their only child, supplemented his early education by a course of study in Rutgers College, at New Brunswick, New Jersey, and prepared for the bar as a student in Hasbrook's Law School, in Jersey City. For some time he was also a law student in the office of Muirtriad & McGee, of Jersey City, and in 1883 was admitted to the bar. His search for a favorable location resulted in the selection of Perth Amboy as the scene of his labors and here he opened his office and began practice. In 1886 he was admitted as a counselor. His clientage has constantly grown and the importance of the litigated interests entrusted to his care indicates the confidence which the public reposes in his ability. By popular ballot. he has been called to many offices. In 1883. he was attorney for Raritan township, and was attorney for South Amboy in 1885 and 1886. Under the Martin act hc was appointed a member of the committee on appraiscment and taxation and in that capacity served for some time. In 1891 he was chosen city clerk of Perth Amboy and filled the position most acceptably for four years, while. later he was appointed city attorney for Perth Amboy and is now acting in that capacity. He has served continuously in public office since 1890 with; the exception of three years when the Republicans were in power, and the duties. which have devolved upon him have ever been performed in a most trustworthy manner.
In his political views Mr. Wight has ever been a stalwart Democrat, active in-
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انشا عية
James A. Might.
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the councils of his party and co-operating in many movements for upbuilding and growth. For twelve years he has been a member of the Democratic city committee and for five years has been its chairman. 'As a delegate he has attended the local and state conventions of his party and his efforts in its behalf have been signalized by some splendid Democratic victories. In every cause which has for its object the welfare of his city and the promotion of its best interests he is found as an earnest advocate. In 1893 and 1894 he served as superintendent of the city schools and labored effectively for the cause of education. He is now editor of the Perth Amboy Chronicle, an independent journal, which is acknowledged to be the leading daily in the county, having the largest circulation of any daily paper here published.
Mr. Wight was united in marriage to Miss Margaret French, a daughter of Harry and Mary (Dayton) French, of South Amboy, and they now have four sons and two daughters: Harry E., Adaline E., Andrew J., Arthur, W. D. and Margaret S. The family attend the services of the Episcopalian church and are valued members of a cultured society circle. Mr. Wight holds membership in Raritan Lodge, No. 61, F. & A. M., and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias. He has filled all the offices in Raritan Council, No. 1100, R. A., of which he is a charter member, and he was also one of the charter members of the Alpha Lodge of the Loyal Additional Benefit Association of the same order. While his interests are varied and he gives due regard to all the duties of life in its social, political and public relations, his time and attention are mainly devoted to the profession which he has chosen as a life calling, and as a general practitioner of law he has won a proud position among the ablest members of the bar in his portion of the state.
JOSEPH A. CONOVER.
Among the old and prominent families of Monmouth county, New Jersey, that of Conover takes a leading position. Formerly the name was spelled Cowenhoven, and members of this family came from their native Holland to America as early as the sixteenth century. A true and reliable record has been kept in the old family Bible, still in the possession of Joseph A. Conover, of Monmouth county, who is the subject of this biography, and from it is learned the fact that the founder of the American branch of the family settled on Long Island, and that one son came to Monmouth county, New Jersey.
William P. Cowenhoven, or Conover in its American form, was born on May I, 1725, and was the oldest in the family of our subject's great-great-grandparents./ The other members of that family were as follows: Peter, born on February 16, 1726; Catherine, born on October II, 1727; Patricia, born on April 24, 1729; Mary, born on June 4, 1731 ; Theodorus, born on May 24, 1733; William, born on August 13, 1735; Samuel, born on August 27, 1738; Nell, born on March 31, 1742; Sarah, born on June 21, 1744; John, born on July II, 1746; and Joseph, born on July 17, 1749. All of these have long since passed out of life, but the influence of their useful and honorable lives still remains.
1
William P. Conover, who was the great-grandfather of our subject, was married on November 12, 1767, to Miss Alta Jewell, in Freehold township, and these children were born to them : Samuel, born on August 22, 1768; Richard, born on April 1, 1770; James, born on October 21, 1771; Alice, born on February 4, 1774; William, born on August 6, 1779; and Joseph, born on August 3, 1786.
Joseph Conover, son of William P. Conover, married Alice Laird, and their
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children were these: Juliette, born on June 25, 1809; Matilda, born on October 26, 1810; Louisa, born August 16, 1812; William T., born on March 28, 1815; Alexander, born on October 24, 1819; and Charles Augustus, born on August 17, 1824.
William T. Conover, the father of our subject, was a son of Joseph and Alice (Laird) Conover, and grew up to agricultural pursuits in Monmouth county, be- coming one of the leading farmers and prominent citizens of Manalapan township. He was married on September 8, 1838, to Miss Hannah E. Gaston, who was born in Freehold township, this county, in 1818, and the children of this marriage were as follows: John P., born on October 23, 1839, is a farmer living at Point Pleasant, New Jersey; Joseph A., who is the subject of this sketch; Charles, born on April 25, 1845, is a farmer at Cranberry Neck, New Jersey; Elisha G., born on February 24, 1847; Letitia, born on April II, 1849, died on April 3, 1860; William T., born on June 25, 1851, is a farmer at Ocean Grove, this county ; Woodhull R., born on Janu- ary 15, 1854, died on April 20, 1887; Levina, born on August 5, 1855; Vanderburg D., born on March 3, 1858; and Lovella C., born on March 22, 1861. The death of the father of our subject occurred on December 24, 1900.
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