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 67
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Joseph A. Conover, the subject of this sketch, was born on his father's farm, in Manalapan township, one mile south of Englishtown, on May 5, 1843, and was reared on the old homestead which has been his residence all his life. After attending the district schools of the neighborhood he took charge of the work on the large farm, with his brother Vanderburg, and has given close attention to it ever since. This is one of the most desirable tracts in this part of the county and reflects credit upor those who manage it and have brought it to such a fine state of productiveness.
Mr. Conover was never married. His two sisters, Levina and Lovella, reside with him, as also does his venerable and beloved mother. She is a lady of remark- able vigor, with mind clear and active, and her conversation is most interesting, as she recalls the events of three-quarters of a century. With her family she is a consistent member of the Reformed church.
Mr. Conover has lived a quiet, unostentatious life, taking no very active part either in public affairs or in politics, satisfied with performing his full duty and taking comfort in the familiar surroundings of his boyhood. The family counts its friends in large numbers and its hospitality is known through the community.
JOHN HEISER.
Among the prominent and successful farmers of Monmouth county is John Heiser, who was born near Matawan, in Monmouth county, New Jersey, on February 23, 1843, and has made this state and county his home all his life.
The parents of Mr. Heiser were John and Theresa Heiser, the former of whom was born in Freehold township, in this county, in 1816, and died on May 1, 1887, and the latter was born in 1821, and died in 1897. (More ancestral data of the Heiser family may be found in another part of this volume).
John Heiser grew up at home and was reared to the duties pertaining to the life of a farmer, his father being a most excellent instructor, as he had been one of the prosperous agriculturists of this section for many years. The education of our sub- ject was acquired in the district schools.
The marriage of Mr. Heiser was in 1865, at Freehold, New Jersey, to Miss Mary Brower, who was a daughter of John and Hannah Brower, farming people of Marl- borough township. The mother died in 1855, but the father survived until 1895.
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The Brower family is an old and honored one in this state, grandfather Elias Brower having faithfully served in the war of 1812. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Heiser were as follows: George, born on August 30, 1867; Theresa, born on March 7, 1868, married Daniel Scoby, a farmer; Edward, born on February 28, 1870; Elias, born on September 2, 1872; John, born on October 30, 1874; and Harry, born on January 5, 1876; the three last named members still living at home.
Mr. Heiser is one of the highly respected citizens of this county, is noted for his honesty and integrity and is counted as one of the leading farmers of Freehold township.
MARGARET E. HENDRICKSON.
In recording the history of county or state, and in the mention therein of promi- nent families, there are always those so much a part thereof that they seem inseparable and identical therewith, and in point of interest are bound to take precedence.
In this respect the Hendrickson family stands out conspicuously in the history of Fair Haven, New Jersey. Since the early part of the seventeenth century this old Dutch family has ingrafted itself into all the varying interests of this section. On their arrival in this country the family located in what are now Middletown, Pleasant Valley and Fair Haven, where fortune seemed to prosper them, and where in after years they became so identified with the country of their adoption as to make the name Hendrickson synonymous with patriotism and loyalty. So old is this illustrious family that it is difficult to exactly trace its earliest progenitors in this country. The first one to whom we can with any certainty refer is Garrett Hendrickson, who came from Holland and located in the section now known as Monmouth county. He had a son by the same name, Garrett, who lived and owned considerable land at what is now called Holmdel. This last Garrett died during the Revolutionary war. From him emanated a son, Daniel G., who also resided at Holmsdel. His wife was Sarah E., and their family numbered eight children.
Daniel G. was born in 1776 and died on March 20, 1863, aged eighty-seven years. There is a remarkable coincidence, worthy of note in the birth and death of Daniel G. Hendrickson. He met life on the threshold of a mighty conflict, when a great nation was trying to crush out the life of the young republic. But with odds so strongly opposed to it, yet did he live to see the stripling grow and expand into a mighty and formidable nation. His death occurred during the great Rebellion, when the work, labor and sacrifice of nearly a century was threatened with ignominious defeat in the disruption of the Union. He did not live to see the glorious outcome of the struggle, however. Sarah, his wife, was born in 1777 and died on March 20, 1841. This highly respected couple purchased a tract of land in Fair Haven, where they became so closely allied with the place as to make them a part of it.
William D. Hendrickson, son of Daniel G. and father of our subject, Margaret E., was born in Fair Haven in 1807. His wife, Susan E. Snyder, was also a native of Fair Haven and was born in 1806. William D. was a contractor and builder by occupation and thoroughly understood his business in all its branches, attending to its every detail personally. His marriage occurred in 1830. The following children resulted : William F., Henry, Cornelia S., Margaret E. and George J. (also one child deceased).
This promising family received their education in the common schools of their native town, and made the best use of the advantages offered. They all reside in the old home, enjoying a life of ease and affluence. Their home is made doubly dear
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because of past associations, which cluster so closely about it. Margaret E., Cornelia S. and George J. are co-partners in business. They are conducting a general store at Fair Haven, where they are doing a prosperous business.
William D. Hendrickson, the father of this interesting family, died July 28, 1871, aged sixty-four years. His wife, Susan E., passed away on October 19, 1892, aged eighty-seven years.
REV. OSCAR BARCHWETZ.
The name heading this brief article is one well known to the residents of Eaton- town, New Jersey, as the beloved pastor of the Baptist church. The history of the church dates back to 1851, when with a membership of only seventeen the church was instituted. (A more complete history of the church will be found elsewhere among these pages.) Rev. O. Barchwetz was born in Austria, February II, 1854; was. educated at Kraus Institute, Dresden, Germany, attending Goerlitz College, Germany, to complete his studies. During the progress of his studies he was being trained for the profession of chemist, but circumstances stronger than he changed his decision in the matter of a profession. Seeking an entirely new field of labor, and one where his mind could expand as fully as his thirst for a higher and broader knowledge demanded, in 1874 he came to this country. In 1875 a religious enthusiasm was cre- ated in him through the efforts of the Methodist Episcopal church, which body, recog- nizing his superior ability and forceful character and the zeal with which he espoused its cause, made him a local preacher. After this mark of confidence he determined to go still further and so took the conference course of studies, which he soon mastered, and after passing a very creditable examination, was admitted to conference. In 1878 he was ordained to the Christian ministry by Bishop Harris and appointed a mis- sionary to Chili under Bishop Taylor; to this work he devoted himself for twelve consecutive years, organizing missions, building churches and establishing schools. After a varied experience in this foreign field he returned to the country of his adoption in 1891. The primary cause of his return was his growing interest in the doctrine of the Baptist church, to which he had given considerable serious thought. In 1892 he was properly received into the Baptist church through credentials pre- sented from the Methodist Episcopal church. In the same year he organized and built the Fairmount Avenue Baptist church, now known as Fairmount Tabernacle, which edifice cost eleven thousand dollars.
From Newark Rev. Barchwetz was called to Columbus, Ohio, at which place he was associated with the Rev. Barker of the First church, and there he remained until 1899; at this time he received a call to the Baptist church of Eatontown, the pastorate of which he now so ably and satisfactorily fills.
Rev. Barchwetz is descended from a line of professional men, his grandfather- being a physician and a graduate of the Berlin University, Germany, and also occupied the distinguished position of privy councilor to Frederick William III, King of Prussia. His father after graduating from the Berlin University also followed a professional' career.
Our subject was married twice, his first wife being Miss Pauline Holstein, to. whom he was united in 1879; throughout his missionary career she was his constant companion, sharing all the experiences which life in a foreign clime must bring. To. them were born three children: Antonia, Pauline and Elizabeth; the first two were born abroad. Mrs. Pauline Barchwetz died in 1896. Rev. Barchwetz in 1898 married Miss Louise Ehrman, of Albany, New York.
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In his Christian work, both in the missionary field and at home, Mr. Barchwetz has accomplished a great amount of good; his efforts in the church are untiring, his zeal in the cause so close to his heart never wavers, and amid the multitudinous duties of his pastorship he has found time not only to study the great question of how to raise, cleanse and chasten the morally weak souls found in such numbers through- out our cities, but when he solved the problem to his own satisfaction, possessed the strength of purpose to put his theory to practical test, which he did in the founding, in Newark, of the Christian Refuge for Fallen Women, located at 109 Mechanic street. This institution will forever stand a fitting monument to his love of humanity and his faithful following of Him who said: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
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GEORGE PARKER.
George Parker, formerly a farmer of no mean repute, but now a prosperous con- tractor, to which business his undivided attention is given, resides at Red Bank, New Jersey, in a house situated on Front street, being the property purchased by his pater- nal grandfather, Joseph Parker, from General Harrison, father of the late ex-President Harrison, and to this he removed from his native village, Englishtown, on March 21, 1837. The farm connected with the "Harrison estate" is extensive, containing one hundred and forty-two acres. Joseph Parker, besides being an experienced and eminently successful farmer, also demonstrated his marked ability along commercial lines by running a packet line between Red Bank and New York City. Time in its flight brought its changes and so in the year 1877 the farm, through a purchase made at that time, passed into the hands of William Parker, an uncle of our sub- ject. Mr. William Parker died in 1900, and the farm reverted to the heirs of Thomas, Parker, the father of George; this tract contains ninety-eight acres of valuable land, some of which is within the borough limits.
Thomas and Mary (Mott) Parker, parents of George Parker, were both natives of Philadelphia. He followed the trade of harness-maker, which he carried on at Red Bank for a number of years. At the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in the Sixty-first Regiment, New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, army of the James; in 1862 he was killed in battle. His widow still survives him.
George, his son, to whom this chronology appertains, was born in Red Bank on November 1, 1859; here he passed through the common schools, receiving a sub- stantial fundamental education, which the experiences of life have broadened and converted into an indispensable practical knowledge. His brothers and sisters num- bered four, he being the only survivor. He is a man of quiet and reserved dispo- sition, of irreproachable character, and has fairly earned the respect in which he is held by his friends and neighbors. He is a close adherent to the principles of the Republican party, as indeed one would expect to find the owner and occupant of General Harrison's estate.
EUGENE PINTARD.
Many an American citizen can trace his ancestry back to the primitive days of our country, when religious persecutions in the old world forced young and old alike to seek liberty of thought in a land where deprivations and dangers were
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preferable to the tortures inflicted by a misdirected religious enthusiasm. Thus our subject, Eugene Pintard, can look back along a line of ancestors whose first intro- duction to America was compelled by the persecutions .the natives of France were subjected to at the instigation of the Roman church. The founder of his branch of the family in this country was William Pintard, who fled from France with two other brothers; one of the brothers located in New York City, one in Philadelphia, and William in New Jersey. He was an extensive owner of real estate, and a prac- tical and successful farmer. His wife, Hannah, was a native of Scotland, and bore him seven children. Glencross, one of his sons, married Catherine Slocum and made his home at Long Branch, New Jersey; their family numbered ten children, among whom Eugene Pintard is the most important to this sketch, as he is the father of Eugene, Jr., whose name heads this brief history. Eugene, Sr., settled on a farm near Little Siiver, New Jersey, shortly after his marriage with Elizabeth Parker, the mother of Eugene, Jr., where he spent a quiet and uneventful life, enjoying the fruits of his labor, which profited him abundantly. He passed from this life on December 20, 1880. His wife had long since preceded him into the great unknown, having died on August 21, 1854.
Eugene Pintard, our subject, was born on the family estate near Little Silver, on October 27, 1844. Here he received his early mental training in the district school, and later took up more advanced studies at Red Bank, New Jersey. He has followed from inclination a farmer's life, bestowing much care and study to the perfecting of his agricultural ventures. He has lived his entire life in the neighborhood where he was born, and is a man highly respected by those with whom he is brought in daily contact. He is unmarried.
HARRY KEMMERER.
Harry Kemmerer is one of Little Silver's most promising and enterprising young merchants. Always an active, energetic man, and although having occupied several desirable positions in the employ of reliable concerns, he was not satisfied until he shouldered the responsibility of a business of his own, and in looking around for a suitable location for the forwarding of his plans, he decided upon Little Silver, and there in 1895 he established a grocery business, in which line he has built up a large trade, through his straightforward and honorable dealings earning the respect and confidence of his patrons. His aim is to handle nothing but the best grades of goods, thus insuring satisfaction to his customers. The Golden Rule has figured conspicu- onsly in his dealings with men, which can be said to have earned for him the suc- cess he enjoys.
Mr. Kemmerer was born in the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania, on August 28, 1866, and is the son of Jerome J. and Susan (Beidler) Kemmerer, of German descent. Mr. Kemmerer's. father, Jerome J., was employed as an engineer by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, and at the time Harry was two years old removed to Phillipsburg, New Jersey, where the family remained until 1880, when they took up their residence in New York City. It was-in the great metropolis that Harry gained his education and that business experience which developed the force of character and determination of purpose which have carried him along so success- fully in his independent career. He was first employed as bookkeeper for W. H. Collins & Company, No. 179 Reade street, where he remained for about three years, then returning to New Jersey, making Stanhope his home, although not for long, for he soon went back to New York, where he entered the employ of the Edison
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Illuminating Company, where he remained for six years. It was in 1895 that he removed to Little Silver, establishing the business which has proved so profitable an investment.
Mr. Kemmerer is married and has a family of three children. His wife, to whom he was joined September 29, 1892, was Esther M., daughter of William and Esther Murgatroyd. Their children are as follows: Jerome E., born October 5, 1893; Esther F. I., March 1, 1898; and Lee E., September 1, 1900. Mrs. Kemmerer is a native of New York City, where her birth occurred on November 28, 1862.
Harry Kemmerer is an honored member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is steward, and also occupies the position of financial secretary of the official board, and is president of the Epworth League. He is also affiliated with the Royal Arcanum, having occupied the position in that order of sentry; of the Jr. O. A. M., of which he has acted as assistant secretary, and is as well a member of the K. of P.
Mr. Kemmerer well deserves the confidence reposed in him by his many friends, as he is always ranged on the side of right, ever by example exemplifying the prin- ciples of Christian citizenship, in which he is so well grounded.
NICHOLAS V. WHITE.
Nicholas V. White, a leading carpenter and builder residing at West Long Branch, was born at Asbury Park, Monmouth county, on the IIth of December, 1842. He is a son of Drummond and Rebecca (Slocum) White. The former, who born March 12, 1812, died May 16, 1898, and the latter, born on the 3d of August, 1811, departed this life on the 17th of May, 1872. Their family numbered seventeen children, nine of whom are still living, our subject being the eighth in order of birth. . Drummond White followed agricultural pursuits, but not on a large scale, but his father was an extensive land owner, at one time possessing much of the land now embraced in Asbury Park, much of which he sold at a very high price. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Samuel Slocum, was also a practical and extensive farmer.
Nicholas V. White, whose name introduces this review, received his early educa- tion in the district schools of his locality, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed continuously until the outbreak of the Civil war. In July, 1862, he offered his services to the Union cause, becoming a private in Company A, Fourteenth Regiment of New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, First Brigade, Third Di- vision and Sixth Army Corps. He proved his patriotism and courage in facing the enemy in the following closely contested battles,-Wapping Heights, Culpeper Court House, Bristoe Station, Kelly's Ford, Brandy Station, Locust Grove, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Potomac River, North Anna, Hanover Court House, Cold Harbor, Bermuda Hundred, Petersburg, Monacacy. At the last named engagement, . on the 9th of July, 1864, he received a wound which disabled him for further service for a time, but he again appeared at the front in the engagements at Hester's Run, Fort Steadman, Sailor's Creek, Farmville and Appomattox. He was honorably discharged from the service on the 18th of June, 1865, and on his return to civil' life again turned his attention to his trade, which he has ever since followed. Mr. White is a popular and progressive citizen, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have honored him by electing him to a number of positions of trust and responsibility. For seven years he served as township committeeman, was surveyor of highways for two terms, and for one term served as overseer of the poor farm.
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On the 22d of February, 1870, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Jessie C. Stillwell, who was born December 9, 1848. She was called to the home beyond on the 13th of February, 1882, after becoming the mother of three children,-Jessie A., who died in 1891 ; Charles F., also deceased, passing away in 1876; and Gilbert E. For his second wife Mr. White chose Mary M., a daughter of Abraham Garrabrant, the wedding being celebrated on the 26th of September, 1883, by the Rev. William Meeker. She was born at Hamilton, New Jersey, January 6, 1845. This union has been blessed with two children: John S., born August 6, 1884, and died August 8, 1884; and Emma A., born October 28, 1885. Mr. White holds membership with James Morris Post, No. 46, G. A. R., with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and with the U. B. C. & J. A., No. 151. He is also a worthy and honored member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he holds the office of steward.
GEORGE H. LOHSEN.
George H. Lohsen, of the firm of Lohisen & Willett, leading and enterprising men of Belford, was born in this city on the 25th of February, 1855. He is a son of Lohder and Meta (Vendolka) Lohsen, both natives of the fatherland. George H. received his education in the common schools of his native village, and, being a native of the coast, he naturally spent the greater portion of his young manhood in fishing in the bay, his time during his youth being thus occupied with the exception of a few years spent in the employ of the government at life saving station No. I, at Sandy Hook. In 1888 he entered into partnership relations with D. M. Willett, and this enterprising firm now occupy a front rank in the business circles of the locality. Mr. Lohsen is a stirring business man, quick to observe and never slow to act. His wise judgment, executive ability and untiring energy have been important factors in placing the firm upon the strong foundation which it now occupies, and the safe, conservative policy which they follow commends itself to the judgment of all. .
In 1890 Mr. Lohsen was united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Lee, a native of Belford and a daughter of Joseph and Caroline Lee. This union has been brightened and blessed by the presence of two children,-Joseph and Carrie. The wife and mother was called to the home beyond in 1895, and her death was not only a sad bereavement to her immediate family but to the entire community, for by her many estimable traits of character she had gained the love and respect of a large number of friends and acquaintances. In his social relations Mr. Lohsen is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and of the Riverhead Benefit Asso- ciation.
ALBERT W. BENNETT.
Albert W. Bennett, a sturdy descendant, paternally and maternally, of some of the oldest settlers of Monmouth county, was born at Holmdel, Monmouth county, New Jersey, on April 23, 1861, the son of John W. and Sarah B. (Wilson) Bennett. His early mental training was received in the public schools of Holmdel; later this was supplemented by a course at the Howard Institute, located at Matawan, New Jersey. In 1876, not in the least dismayed at the prospect of a life of hard physical toil, but confident of his strength and endurance, he took up the trade of black- smith, which he followed steadily for seven years at Holmdel, from which place he
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went to Coney Island, New York, where he remained for only one year, going from there to Asbury Park, New Jersey, where he entered the employ of John Sutphen, still following his trade; he later was placed in charge, by Mr. Sutphen, of a shop at Belmar, New Jersey, which he conducted for five years. This business he purchased at the end of that time, and has conducted the same on his own account ever since with, a marked degree of success. As a Democrat Mr. Bennett has been a member of the borough council of Belmar for over nine years, and still occupies a position on the present (1901) board. He is fraternally connected with Ocean Lodge, No. 89, F. & A. M., of Belmar.
On his father's side Mr. Bennett can trace his ancestry through father, grand- father and great-grandfather as being natives of Monmouth county, and on his mother's side the Wilson family dates back for many generations, some of its male members having occupied positions of considerable distinction; his grandmother along this line was a sister of Governor Newell, of New Jersey. In Albert W. Bennett, the present heir to this honorable ancestry, the families have a worthy representa- tive in point of sturdy manhood and upright and conscientious living.
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