Hessel Thomas Applegate (1900–1964): The New Jersey Businessman with an Unusual Name
Hessel Thomas Applegate
1900-1964
Family Overview and Vital Records
Born 16 DEC 1900 • Neptune Twp, Monmouth, New Jersey
Died 27 SEP 1964 • Bradley Beach, Monmouth, New Jersey
Parents: Holmes Francis Applegate (1878-1955) and Elizabeth Madelyn Buhler (1878-1963)
Spouse - Cora Follansbee on 14 June 1923.
Sibling - Hannah Francis Applegate (Feb 9 1898 - Aug. 11, 1987)
Early Life and Family
Hessel Thomas Applegate was born on 16 December 1900 in Neptune Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, the son of Holmes Francis Applegate (1878–1955) and Elizabeth Madelyn Buhler (1878–1963). He had one sibling, a sister, Hannah Francis Applegate (1898–1987), who later married and became Mrs. Hannah Bresnahan.
The origin of Hessel's unusual given name appears to lie within his mother's family. His maternal grandmother, Edna Amelia Bennett, had a sister, Hannah Bennett (1861–1943), who was married to Hassel R. Applegate (1852–1928). It seems likely that young Hessel was named in honor of this relative, with the spelling evolving slightly over time.
A Career in Real Estate and Insurance
For approximately forty-five years, Hessel Applegate was engaged in the real estate and insurance business along the Jersey Shore. He began his career with the firm established by his father, Holmes Applegate, Sr., who operated a real estate office in Bradley Beach.
Father and son worked side by side during the early years, conducting business from a shared office located within the family home. In time, Hessel established and operated his own insurance agency, becoming a familiar figure in the local business community.
Public Service During the Depression
During the years of the Great Depression, Mr. Applegate also rendered public service through the Works Progress Administration (WPA). He participated in a project devoted to researching and documenting the historical origins of New Jersey place names, helping preserve a portion of the state's local history for future generations.
Marriage to Cora Follansbee
On 14 June 1923, Hessel married Cora E. Follansbee. Contemporary records place the wedding at the West Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, although some records simply state that the marriage occurred in Freehold, New Jersey.
Newspaper accounts reported that the bride was attired in a frock of navy-blue Canton crepe, complemented by a matching hat and a corsage of sweet peas and bridal roses. As was often the case, the newspaper offered no description of the groom's attire.
Following the ceremony, the bridal party motored to Friendship Farm near Lakewood, where a wedding dinner was served. The newly married couple then departed on a wedding trip to Atlantic City.
Children
Hessel and Cora Applegate were the parents of three surviving children:
Marilyn Leah Applegate
Phyllis May Applegate
Holmes F. Applegate
Final Years and Passing
Hessel Thomas Applegate passed away on 27 September 1964 in Bradley Beach, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Hessel was buried at Glendola Cemetery in Wall Township, New Jersey.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his widow, Cora E. Applegate; two daughters, Mrs. Marilyn Long of Ocean Township and Mrs. Phyllis Covert of Freehold; his son, Holmes F. Applegate, residing at home; his sister, Mrs. Hannah Bresnahan of Freehold; and eight grandchildren.
Having spent much of his life in business and public service within Monmouth County, Hessel Applegate left behind a legacy closely tied to the communities of Bradley Beach, Neptune Township, and the surrounding Jersey Shore.
