Charles H. J. Clayton was also known as Charles H. T. Clayton. Charles H. J. Clayton was born in Sep. 1869 at Jackson's Mills, Ocean County, New Jersey. He was the son of
Joseph S. Clayton and
Martha E. Thompson. Charles H. J. Clayton married
Margaret Hulse, daughter of
John Wesley Hulshart Hulse/ and
LIdia Van Clef, c 1895. Charles H. J. Clayton was shown in the census on 5. Jun. 1900 as an undertaker.
Charles H. J. Clayton and
Margaret Hulse appeared on the census of 5. Jun. 1900 at Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey; 2 children, 2 living. Charles H. J. Clayton was shown in the census on 30. Apr. 1910 as an undertaker.
Charles H. J. Clayton and
Margaret Hulse appeared on the census of 30. Apr. 1910 at West Farms Village, Howell Twp., Monmouth County, New Jersey; 3 children, 2 living. Charles H. J. Clayton was shown in the census on 20. Jan. 1920 as proprietor, Funeral Director.
Charles H. J. Clayton and
Margaret Hulse appeared on the census of 20. Jan. 1920 at Adelphia, Monmouth County, New Jersey.
The Adelphia Fire Company, like many other volunteer fire companies, can trace its origin back to a fire, or series of fires, which proved the absolute necessity of a fire company for the safety and protection of the community.
“Howell Township Fire Company No. l,” Adelphia was organized when a disastrous fire, right in the village, showed the compelling need for the fire protection.
There had been several fires not too far from Adelphia; notable, the house fire in which Charles Cook and his wife lost their lives.
In those days, Adelphia, like many other communities, depended upon the Freehold Fire Department and Farmingdale Fire Department for fire protection. It was early in the morning between 3:30 and 4:00 A.M. on a day in the latter part of November l926, that a house belonging to the late Charles H. T. Clayton, caught on fire, directly across the street from the Knights of Pythias Hall. Freehold Fire Company was called immediately, and was on its way with its usual promptness, but due to a very dense fog, speed was greatly reduced and the blaze could not be seen. They stopped about one-half mile from the scene of the fire and woke up Elliot Clayton to phone back to their headquarters to be sure that they had the right directions.
Charles H. T. Clayton, always interested in every worthwhile project in the community, was not so much concerned with the loss of his own property as he was concerned with what could happen to others in the area. For many days, much discussion about the obvious need for a fire company took place in the local stores, the Post Office, garage and whenever two or more gathered. Mr. Clayton took it upon himself to call a community meeting for Feb. 2, 1927, in the Knights of Pythias Hall. This meeting was attended by an enthusiastic group of residents from the area.
On Feb. 9, 1927, just one week later, “Howell Township Fire Company No. l” was officially organized. Charles H. T. Clayton was elected president, and he served faithfully until his death on Oct. l0, l936. Others elected at this time were Vice-President, William L. Johnson, Secretary, George N. Irons, Treasurer, Stacey Simpson, Financial Secretary, Arthur T. Bearmore, Trustees: Charles H. Reynolds for 3 years, Jeremiah Stillwell for 2 years and William F. Madge for l year. Chief was C. Ensley Clayton. Certificate of Incorporation papers were filed on April 28, 1927, signed by twenty-five members.
The first piece of apparatus was a hearse donated by the C. H. T. Clayton Funeral Home. This was converted into a supply car in which was carried water in milk cans, shovels, brooms, lanterns, etc. The next apparatus was a new 1927 G.M.C. fire truck having four (4) 40-gallon soda and acid tanks and related fire fighting equipment. In 1927, this was the very latest type of rural fire fighting equipment. The unit was placed in service on July 3, 1927.
On Jan. 2l, 1928, the G.M.C. chemical truck and the supply car, affectionately known as “Aunt Martha”, were housed in the newly constructed fire house on a lot purchased from the late Jeremiah Stillwell, who had previously operated a blacksmith shop on the site. At this time, there were 69 Charter Members.
Charles H. J. Clayton was shown in the census on 25. Apr. 1930 as a mortician, funeral director.
Charles H. J. Clayton and
Margaret Hulse appeared on the census of 25. Apr. 1930 at Howell Twp., Monmouth County, New Jersey; real estate value 20,000.00. Charles H. J. Clayton died on 10. Oct. 1936 at age 67.