HOTEL PROPRIETOR-FARMER-PERSONAL LENDER-

JERSEY CORN INNOVATOR-HANDYMAN

Raymond Clinton Hagaman was born on April 12, 1888 in Swinesburg, Alexandria Twp., Hunterdon County, N.J. He lived on the farm inherited by his father William H. Hagaman, a Civil War veteran. The farm house he lived in was built by his grandfather, Ezekiel Hagaman. The farm was part of the 300 acre farm purchased by his great-great-grandfather Abraham Hagaman for his son, Raymond's great-grandfather, William Hagaman. Abraham purchased the stone house and farm of 150 acres in 1805 for $3,200 from Daniel Williamson, executor of the estate for Joseph Henderson. The original stone farmhouse, directly across the road, and the wood frame house Raymond lived in as a young boy are both still standing.

At a young age, Raymond and his family moved to Bloomsbury and lived across the street from the Bloomsbury Presbyterian Church and cemetery where his great-grandparents are buried. Raymond attended the Bloomsbury School through 8th. grade.

Raymond was the owner and operator of the Milford Hotel in Milford, N.J. He always related the story that he was born during the time of the tumultuous "Great White Hurricane.." The Blizzard of 1888 now stands as the winter storm by which all others are measured. At least 400 people died in the March storm that dropped 40 inches of snow in parts of New Jersey. Snowdrifts following the winds were measured at 75 feet and higher.

Raymond was an innovative farmer. He developed a strain of "Jersey Corn" that he shared with his friends and neighbors.

After Raymond retired and sold his farm in Spring Mills, N.J. and the Milford Hotel, he purchased and lived in Upper Black Eddy, Pa. and operated an asparagus farm there. His last move was to Washington Street in Phillipsburg, N.J.

Raymond was a staunch Republican who vehemently opposed the 19th. Amendment.

Terry T.