Ocean County , NJ History

from the Trenton Times 28 Dec 1915 CANNON- In this city, on eh 26th inst., Sarah B., widow of Garrett Cannon, of Bordentown, N.J. The relatives and friends are invited to attend the services at the Christ Episcopal Church, Bordentown, N.J. on Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock sharp. Interment at St. Mary's Burlington, N.J. Friends may view the deceased at the residence of Mr. Clarence BIDDLE, No. 322 West State Street, Trenton, N.J., on Wednesday afternoon and evening.

from the New Jersey Mirror 23 Dec 1936: Weeks-Koster Wedding -- Miss Janice Elizabeth Koster, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon A. Koster, of Green Bank, and Franklin Weeks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Weeks, of Somers Point, were married on Saturday evening, December 12th, at the Almonesson M. E. parsonage, by the Rev. C. Russell Nixon, a former pastor in Green Bank. Mrs. Weeks is a graduate of the Egg Harbor High School and of the Atlantic City School of Nursing. Mr. Weeks, a graduate of Hammonton High School, is employed by the Fischer Baking Company in Atlantic City. A reception and dinner was held on Sunday at the home of the bride's parents.

Tuckerton Beacon 21 Dec 1950 (in the Beach Haven section) By Mrs. Lee Thomas phone B.H. 3-5151 Hi all, here it is only one week til Christmas. The last minute rush is on, trying to get off the cards to people you forgot completely. Hoping they will get there in time. It is so nice to ride around and look at the houses all lit up at this time of year. This whole Island is right on the ball with Christmas spirit. Can hardly wait until Christmas Eve to put the tree up. Well, I had better get down to brass tacks now cause I still have a million and one things to do. John J. Thomas, Bills father, came down from New York Wednesday evening and stayed until Sunday. Mom and the girls stayed in the city this weekend to finish up the shopping. Mr. and Mrs. William Mac Reynolds of Idaho Ave., spent Sunday at their home. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gallagher of Beach Ave were also weekenders. Mr. and M rs. Al Salottolo of tennesee ave. were down for the weekend and have put up Christmas lights. I h...

New Jersey Courier 21 Dec 1917 Armsted Hutchinson filled his ice house with 6 inch ice on Monday; Henry Larrison filled his on Tuesday and George Hartshorn on Wednesday. Ellis Cox also filled his icehouse on Wednesday and James Larkin on Thursday. A.C. Hutchinson, Thomas Hartshorn and Charles Atkinson attended on Tuesday the cattle sale of Willaim Reid of Tennent. Ashton E. Clift and wife will entertain over the Christmas holidays, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Horner and children of South Amboy. Aaron B. Wainwright of Philadelphia was a guest of his father, Joel Wainwright, on Monday. Miss Emily Buck was a Sunday guest of her mother, Mrs. Harry Borden, of Jacobstown. Miss Florence Miller of Cookstown, Mrs. Clifford Horner and two children David and Edgar visited Friday with Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Horner.

New Jersey Courier 21 Dec 1917 The Cedar Crest school has been closed for the last few days E.W. Weimar was in Barnegat Monday last. Several of the people of Cedar Crest were in Barnegat Sunday last. Mrs. Lutts has been very sick John Conover returned to Elwood, after working for the C.C.O. & P. Co. for some time. Jno. Kilburn could not get to Cedar Crest Sunday, so his ass't Mr. Septor took his place. We had Sunday-school and church in the evening. Mrs. Susie Giberson, Mrs. Mick and Mrs. Lawrence Reeves of Whitings were here Monday last.

From the New Jersey Courier 19 Dec 1878: Capt. Joseph Townsend is a happy grandfather. Not that he has not been so before, but this time there is a difference, you know. Why not call it Joseph? Pitman Anderson drives a handsome sporting team of blacks. Mr. Samuel Ridgway is recovering slowly from his severe illness

According to the New Jersey Courier of 19 Dec 1878, "The post office was broken into on Friday night and robbed of $4."

From Lakewood Times and Journal, 17 Dec 1874 We notice the finger-boards indicating direction and distance are being placed up at the prominent points of public roads.

New Jersey Courier 15 Dec 1939 Commander Charles E. Rosendahl, former commandant of the Lakehurst Naval Air Station, has been promoted to the rank of captain. He is among 81 commanders who have been elevated. Commander Rosendahl, survivor of the crash of the dirigible Shenandoah in 1925, is regarded as the best informed man in America on the operation of lighter th an air craft. He is as present on sea duty as executive officer of the cruiser Milwaukee. He was given his present assignment July 9, 1938 according to Navy regulations that land and sea duty must be alternated to remain eligible for promotion.

from New Jersey Courier, 15 Dec 1900 James Harley Compton, formerly of [illegible] died at [illegible] of spinal meningitis on October 18th, aged 47 years. He was a druggist by profession and was in business at New Egypt for a number of years. He leaves a widow (who was the daughter of the late Rev. David McCurdy of the M.E. Conference) and one daughter. He had been eleven years a member of the M.E. Church. Burial at Windsor.

from New Jersey Courier 15 Dec 1900 Dr. James Palmer Cleaver, son of Mrs. C.P. Cleaver, died at the Palmer house, Lakewood, on Thursday morning. He was twenty six years of age. His health broke down four years ago when he was physician in the French hospital in New York, and he went to Texas. There his health was restored so much that he built up a large practice. But last winter he had a severe attack of the grippe from which he never recovered. He came north from Texas in June and has lived here ever since. The funeral services were held at the Palmer house Saturday at noon. Rev. D. L. Schwartz officiating. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Dr. Cleaver leaves a wife and two children.

from New Jersey Courier, 15 Dec 1900 Miss Edna Celest Buckingam, daughter of Mrs. M.H. Buckingham, formerly Lakewood, died on Tuesday of last week at the residence of her aunt in Bridgeport, CT. Miss Buckingham was 20 years of age and had been ill all summer.

From the New Jersey Courier 15 Dec 1939, Lakehurst section: Commander Charles E. Rosendahl, former commandant of the Lakehurst Naval Air Station, has been promoted to the rank of captain. He is among 81 commanders who have been elevated. Commander Rosendahl, survivor of the crash of the dirigible Shenandoah in 1925, is regarded as the best informed man in America on the operation of lighter th an air craft. He is as present on sea duty as executive officer of the cruiser Milwaukee. He was given his present assignment July 9, 1938 according to Navy regulations that land and sea duty must be alternated to remain eligible for promotion.

from New Jersey Courier, 15 Dec 1900 Miss Edna Celest Buckingam, daughter of Mrs. M.H. Buckingham, formerly Lakewood, died on Tuesday of last week at the residence of her aunt in Bridgeport, CT. Miss Buckingham was 20 years of age and had been ill all summer.

From the New Jersey Mirror 15 Jun 1921: The Mystery of the disappearance of the little Matilda Russo, the seven-year-old daughter of Mike Russo,a tailor, living at 113 East Second street, Moorestown, was cleared up on Friday when officers searching for the body of the child in the cellar of Lewis Lively, a colored man living next door, found the horribly mutilated remains of the child, buried three feet under the earth floor. All the clothes had been roughly torn from the body. Almost simultaneously with the finding of the murdered child Lively disappeared as completely as though swallowed up by the ground and he has succeeded in eluding the authorities thus far, although a countrywide search is being made for the arch fiend. The Little Italian girl was reported missing on Saturday night, June 4. The last seen of the child was between 7 and 8 o'clock that evening. It was supposed at first that she might have run away because she had been reprimanded by her mother for some trivia...

NJC 14 Dec 1917 Dr. Rogers gave a sermon at Cedar Crest church last Sunday evening and Monday evening; he also baptized six children of this place. J.L. Branson, Mrs. Eva Wright, her son, Harry, and Henry Sanders motored to Toms River Tuesday last. B.Wade was in Newark on Monday. E.W.Weimar was a Monay visitor at Barnegat. Miss Margaret Septor and Ella May Albertson were Sunday visitors at Earley's home in Whitings. J.L.. Earley was in Cedar Crest on Sunday. Mrs. Henry Britton had visitors on Sunday last. Jno. Conover was a Monday visitor at Tuckerton. A large box of candy was given to the Sunday school children by Messrs. Bangs and Weimer.

New Jersey Courier 13 Dec 1929 Mrs. Horace R. Wemple and daughter Miss Frances of Elizabeth and Beachwood returned recently from a visit of ten days in Great Barrington, Mass., where they were called by the death of Mr. Ralph Wainwright Pope, Mrs. Wemple's father. Mr. and Mrs. John Peterson of Cable Avenue spent a few days with their son in West Orange. Mrs. Melbourne Camillier, Jr. and Mrs. Frank Hill spent Tuesday in Asbury Park on a shopping trip. Arthur O'Dare of Brooklyn stopped at his cottage on Cable Avenue for the week end. He is having his front porch glassed in, Albert Neilson doing the work. Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Rheinhardt motored from Orange to spend a few days at their home here. Mr. Rheinhardt is goin gto build a house on Cable Avenue. Albert Ober of Oak St. motored to Trenton on business last Thursday. Richard Stern motored from Irvington to spend the week end at his home on Barnegat Blvd. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Koelihoffer have returned after a visit of sev...

New Jersey Courier 13 Dec 1929 Our folks are responding generously to the Community Christmas tree. The trustees of the Presbyterian church have kindly agreed to allow the tree to be placed on the lawn between the church and Union Avenue. For this year, the tree will have to be temporary, but the intention is to have a sutiable tree transplanted on the site, and make it a permanent observance. A committee of the Exchange Club is arranging for a suitable tree and it's lighting, also a candy treat for the children of the community, and the officers of the club are receiving donations to cover the necessary expense. It is desired that all folks understand that this is actually a community affair and not for, or by, any one organization. A.W. CARR and wife visited in New York Friday of last week. Archie F. MURRAY and wife were Saturday visitors to Newark. A card party was held at the home of Mrs. Annie WALSH Tuesday evening. The attendance was large and all thoroughly enjoyed the a...

from the New Jersey Courier, 13 Dec 1929 Santa Barbara, November 30--Carrying out his death bed request, the ashes of William Algernon Brackenridge, 71 years of age, retired senior vice president of the Southern California Edison Company, were strewn on the Pacific Ocean following cremation this afternoon. Brackenridge died in a local hospital after a lingering illness Friday night. During the past forty six years he has been connected with practically every great waterpower project in this country, Mexico, and Canada. He served on the board of consulting engineers making plans for the power development at Niagara Falls. He was appointed in 1904 by the Governor of New York to the advisory board of consulting engineers in charge of construction of the barge canal connecting the Hudson River and the Great Lakes. He came to California in 1909 to join the Southern California Edison Company. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Margaret Brackenridge and four children, Marian, Anne and Wil...

from the New Jersey Courier, 13 Dec 1929 (Lakehurst section) Our folks are responding generously to the Community Christmas tree. The trustees of the Presbyterian church have kindly agreed to allow the tree to be placed on the lawn between the church and Union Avenue. For this year, the tree will have to be temporary, but the intention is to have a sutiable tree transplanted on the site, and make it a permanent observance. A committee of the Exchange Club is arranging for a suitable tree and it's lighting, also a candy treat for the children of the community, and the officers of the club are receiving donations to cover the necessary expense. It is desired that all folks understand that this is actually a community affair and not for, or by, any one organization. A.W. CARR and wife visited in New York Friday of last week. Archie F. MURRAY and wife were Saturday visitors to Newark. A card party was held at the home of Mrs. Annie WALSH Tuesday evening. The attendance was large ...

from the New Jersey Courier, 13 Dec 1929 Santa Barbara, November 30--Carrying out his death bed request, the ashes of William Algernon Brackenridge, 71 years of age, retired senior vice president of the Southern California Edison Company, were strewn on the Pacific Ocean following cremation this afternoon. Brackenridge died in a local hospital after a lingering illness Friday night. During the past forty six years he has been connected with practically every great waterpower project in this country, Mexico, and Canada. He served on the board of consulting engineers making plans for the power development at Niagara Falls. He was appointed in 1904 by the Governor of New York to the advisory board of consulting engineers in charge of construction of the barge canal connecting the Hudson River and the Great Lakes. He came to California in 1909 to join the Southern California Edison Company. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Margaret Brackenridge and four children, Marian, Anne and Wil...

from New Jersey Courier 12 Dec 1878 The large residence of Mr. Cornelius Lawrence caught fire on Saturday evening last, about six o'clock, from a defective flue. Mr. Lawrence was returning from Toms River and on nearing the house discovered the fire on the roof. He quickly gave the alarm and this was the first intimation the inmates received of their danger. The neighbors saw the work of destruction going on and at once repaired to the burning building and saved all of the furniture, and in fact everything but part of Mr. Lawrence's wardrobe and that of his housekeeper, Mrs. Josephine Troy, who also lost some jewelry and $20 cash. The lost articles were in the attic. Hundreds of buckets of water were thrown upon the wagon house and corn crib which were thusly saved. I was informed by Mr. Lawrence that the building was insured for $1200 and that $2500 would be required to replace it.

From the Tuckerton Beacon, 11 Dec 1975 Mrs. Olive Bozarth, 87, formerly of Maple st., New Gretna, died Dec 5 at Ocean Point Convalescent Center, Somers Point. She was born in New Gretna and lived there most of her life. Her husband, Delvin, died 14 years ago. Among here survivors are a daughter in law, Mrs. Dorothy Bozarth. Burial was from the Wood and Kedz Funeral Home, Tuckerton on Dec. 9 and interment was in Hillside Cemetery, New Gretna.

from Tuckerton Beacon 11 Dec 1975 Mrs. Olive Bozarth, 87, formerly of Maple st., New Gretna, died Dec 5 at Ocean Point Convalescent Center, Somers Point. She was born in New Gretna and lived there most of her life. Her husband, Delvin, died 14 years ago. Among here survivors are a daughter in law, Mrs. Dorothy Bozarth. Burial was from the Wood and Kedz Funeral Home, Tuckerton on Dec. 9 and interment was in Hillside Cemetery, New Gretna.

from the New Jersey Mirror 9 Dec 1818 A violent gale from the southwest commenced about 10 o'clock last Saturday evening (December 5, 1818) and continued with little intermission until Sunday morning at sunrise. The damage to the port of Philadelphia was extensive. Nothing this severe has been experienced for twenty years

Press of Atlantic City 8 Dec 1992 Committeeman Louis Amato Jr. says the Cedar Run Group Home does not have proper security, is financially inefficient and should not be located in a residential area. Local officials, dissatisfied with a state plan for a citizens advisory panel to discuss public concerns over a Bamber Lake reform school, insist the facility should be closed. "I'm still dead-set against the facility out there. I'm still set on having it closed," Committeeman Louis Amato Jr. said. Amato claims the Cedar Run Group Home, in the pinelands near Carriage Road, does not have proper security, is financially inefficient for the state to operate and should not be located in the residential area. The committee members are also concerned the state might look to expand services at the facility as it is forced to find places to house juveniles who might be apprehended during crackdowns on carjacking. Amato, who is police commissioner here, and other members of the...

About 25 years ago, a string of New Jersey girls were brutally murdered. This page tells the story of the monster responsible. Richard Biegenwald's childhood was as volatile one. His father was an alcoholic and, by the time Biegenwald was 5 years old, his mother could no longer control him. When police were digging up the yard of her Staten Island home, Sally Biegenwald described her son as a hyperactive child. He was prone to lighting fires in his bedroom. Once, he ignited his bed and threw himself in the fire. At the age of 5, he was institutionalized and received shock treatment. He spent most of his childhood in New York state youth detention centers. One medical report said young Biegenwald had a death fantasy and suffered from night terror. He was released when he was 15 and began high school the next year. But about six months later, he dropped out of school and drifted through the South. Over the next three years, Biegenwald had several brushes with the law. In Nashville...

7 Dec 1917 E.W. Weimer, Charles Rowley and Benj. Wade of Cedar Crest spent their Thanksgiving at home in New York. Mrs. Lulu Saulman has been visiting her friends around for a few days. Edward Miller was in Toms River on Monday last. Dr. Rogers, who was in Philadelphia for a few days, heard of the Keswick Grover near Whitings, and took the opportunity to spend a few days there with the men. Also Mr. Kilburn, the Supt. of Cedar Crest Union Sunday school, had Dr. Rogers to come down to Cedar Crest and he gave a fine sermon. He also gave a sermon in the Cedar Crest church on Monday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Miller spent Thanksgiving at the home of their son, George Miller. Cleason Septor is now going to Camden for a few days. The Cedar Crest Union Sunday School gave a Thanksgiving entertainment on Thanksgiving eve. About 85 people were present. After the speaking and singing they had a treat of ice cream, cake and lemonade; after everything was over, the cake left over was put up for s...

New Jersey Mirror Dec 7 1881 Our report of the Williams-Ross murder case closed last week with the testimony of Mary Cromwell. The case was resumed on Wednesday morning. John Thompson, white, testified that he was at the party; saw no difficulty between Williams and Ross, but heard Williams say he was the best man in the house and would kill the first person who laid hands on him; afterwards heard him say he was going to kill the man who tore his coat. Thomas Joy and John Griffin both white, testified to being at the party but their testimony developed nothing important, except that Griffin heard Williams say he would kill the first person who laid hands on him. Wm. Johnson and John McCloe swore to threats by Williams at different times to kill Ross. James Howard testified to being present when Moss carried Ross out doors; Moss and Ross both fell; Ross lay on his back with his arms stretched out and witness stood at the left of him; saw Williams on the right side kicking Ross ...

From the New Jersey Courier 6 Dec 1900: Thanksgiving day passed off very quietly with us. Union services were held in the Methodist church. Rev. O.W. Wright of the Presbyterian church, preaching the sermon. The collection was given to the Methodist hospital at Philadephia. In the evening a "Yankee" sociable was held in the Presbyterian church and quite a number were present. The program consisted of readings, instrumental and vocal music and a guessing contest, after which enjoyable evening was spent. Ragamuffins as usual infested our town during the day and night, but the participants were mostly of the younger class. A representative of the Sanborn and Perris map company has been in our town the past week making a new insurance map. Among those home from Rider's business college at Trenton for holiday were Joe Storms, Win Predmore, Van Predmore, Clarence Harris and Arthur Ridgway. Among others visitors during the holiday we noticed Miss Nolia Pharo and Miss Emma B...

From New Jersey Courier 6 Dec 1900: The steam saw mill at Mannahawkin owned by William B. WILLS of Mount Holly, and recently destroyed by fire, will probably be rebuilt. The boiler, engine and planing machine were not badly injured. The woodwork of the bench and cut off saws and large sawing machine were destroyed, the line shafting and some of the pulleys were badly twisted. The loss is not so heavy as was first reported.

Press of Atlantic City, Dec 6 1990 HERBERT E. BAYARD, 68, of the Bamber Lake section of Lacey Township, died Wednesday at Community Medical Center in Toms River. Mr. Bayard was a self-employed carpenter in the Ocean County area for 37 years until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of the Lanoka Harbor Methodist Church and a past member of the Bamber Lake Fire Company. Born in Belford, he resided in Forked River before moving to Bamber Lake in 1972. Surviving are his wife, the former Alice Peake of Bamber Lake ; three sons, Lawrence, of Antioch, Calif., Gary, of Bayville, and Harry of Bamber Lake ; two daughters, Kerry Perkins of Cedar Run and Karen Duffy of Bamber Lake ; one brother, John Bayard of East Keansburg; three sisters, Alta Brown of Brick Town, Florence Wolchak of Middletown, and Dorothy Maggs of Wall Township; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

from the New Jersey Mirror 4 Dec 1822 On November 14, 1822, a healthy, middle-aged man, of the name of Jesse Cranmer, was digging a well near Tuckerton, and while in the act of sending out the last bucket of earth from the bottom, about twenty-five feet deep, the well caved, and enveloped him so deep, that before he could be extricated from his direful situation, he suffocated to death.

The state census for Ocean Co., NJ lists a section of Manchester Township called "Bakersville". I've never heard of this place before, and there were only three occupied homes in it in 1915. If you have any more information about this please send me an e-mail at klopeks@yahoo.com. The three families on the census in 1915 were as follows: GEORGE WITTERSCHEIR He was born in May of 1890, and worked as a farmer. He lived with his wife, Mary (b. Jan 1889), and son, George, Jr. (b. Nov 1908). A woman named Ada Darcy lived in the same home. She was born in May of 1900; her father was from England, her mother from New York. Charles Darcy, b. Jun 1893, also lived in the house. It's not clear how any of these people are related Charles worked as a farm laborer in 1930. IVINS COWAN He was born in Dec of 1880 in New Jersey. His father was from Massachussets, his mother from New Jersey. In 1930, he worked as a farm laborer. His wife, Olive, was born in Feb 1884. (Both of...

In addition to this site, I've also been working on a searchable index of newspaper articles from old NJ newspapers http://batsto.netai.net/Search.html

from the Industrial Directory of New Jersey, 1901, p. 24: ATCO, Camden County: On the Atlantic City Railroad, Central Railroad of New Jersey, and the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad. Station of each road in the town. Population 500. Banking town, Camden. Money order post office and telegraph station. Express service, Adams, United States, and West Jersey Companies. Tax rate, $ 2.38 Land for factory purposes bordering directly upon the line of the railroads ma y be had in any size plots, free of charge or at nominal prices. Water is pure and plentiful, the climate is healthful and free from malaria, and there is a good supply of labor, either male or female. One small factory building, floor area of 600 feet, with steam engine and boiler, will be rented for $ 10 per month or sold outright for $ 1500. These industries are now in operation E.H. Flood, manufacturers of window glass; employs 47 persons. John E. Hand, manufacturers of ship's compasses; employs 8 persons