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 68
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THE RED BANK REGISTER.
The "Red Bank Register," which is now recognized as a model country newspaper by journalists well capable of expressing a valid judgment, had its beginning June 27, 1878, with John H. Cook and Henry Clay. The mechanical outfit consisted of a Washington hand-press, a small Gordon jobber, and a few hundred dollars' worth of type. For a time two of the four pages were printed in New York, the two home printed pages containing all the local news and advertisements. In 1879 Mr. Clay retired, Mr. Cook remaining as the editor and publisher to the present day, and to his sole effort is to be ascribed the high degree of success which the "Register" has attained. But his path was not without obstacles which would have proven insuperable to one less determined. In 1881 the plant was destroyed by fire, and the loss was eleven hundred dollars in excess of the insurance. Three hours after the fire business had been resumed, and not only was the loss repaired, but in 1897 its proprietor moved into a new building on Broad street, erected after his own plans, and paid for out of the earnings of his paper.
For newspaper purposes the "Register" building is the most handsome and con- venient in Monmouth county. It covers a full lot, thirty-three and one-third by ninety- six feet, and is three stories in height. The main part of the front, above the first story, is of light buff brick, and the brick piers of the first floor are of old gold brick. All the front windows in all the stories are of plate glass. The sills are red sandstone. The building throughout is laid with double floors, the upper layer being of comb- grain yellow pine, which wears smooth and takes a fine polish. Every part of the building is finished in quartered oak, including the stairways and doors. The oak was specially selected with a view of obtaining fine markings. The wainscoting of the business office and private office is of quartered oak paneling. In the private office is a large fireplace of green tile with wrought iron fittings, and with an oak mantel. An eliptic arch of oak spindle and grill work divides the business office and private office from the printing department of the "Register." The mechanical equip- ment is sufficiently complete for the production of a large volume, and the artistic quality of the work produced is evidenced by the handsome little booklet from which our facts concerning the "Register" are derived.
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In its business and editorial conduct the "Register" occupies a unique position among what are known as country journals. Its proprietor takes a deep personal pride in its mechanical appearance, and devotes conscientious care to what its columns contain. In various important ways the "Register" has persistently pursued a course of its own; the almost invariable rule among newspapers is to charge home advertisers and local business men much higher rates than are paid by patent medicine men or city advertisers. The "Register" has always refused to publish New York or other foreign advertisements at less rates than it charges local business men, and this accounts for the fact that it has always had very little foreign or patent medicine advertising. The price of the paper has never been changed from one dollar and a half per annum, although the paper is now about four times as large as it was at first. The "Register" has never offered a premium to subscribers. It has never offered to club the paper with any other paper or magazine in order to attract subscribers thereby. It has given its attention solely to making a good newspaper, so prints all the news of the city and country, and presents it truthfully. Its opinions upon political or other subjects are the reflection of the dispassionate judgment of the editor, who is care- ful to eliminate the personal equation as far as a human being may, and consider the question in the light of truth and conscience. Independency of such a character must needs provoke some resentment, and in the carrying out of its policy of telling things as they are and of expressing opinion thereupon, grievances have been felt, and re- dress has been sought in the courts. The editor has been indicted nearly a dozen times and more than as many civil suits have been brought. Only one of the indict- ments was ever tried, and in that instance the judge directed the jury to bring in a verdict of acquittal without a single witness being required to be sworn on behalf of the paper. Of the civil suits brought against the paper, which were usually for ten thousand dollars damages, not one was ever brought to trial.
JUDGE WILLIAM H. RUF.
Judge William H. Ruf is one of the representative men of affairs in Manasquan, New Jersey, where his interests are largely centered. He was born in New York City, July 15, 1857. a son of John Ruf, who was a native of Wertheim, Germany, where he served in the army for twelve years. Forty-eight years ago he decided to emigrate to this country, and for a short period of time he resided in New York, but later removed to Freehold, New Jersey, where he lived up to the time of his death. He learned the trade of tailor and continued working at that occupation all his life. He married and three children were born to him, namely: William H., John P. and Lewis F. Ruf. The father of these children died at the age of seventy-one years, and his widow is still living at the age of seventy-eight years.
William H. Ruf, eldest son of John Ruf, resided in New York City with his parents until he was five years old, when the family removed to Freehold, New Jersey, where he acquired his education in the Freehold Institute. Later he learned the trade of tailor with his father, and worked with him at Freehold up to 1877, when he located at Manasquan, New Jersey, which at that time was only a small village, and started in business for himself, and has continued in that line of work ever since.
The Judge is an adherent of the Republican party and has served as justice of the peace for the town of Manasquan. He was also member of the first council, and at the present time (1902) is serving in the capacity of borough clerk. To him is due the honor of organizing the fire department of Manasquan; he also held the- office
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of secretary for some time, and was finally made chief of the department. He has also accepted the secretaryship of the Firemen's Relief Association of New Jersey. In fraternal circles Judge Ruf holds some very prominent offices, and is well known and respected by all the brethren. He has been a member for twelve years of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, Clyde Castle, No. 34; was grand chief of the state of New Jersey, the highest office of the order in the state, and he is at the present time supreme sir herald of the United States, the third highest position in the order in the United States, and he expects to be elected supreme chief, the highest office in the order in the country.
Judge Ruf was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Conover, daughter of William S. Conover, of Freehold, New Jersey. The following named children have been born to them : William H., Mary P., John C., Joseph, Andrew and Blanche Ruf.
SIGMUND EISNER.
Sigmund Eisner, who has the distinction of being the only manufacturer of clothing in Monmouth county, is a native of Austria, where he was born February 14, 1859; his parents, also natives of Austria, never left their native land, his father being still alive and a resident of Horazdiowitz, Bohemia.
Sigmund Eisner was educated in the public schools of his native place and his initial schooling was supplemented by a business course. He became at an early age an assistant in his father's business of buying and selling grain. Ambitious of broadening his field of activities as well as of seeing the world, he came to America in January, 1882, locating in Keyport, Monmouth county, New Jersey, where he embarked in business in a small way. By his industry and frugality Mr. Eisner was enabled in the following year to establish the manufacture of clothing at Red Bank, where he has ever since been located. At the inception of this enterprise he had two sewing machines and two girls, and from this small beginning there has been a constantly increasing business, which now necessitates the employment of more than one hundred and twenty-five people. During the past three years a large share of the output of his establishment has been the making of uniforms for the United States government and in this time there has been delivered one-half million gar- ments. Mr. Eisner's manufacturing establishment is located at 55 Wallace street and his residence at 78 Wallace street, Red Bank. Since April, 1898, Mr. Eisner has had partnership association with L. W. Werle, of Brooklyn, under the firm name of Werle & Eisner, with offices, sale rooms and cutting rooms at 505 West Broadway, New York.
Mr. Eisner was married in 1885 to Bertha, daughter of Elias Wise, of Red Bank, and four children were born to this union: Raymond, Lester, Monroe and Victor.
Mr. Eisner is a member of Mystic Brotherhood Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M., and Hiram Chapter, No. I, R. A. M .; Royal Arcanum; Monmouth Boat Club.
AMZI McLEAN POSTEN.
Amzi McLean Posten, a popular and prominent resident of Atlantic Highlands, Monmouth county, New Jersey, was born at Navesink, September 12, 1858. He received his education in the public schools of his birth place, and for ten years ren- dered his father what assistance he could in the blacksmith trade, in which that one
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was engaged. Subsequently he was employed by A. T. Taylor & Company, of New York City, a famous undertaking firm, and it was while thus employed that the idea occurred to him of choosing that line of work for himself. In order to gain a thorough knowledge of the business, he entered the Massachusetts Embalming School, from which he was duly graduated, and in 1885 he opened a business on his own account at Navesink. In 1891 he removed to his present location in Atlantic Highlands, where he has since conducted a successful and extensive trade. In connection with this line of work he has an upholstering and furniture business, which yields him a goodly income.
In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, and he was elected to serve as coroner of Monmouth county in 1890, and served three years. In the early part of 1896 he was elected a member of the Monmouth county board of freeholders from Middletown township, in which body he has proved an active and useful member, retaining his membership to the present time. He is also greatly interested in all matters relating to education. He is a member of the Navesink fire department, as well as of the hook and ladder company, and acts as treasurer of the Exempt Fire Relief Association. Fraternally he is connected with Anchor Lodge, No. 218, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, a past officer of the Encampment of the Ancient Hibernians, a member of the Knights of Pythias, of the Royal Arcanum and of Mon- mouth Council, Senior Order of the Order of United American Mechanics.
Mr. Posten married Miss Kate Lewis, daughter of Willam Lewis, a prominent citizen of Monmouth county, and the following named children have been born to then: William Henry; Hazel; Herbert; and Amzi H. Posten. Mr. Posten is well and favorably known throughout the county for his many excellent characteristics and his sterling business principles. He is progressive in his ideas, and is ever ready to render any service that would advance the interests of the community in which he resides.
GEORGE B. KISNER.
Among those enterprising men who have contributed materially to the upbuilding and development of the pleasant residence and resort places of Monmouth county, New Jersey, is George B. Kisner, of Belmar, whose activities have always been em- ployed in the most useful fields, and in recent years, in one of which he is almost the sole occupant.
Mr. Kisner was born August 10, 1847, at Farmingdale, Monmouth county, New Jersey, son of Jacob and Lydia Kisner, old and highly respected residents of that county. He received his education in the public schools in the vicinity of his birthplace. As a boy he performed labor on the home farm, and also worked in his father's black- smith shop. His tasks served to develop in him a fine physique, and when fifteen years old he was a robust, well-developed lad. At that age he went to Manchester, New Jersey, where he worked for four years under his brother, Daniel P. Kisner, a carpenter, learning the trade and becoming fully capable of assuming any of its tasks. He then located in the city of New York, where he did journey work until the spring of 1871, when he removed to Asbury Park, New Jersey. After working there at his trade for two years, he removed to Avon, in the same state, where he was engaged as foreman for two years. In 1875 he took up the business of contractor and builder, and prosecuted it successfully until 1883, when he forsook that occupation and became senior member of the firm of Kisner & Bennett, of Belmar, New Jersey, en- gaged in the work of drilling artesian wells. In this line Mr. Kisner has been con-
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tinuously engaged to the present time, and the operations of the firm have extended to a large number of cities and towns in various portions of the state, supplying needs of such urgent necessity as to entitle them to be regarded as public benefactors. Mr. Kisner is fully acquainted with all the details of the business, and in the work of estimating cost and natural conditions and superintendence of the practical work of well-drilling he is entirely dependable. His integrity is unsullied, and he is regarded with confidence in all with which he concerns himself.
Mr. Kisner is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Belmar. In politics he is a Democrat. He was married June 29, 1873, to Miss Catherine M. Fielder, daughter of John M. Fielder, of Lower Squankum, New Jersey. To them were born two sons, Nelson B., March 29, 1880, who resides in Belmar. where he follows the trade of blacksmith; and George W., July 15, 1883, who is a student at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.
WILLIAM T. STACEY.
On the roster of public officials in Perth Amboy appears the name of William T. Stacey, who is now acceptably filling the position of city assessor, and is a recognized factor in political circles. In business life he also sustains an enviable reputation and is now acting as general manager of the Hills lumber business.
Mr. Stacey was born on the 17th of April, 1858, his parents being Thomas and Mary (Harned) Stacey, both of whom were natives of England and came to America in early life. Here they were married and unto them were born two chil- dren, William T. and Edith. The parents are now both deceased. To the public school system of the land William T. Stacey is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which fitted him for his business career. His first service in the business world was in the employ of an uncle, a well known manufacturer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later he engaged in the wholesale coal business in New York City. dealing in that commodity for five years. During the past five years he has made his home in Perth Amboy and is now general manager of the Hills lumber yards, in which position he has a supervision of the business, which under his able control is constantly growing in extent and returns an excellent profit to the owners.
Mr. Stacey was united in marriage to Miss Jennie E. Hare, of Perth Amboy, and unto them have been born three children, Edith, Jetta and Ruth. The hos- pitality of the best homes of the city is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Stacey and their friends are many. He is a member of Raritan Lodge, No. 61, F. & A. M., in which he has filled the position of worthy master. In politics he takes a deep interest ; gives his support to the Republican party and does all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. Elected by popular vote to the office of city assessor he is now serving in that capacity in a competent manner, which indicates his fidelity to the best interests of the city. He withholds his support and co-opera- tion from no measure for the general good and is well known as one of the repre- sentative men of Perth Amboy.
CHARLES H. BORDEN.
Charles H. Borden, of Red Bank, New Jersey, was born in Middletown township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, August 22, 1846. His paternal grandfather, Amos Borden, was a resident of Farmingdale, Monmouth county, where he followed the
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occupation of hatter for many years. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Schenck, and a son and daughter were born of this union. His wife died, and he was then again married, and four children were born to him. His son, Daniel S. Borden, father of Charles H. Borden, was born at Farmingdale, New Jersey, where he received his education in the district schools. Upon completing his studies he learned the trade of shoemaker, and having previously removed to Red Bank, he became the proprietor of a shoe establishment there. His affiliations have always been with the Democratic party, and for twenty years he held the position of overseer of the poor of Shrewsbury. He married Miss Mary Morris, and the following named children were born to them: Charles H .; Ella, wife of Thomas Price, a carpenter by trade, who are residents of Red Bank; and Amos S., engaged in the printing trade at Red Bank. The father of these children died at Red Bank in 1898.
Charles H. Borden, oldest son of Daniel S. and Mary Borden, attended the public schools of Middletown, and after acquiring his education commenced his business career by driving a baker's wagon for five years. In 1867 he resigned from this occupation, and learned the sash and blind manufacturing trade, which he followed for three years in Jersey City, New York City and Red Bank. In 1880 he was employed by the Fleischman Yeast Company.
Mr. Borden has been a resident of Red Bank since April, 1854. He is an adherent of the principles of the Democratic party, and he has always taken an active interest in politics. He was elected in 1876 to the office of constable of Shrewsbury town- ship, a position he held for five years. In 1881 he was elected justice of the peace of the same township, and he has been re-elected each succeeding term. He is a inember of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Royal Arcanum. He has also been a member of the Navesink hook and ladder company since 1876. Mr. Borden was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Boeckel, daughter of Frederick Boeckel, of New York City.
WILLIAM HAYWARD.
There are few, if any, who have followed the turf as a means of livelihood who so well deserve the respect of men as does William Hayward, who has been spoken of as a nian of unimpeachable integrity, and as possessing a reserve of quiet dignity and self-respect that have never failed to impress those with whom he mingled. Even the most arbitrary starter on the track would not dare but award him the title of "Mister." His name has been mentioned by different writers for the newspapers as being one of a class not often found on the race track of to-day, and it was the general opinion during a conversation on a train bound for the track that there were no riders to-day who would compare with Mr. Hayward as a thorough horseman as well as a judge of pace.
Mr. Hayward was born in England on December 21, 1843, and emigrated to America in 1867, under contract with Mr. H. Sanford. In 1876 he found employment with Hon. August Belmont, and subsequently was employed by Lucian O. Apple- bee, A. J. Cassatt, Senator Hearst and Burrage Brothers. His career proved very successful both as a jockey and trainer; and he displayed more than ordinary judg- ment and ability in the training of young horses for the race track, which was evi- denced by the fact that many of them became prize winners.
Mr. Hayward has retired from the turf, but he still enters a few good horses each season. During his eventful career there were few men who won higher honors than he. In the fall of 1892 he rode his last race, winning the futurity stakes on
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Morello; he has ridden and won races with many of the most famous horses, and lias carried off the Westchester and Saratoga cups, and others of the best prizes that were offered. His colors on the track were black with white polka dots, and a white cap.
In 1868 Mr. Hayward was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Casterline, daughter of Thomas and Ann Casterline, and they reside near Oceanport, Monmouth county, New Jersey. Four children have been born to them, namely: Jane; William, who is a trainer of race horses for Messrs. Sanford & Son, of Amsterdam, New York; Nana; and Lewis, who is now employed on the turf as a rider.
JAMES B. TOOMEY.
Among the most important industrial interests of New Jersey is that of the Perth Amboy clay regions, which are referred to at length in our chapter on man- ufactures in this work. Their great antiquity and their wonderful development, reach- ing with their superexcellent product, as they do, every city of note in the country, makes them a fit subject for comment, and entitles those concerned in their manage- ment to consideration as not only capable men of affairs but also as public benefactors. With such is to be classed Mr. James B. Toomey, superintendent of the Staten Island Clay Company of Perth Aniboy, located at Spa Springs.
He was born March 4, 1862, in Perth Amboy, son of Owen and Catherine Toomey. The father was a native of Ireland, who came front Cork to the United States in 1845, and located at Perth Amboy. He was a brickmaker by occupation, a man of capability and integrity, and he diligently followed his business for a period of thirty years in his new home, and died in 1879. His widow is yet living. Their son, James B. Toomey, was educated in the public and parochial schools of his native city. When not quite seventeen years of age he entered the employ of A. Hall & Sons, brick manufacturers, and remained with them and their successors for fourteen years. During this period he had developed a special aptitude for the business and became proficient in its every department. Besides, he had established a reputation for fidelity to the trusts, committed to him, and for capability as to larger business concerns connected with the trade. In 1893 he came to the Staten Island Clay Company and was speedily advanced to the position which he now occupies, that of superintendent in charge of its various departments of building and fire brick. tiling and fire-proofing. The president of the company is J. Frank Allee, of Dover, Delaware, and J. Edward Addicks is one of the principal stockholders.
Mr. Toomey is one of the active public-spirited men of his community, who has proved serviceable in various important positions. He served for five years as a member of the city council, and he is now a member of the board of health. In politics he is a Democrat, and is influential in the councils of his party. In religion he is a Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Catholic Association. He is unmarried.
AUGUST KROEGER.
Among those who have come from foreign lands to become prominent in busi- ness circles in Perth Amboy is August Kroeger, the well known wholesale and retail dealer in meats. His success in his undertakings has been so marked that his
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methods are of interest to the commercial world. He has based his business prin- ciples and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which govern industry, economy and perseverance. What he is to-day he has made himself, for he began in this world with nothing but his own energy and willing hands to aid hin. By constant exertion, guided by sound judgment, he has raised himself to the enviable position which he now holds among the substantial business men of his adopted city.
A native of Holstein, Germany, Mr. Kroeger was born November 14, 1856, and there pursued his education. At the age of twenty-two he resolved to seek a home and fortune in America, and acting upon this determination arrived in New York, where he secured employment and remained for several years. He then went to Omaha, Nebraska, where for three years he was engaged in the butchering busi- ness and then returned to the fatherland, but in the meantime he had become greatly attached to this country and his love for its institutions and his knowledge of the opportunities here offered led him to again cross the Atlantic. Once more he landed in New York and was there engaged in butchering business until 1889, when he came to Perth Amboy and opened a wholesale and retail meat market, which he has since conducted. It is the largest enterprise of the kind in this part of the state. He handles both western and home killed beeves and has a very large patron- age in both departments of his store. From the beginning his trade has increased and now yields a splendid financial return upon the investment.
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