Edward Astle was born in the early 1900’s to family of ordinary means. He quit school at the age of 17 to go to work for The Jersey Central Railroad as a ticket sales clerk. He quickly advanced to the accounting department in Elizabeth where he divided up the freight fees for freight traveling across the country among the different rail lines that carried it. The only reason he took the job was because he could ride the train into work with the stock brokers who were going into Wall Street. He tapped their knowledge base and began to invest in stocks. Over the next 4 decades he became a wealthy man. He had a very good memory, almost photographic, he knew when he had purchased all stocks he owned or had owned and what his cost basis was. Edward knew the personal stories of the founders of many of Americas larger corporations and companies. He had a very diverse stock portfolio. He was well versed in current and past events, his hobby and passion was investing. At his death in 1986, Mrs. Astle said this to Mr. Olekna, “Ed’s goal was to have some money when he died; we can be proud he achieved his goal.
“Hazel Alpaugh was born in the early 1900’s to family with more than adequate means. She attended school and graduated a valedictorian of her class. Because of the shortage of teachers in the era of World War 1 she decided to attend Rutgers University to obtain a teaching certificate. She then taught elementary school classes in the central N.J. area for three years. Hazel was then married, unfortunately the marriage failed and she moved to the Alpaugh family town house in the area of Clinton N.J. Hazel then married Edward Astle, a neighbor in 1953. Hazel lived in The Alpaugh family town house until her death in 2000; she was the last survivor of her branch of The Alpaugh Family. Hazel enjoyed playing the piano, high fashion, royalty and beauty pageants. She was an accomplished seamstress and won many “Fancy Work” contests at local fairs. She was also greatly interested in the sinking of The Titanic and could remember listening to reports of it while at her Dad’s knee at his radio.
Edward & Hazel vacationed throughout the USA on the Union Pacific Rail line using Edwards rail pass. They visited many of the National Parks in The USA as well as Southern Canada. They were well versed in modern events, loved Broadway shows and dance. An evening with them was always a pleasure, full of conversation, information and laughs.