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 9
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member of the supreme lodge. Since 1898 he has been a member of Capt. Conover Post, G. A. R., No. 63, of Frcehold.
A son of Mr. Green was a member of Company G, Second Regiment, New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, during the Spanish-American war.
Mr. Green resides in a beautiful and commodious residence in the town of Freehold, where he has lived for the past ten years.
CHARLES H. LUM.
One of Red Bank's prosperous farmers is Charles H. Lum, the subject of this brief sketch. He resides on part of what is well known in that section as the "Grover Homestead," and while the house was built in 1730, it is in a fine state of preservation, and is one of the picturesque landmarks of the place, being situated on the road leading from Red Bank to Lincroft.
Mr. Lum was born in Sandusky, Ohio, on August 2, 1853, the son of Henry B. and Louisa R. Lum. When our subject was thirteen years of age, in the year 1866; liis parents removed to New Jersey, and in 1877 purchased part of the old homestead, containing fifty acres. While in the west Mr. Henry B. Lum, the father of our sub- ject, was engaged as a nurseryman. In early life he taught school, and during the gold fever in California was on the Pacific coast, where he very successfully engaged in the bakery trade. He twice entered the matrimonial state, his first wife dying in 1863, his second wife in 1892; he, himself, passed away in 1895.
Charles H. Lum was reared and educated in the public schools of Ohio. He carly evinced a strong tendency for agricultural pursuits, in which he has been closely interested all his life. In 1882 he went to Florida, where he bought a tract of land covering 500 acres; here he remained for eight years, giving his attention to the cultivation of cocoanuts and various other fruits and vegetables. During his brief stay in that country, he became so popular that he received the appointment of county superintendent of schools and was further honored by being made super- visor of registration, as well as other offices of minor importance. Hc returned to New Jersey in 1890.
His marriage to Effie, daughter of James C. and Rachel (Smith) Grover, oc- curred on September 24. 1886; their only child is Annie L., who was born Septem- ber 19, 1888.
Mrs. Effie Lum is the great-granddaughter of James Grover, to whom the Grover cstate descended from an uncle, another James, on condition that he marry at the age of eighteen years; this stipulation was complied with, his wife being a Miss Deborah, at the time of her marriage sixteen years of age. She was the daughter of William Voorliees. Their family consisted of twelve children, nine of whom arrived at maturity and occupied honorable positions in society.
James, the first owner of this extensive property, received a grant of 600 acres from King James II. On this land he built the house (in 1730) now occupied by his great-great-grandniece, Mrs. Lum.
James C. Grover, the father of Mrs. Lum, is the grandson of the aforesaid James, and great-grand-nephew to the original James, who was, it is scarcely necessary to say, a native of England. Mr. Grover was born in Princeton, New Jersey, but spent many years of his life on the old homestead. He finally purchased 120 acres of the original tract, which he cultivated to a high state of perfection. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, having spent his early years in teaching, and was peculiarly endowed with noble principles and high minded conceptions of life, which
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no doubt were ingrafted into his nature through the blood of his Quaker ancestry. His family consisted of ten children, namely, Deborah S., Emily, Joseph (deceased), Charles (deceased), Alice, Anna (deceased), J. Stillwell. Cornelia, Minnie (de- ceased) and Effie. Mr. Grover was born December 2, ISI6, and died February 22, 1873. His wife was born October 25, 1825, dying on February 8, 1891. They were members of the Baptist church, to which denomination Mr. and Mrs. Lum also belong.
EDMUND THROCKMORTON WOOLLEY.
Edmund Throckmorton Woolley, justice of the peace of Monmouth county, was born in Shrewsbury township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, July 18, 1825. His parents were Joseph and Hannah (Williams) Woolley, natives of Monmouth county, and descendants of the early Quaker settlers of New Jersey. Joseph Woolley was a leading agriculturist of Shrewsbury township, a stalwart Whig and subse- quently a Republican, a consistent member of the Society of Friends, as was his wife, to whom he was married in the old Quaker Meeting House at Shrewsbury 'about 1820; he died in 1872, his wife in 1878. Of their children but two survive, namely : Edmund T. Woolley; and Elizabeth H., widow of Hubbard Dennis, who was for many years a harness maker at Eatontown, Monmouth county.
E. T. Woolley received his initial schooling at Shrewsbury, this being supple- mented by attendance at the Friends' School, Westtown, Pennsylvania. After four years' association in mechanical pursuits with an uncle, Robert Wardell, in a gen- eral store at Eatontown, he entered the service of the New Jersey Southern Rail- road Company, with which he continued to be identified in various capacities for a period of twenty years. During nine years of this time he was foreman for the company at Sandy Hook; was then Adams Express Company's agent and baggage master in the steamer service connected with the road. Following this and up to 1888 he was in the exclusive employ of the Adams Express Company as train mes- senger. In the last mentioned year he was installed by the Adams Express Com- pany as clerk in their Red Bank office, where he remained until 1895, then resign- ing to assume the duties of justice of the peace, to which office he had been elected by the Republican party in 1896. He was re-elected to the same office in 1901.
Mr. Woolley has filled all of the large offices of the Knights of Pythias and is a member of the grand lodge of the state of New Jersey. He was married April 3, 1848, to Palmyra, daughter of the late Thomas Riddle, an early packet captain of New Jersey. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Woolley nine survive.
JAMES J. FLYNN.
One of the prominent and reliable business citizens of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is James J. Flynn, undertaker and embalmer. He is a native of Middlesex county, and was born in Perth Amboy, in 1871, and was a son of Patrick and Elizabeth Flynn.
Mr. Flynn acquired a good common school education in the schools of his native borough and after finishing the course learned the trade of tinsmith, following it for eight years and becoming thoroughly proficient. At the expiration of this period he became connected with the undertaking business in the establishment of Thomas
Edmund, B. Hooley
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F. Burke, of Perth Amboy, and remained here for four years. On February 1, 1901, he opened a business of his own, at his present location, and is already recognized as a most reliable business man and he has long been known to be an honorable citi- zen. Mr. Flynn keeps a complete assortment of all the requisites for funerals and gives his personal attention to all details, his courteous manner making his services particularly appreciated.
Mr. Flynn was elected town constable in 1889, filling the duties of that office with complete satisfaction. Socially he is connected with St. Salvador Council, No. 299, Kniglits of Columbia; Chief Ranger of Court Amboy, Forestcrs of America ; Perth Amboy Tribe, I. O. R. M .; and of St. Patrick's Alliance. He is also foreman of the Volunteer Hook and Ladder Company and in all of these various organiza- tions he is highly esteemed. His religious membership is in St. Mary's Catholic church. He is a progressive, energetic and thoroughly instructed business man and enjoys the respect of his fellow citizens in Perth Amboy.
WALTER K. WHITAKER.
Walter King Whitaker is the junior member of the firm of M. F. Whitaker & Company, of Sewaren, dealers in groceries. He is an enterprising young business man, energetic and trustworthy, and his laudable ambition will prompt hini to efforts that can not fail to bring added success. The senior partner of the firm is his brother, Millard Filmore Whitaker, son of John K. Whitaker, a resident of Sewaren, who is now practically living a retired life. The family is one of the oldest in the state and its representatives are well known in Elizabeth, Trenton and other points. Since 1875 they have resided in Sewaren and after long connection with business affairs the father is now enjoying a well earned rest. He is a man of prominence and influence, highly regarded for his sterling worth.
Millard F. Whitaker was born November 1, 1860, in Trenton, New Jersey, and is a man of fine business ability, giving close attention to his store and securing patronage through reasonable prices and honorable dealing. He is well known as a member of the Masonic fraternity and has taken many degrees in that order. He also belongs to the Royal Arcanum. Politically he is a Democrat and for some time filled the position of postmaster in Sewaren, his administration of the office being one which evoked commendation from all concerned. He married Hiss Hattie De Hoven and they have one child.
Walter King Whitaker, the younger member of the well known grocery firm, was born in Trenton October 30, 1862, and attended school in Elizabeth, coniing with the family to Sewaren in 1875 when thirteen years of age. Reared to manhood here, he became identified with its mercantile interests as a member of the present firm in 1889, in which year the brothers opened a grocery store. which they have since successfully conducted. They carry a large line of carefully selected goods and from the public receive a large and constantly growing patronage.
Walter K. Whitaker was married to Miss Nellie Monahan, and they, too, have one child. The Democratic party receives his political allegiance, and of the Ma- sonic fraternity he is a representative, belonging to the same Masonis divisions as does his brother, including Americus Lodge, No. 83, F. & A. M., of Woodbridge: Lofetter Chapter, No. 1743, R. A. M., of Rahway; St. John's Commandery, No. 9, K. T., of Elizabeth ; and Mecca Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of New York. He
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exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the fraternity. Both brothers are wide- awake, energetic young business men, enjoying the unqualified esteem of the public and the warm regard of many friends in social circles.
CHARLES HENRY THOMPSON, M. D.
Dr. Charles Henry Thompson, one of the prominent physicians of Monmouth county, New Jersey, was born near Marlboro, New Jersey, August 23, 1843, son of Denise and Cornelia (Bergen) Thompson. The name, originally spelled Tomson, is of English-Scotch origin. The original immigrant to this country settled on the New England coast prior to 1650 and was one of the eighty-six original purchasers, in 1667, of that part of Monmouth county known then as Navesink, Narumsink and Pootapeck. From this ancestor a long and honorable line descends to Will- iam I. Tompson, grandfather of Charles Henry ; he was born in 1779, married Margaret Denise, was a farmer, a Presbyterian, and had six children. Through the maternal line, Dr. Thompson's ancestry traces back to Hans Hansen- Bergen, who settled on Manhattan Island in 1633 and married Sarah Rapalie, the first white child born of European parentage in the colony of New Netherlands. Dr. Thompson's father, Dennis Thompson, born September 23, 1802, was a progressive farmer, a stanch Republican, a zealous member of the Dutch Re- formed church and many years its treasurer. His children were: Jacob B., Will- iam I .. John B., J'oseph C., Cornelia D., Stephen E., Tunis D. and Charles H., all deceased except John B. and the youngest.
Dr. Charles Henry Thompson was graduated from Rutgers College in 1864, read medicine in the office of Dr. John Vought, at Freehold, and in February, 1868. was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Columbia College, New York City. He commenced practice at Rosemont, New Jersey, and four years later he located in New York. In 1875 he returned to New Jersey, at South Amboy, and after four years came to his present location at Belmar. Dr. Thomp- son is in touch with the medical progress of his day and is an influential member of . the Medico Legal Society of New York City and of the Monmouth County Medi- cal Society. He is a Republican, and although not an office seeker, was made the nominee of his party for assembly in 1890. He has twice served as president of the borough commission of Ocean Beach, and for two terms, of two years each, has been mayor of Belmar. He is high up in Masonry, being a past-master of Ocean Lodge, No. 89, F. & A. M .; is a member of Goodwin Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M .; of Corson Commandery, No. 15, K. T., and of the Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was an organizer and the first senior warden of the Protestant Episcopal church of Belmar, and was chosen to formally present the church to the bishop of the diocese.
In May, 1865, he was married to Rhoda A., daughter of Samuel and Margetta (Wiley) Holmes, of Pleasant Valley, New York. Their only child, Dr. Fred V., is one of the rising physicians of New Jersey, practicing at Holmdel, New Jersey.
HARRY CONARD.
Harry Conard is one of the youngest bank cashiers in the state of New Jersey, holding that position in connection with the First National Bank of Perth Amboy. He has attained a position of distinction in financial circles that many an older
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HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST.
man might well envy, and his advancement has come through strong resolution, unfaltering energy and laudable ambition.
Although a native of Pennsylvania Mr. Conard came to Perth Amboy in 1877, and his school days were largely spent in this city. For twelve years he was connected with the Lehigh Valley Coal Company of New York City, acting as its cashier, and in 1892 he aided in the organization of the Citizens City Building and Loan Asso- ciation of Perth Amboy, of which he was made secretary and treasurer. When the organization of the First National Bank was effected on the 23d of August, 1899, he was chosen its cashier and has since been closely connected with the management and control of the institution, which has rapidly won its way to a foremost place in public favor on account of its safe and conservative business policy and the financial reliability of its stockholders. The president is Hamilton Fish Kean, of Union township, Union county, New Jersey, and the directors are John W. Whilan, of Elizabeth; Robert Carson, of New Brunswick; A. D. Brown, of Woodbridge; C. D. Snedaker, Peter Nelson and George Haney, of Perth Amboy. All are well known business men of marked ability and high financial standing-a fact which insures confidence in the institution and has made it one of the leading and prosperous banks of this part of the state. It is capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars and is the only national bank in Perth Amboy. Mr. Conard carefully controls its interests and his correct judgment of human nature, combined with his business ability and executive force, has contributed in large measure to the success of the enterprise.
Mr. Conard was united in marriage to Miss Alice Elizabeth Richters, of Eliza- beth, New Jersey, and they have one son. Their attractive home is the center of a leading society circle and their friends throughout the community are as many in number as their acquaintances. Socially Mr. Conard is a member of Raritan Lodge, No. 61, F. & A. M., and also has membership relations with the Royal Arcanum. In his political views he is a Republican, but has never been an active worker in the party. He served as city treasurer from 1894 to 1896 and is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the improvement and upbuilding of the community, co- operating in many measures for the general good. He possesses the requisite quali- fications of a successful business man and his future is therefore assured. His strong purpose is guided by sound business principles, and his efforts are directed along the lines of the strictest commercial ethics. His record is above reproach and there is no more honorable, genial or popular young business man in Perth Amboy than Harry Conard.
JOSEPH G. BURNS.
Joseph G. Burns, who is now filling the position of superintendent of the water works of Perth Amboy. was born in this city on the Ist of February. 1861. His father, Joseph Burns, who died in 1898, was a native of Ireland and was a tailor by trade. Becoming a resident of Perth Amboy at an early age, he here followed tailoring throughout his business career. When the country became involved in the war with Mexico he volunteered for service and marched to the land of Montezuma, where he aided in establishing the supremacy of the American arms. When the south attempted to overthrow the Union he again donned the suit of blue as a member of the Eleventh New Jersey Infantry and through the war of the Rebellion served with the Third Army Corps, being discharged with the rank of second lieu- tenant. He participated in the battles of Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Fredericks- burg, and other important engagements and was a most loyal soldier. In his political
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views he was a Democrat and twice served his constituents as a member of the city council.
Joseph G. Burns is the only son born unto his parents. He has always inade Perth Amboy his home, and to its public school system he is indebted for the educa- tional privileges which he enjoyed. After putting aside his text-books, he entered the service of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, with which he remained for eighteen consecutive years, part of the time upon the road, and the remainder of the period as its representative at this place. His long connection with the com- pany indicates clearly his fidelity to duty and promptness in its discharge. At length he resigned his position to become superintendent of the water works of Perth Amboy, to which he was appointed in 1899.
Mr. Burns exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy and is deeply interested in the growth and success of his party, doing all in his power for its advancement. He was married in 1886 to Miss Tille Simonson, and unto them have been born three children, namely: Arthur, Scott and Frank. Mr. Burns is one of the popular young men of the village, where he has a wide acquaintance. His friends are indeed inany, including those who have known him from early boyhood.
STAFFORD L. RAPPELYEA.
A prominent and progressive citizen of Milltown, Middlesex county, New Jersey, is Stafford L. Rappelyea, the honored mayor of the town and the proprietor of the Milltown Granite Works. His parents are William C. and Hester (Lloyd) Rappelyea, and his birth was in North Brunswick township, Middlesex county, on January 24, 1865.
William C. Rappelyea, the father of the subject of this biography, was a son of Jeremiah and Mary Ann Rappelyea and he was born near Denhams Corner, in East Brunswick township, and has spent his entire life in Middlesex county, where he has been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, now living retired in Milltown. Both he and wife are consistent members of the Methodist church.
Stafford L. Rappelyea, the only child of William and Hester Rappelyca, acquired his education in the public schools of New Brunswick, and after his school days ended he went to work in the Milltown rubber factory, but subsequently learned the trade of granite cutting, with William Clinton, of New Brunswick, remaining in his employ for thirteen years. Leaving Mr. Clinton at this time he went to Elizabeth and there took charge of the granite yard of Thomas Jardine & Son, and remained there for two years, going then to South River, New Jersey, where he became a partner in the firm of Lupton Bros. & Co. This partnership was dissolved in 1889 and Mr. Rappelyea returned to Milltown and engaged in business for himself, where, by studying the wants of his patrons, by good and artistic workmanship, and by courtcous treatment, he has gained the confidence of the public and has estab- lished a large and remunerative business.
Mr. Rappelyea was united in marriage at South River, New Jersey, on November 6, 1895, to Miss Ada Armstrong, who was the daughter of Robert and Amelia Arm- strong, and one son has blessed this union, Erdman A., who was born in 1897.
Mr. Rappeiyea is a valued member of a number of the fraternal orders, notably, of New Brunswick Lodge, No. 6, I. O. O. F .; Wickatunk Tribe, No. 135, Improved Order of Red Men: Riverside Council, Junior Order of American Mechanics; in all of these he enjoys the high estecm of comrades. In his political sympathies he has
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been an active and enthusiastic Republican and his fellow citizens displayed their confidence by electing him to the office of mayor on March 12, 1901. He is a director in the Van Lien cemetery, and one of the leading and substantial citizens. With his family he is connected with the Methodist church.
WILLIAM H. NASH.
There are few men better known or more highly respected in Carteret, Wood- bridge township, New Jersey, than the subject of this brief review, William H. Nash, who has lived in this section for upwards of thirty years. He is the proprietor of the Port Reding Hotel at Carteret, which is well and favorably known to visitors at that place as affording entertainment second to none. For ten years Mr. Nash has been engaged in the hotel business, although he has not confined himself strictly to it, being interested in real estate transactions in connection with Joseph W. Savage; in this line he has done an extensive business; he has successfully negotiated many sales, including desirable factory sites, as well as the buying and selling of residence property.
Politically Mr. Nash is an adherent of the Democratic party, in whose welfare he takes an active interest. He is an advocate of outdoor exercise, and is a member of the Woodbridge Athletic Club. Mr. Nash is happy in the possession of a wife and five children.
JOSEPH MARK.
Joseph Mark, a prominent and progressive citizen and successful business man, efficiently filling the honorable position of mayor of the pleasant town of South River, Middlesex county, New Jersey, is a son of Bernhard and Theresa (Schesler) Mark.
The Mark family is of German descent, the father of our subject being a native of Baden Baden, where he was born in 1828; he was a son of Mathias and Susan Mark, the former of whom spent his whole life in his native country, but the latter emigrated to the United States and died at South River, New Jersey.
Bernard Mark spent his early life in Germany, where he was educated and learned the trade of shocmaker, and until 1848 he worked there at his trade. At this date he came to America, landing at New York, and soon after made his way to South River, New Jersey, and decided to make that part of the state his permanent home, being one of the first settlers of that section of Middlesex county. Herc he soon established himself at his trade of shocmaking, and being a skilled mechanic he soon had all of the work which he could attend to. Subsequently he engaged in the retail shoe business and carried on the same very successfully until 1899, at which time he disposed of his business and since that time has been spending the autumn of his life free from business cares, amidst the surroundings of his cheerful home, in South River.
To Bernard Mark and wife were born these children, namely: Emma, who is the wife of Robert Davison, of South River; William, born on December 9, 1860, married Miss Nellie Dockenty and has three children, residing in Brooklyn; Joseph ; and Susan, who is the wife of Charles Combs, has three children and resides in South River. One other, named Rosella, died in childhood.
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Mr. Mark has long been a prominent citizen of this town and for four years was the efficient town commissioner and was one of the directors of the building and loan association of South River for eight years. In political views he has been a life- long Democrat. Bernard Marks is known to be a consistent member of the Meth- odist church, and he has been honest and upright in all his dealings through life; he is of a progressive spirit, giving his influence and contributing largely of his means to 'advance all enterprises tending to the promotion of the welfare of his adopted home. He is honored and esteemed by all of his fellow citizens.
Joseph Mark, who is our subject, was educated in the public schools of South River and after completing the course, went to work in a brickyard, where he re- mained for five years, and for about three years longer he was engaged at carpet- weaving. His next step was an engagement as agent to travel in the interests of a. shirt factory in New York, and thus thoroughly learned the necessary details of this business. In 1886 our subject, in association with his brother-in-law, Robert Davison, established a shirt factory in South River, beginning in a small way. It soon began to assume large proportions and has become one of the important and leading indus- tries in this locality.
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