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Thomas G. Cowles

Thomas G. Cowles died Tuesday at his home on the Bethany Road near Hazlet, after a three weeks sickness from pneumonia. He would have celebrated his 83rd birthday on January 18.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at his late home, in charge of Rev. Henry B. Johnson, pastor of St. John's M. E. Church, South Keyport. Interment will be in Cedarwood Cemetery, South Keyport, in charge of Funeral Director Harvey S. Bedle Jr., of Keyport.

The toll gate that used to rule Sproul's corner, on the Keyport-Middletown turnpike, now the State highway, is no more, but its keeper, Thomas G. Cowles, was a warm friend and associate of the many residents of the vicinity, who used it as a meeting place every night and on rainy days.

"Uncle Tom" as the deceased was called, was born in Brooklyn and attended school there until he was fourteen years old. Then he came to Hazlet for two years and attended the Centreville and the Wharton private schools at Mechanicsville, now South Keyport. He then returned to the city where he became a clerk to a wholesale notion store, remained there four years and once more returned to Hazlet.

Perhaps the reason he returned was Miss Mary Anna Clark, of Hazlet, who became his wife in 1863. It was a wonderful wedding, they say. Following the marriage they lived on the State highway on a farm. The old house long since was torn down and was replaced by a new building occupied by John Warnock Jr.

After a few years of married life, the couple built their present home on Bethany Road. They have lived there 36 years.

In Hazlet for a time, "Uncle Tom" farmed and then was engaged in the hay pressing (word unclear) business for several years. Later he was employed by the railroad during the produce shipping season and more recently was flagman at Clark's crossing during the summer. While farming he cleared about twenty-five acres of woodland.

While in Brooklyn he was a member of the 12th (number not clear) regiment and at Hazlet joined Company G, Third Regiment of New Jersey, being a member thirteen years.

He was a charter member of Frelinghuysen Council, No. 68, Jr. O. U. A. M. of Keyport, and was the first man to be initiated into the lodge. He had police experience ______ (word unclear) he was a constable for Raritan Township for ten years.

The deceased had two children, Miss Ann, who lives at home, and Harry G., a Hazlet farmer. He also is survived by two grand children. __________es (words nuclear) was a charter member of the Hazlet Fire Company and the oldest active member of the company. He was always affiliated with the Democratic party.

Matawan Journal, January 11, 1929, Page 7, Column 3

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