John Smock, an old resident of Oceanport, died on Saturday of a complication of diseases. He was 76 years old and had been sick a long time. He was a carpenter by trade, and for the past 35 years he had lived at Oceanport. Previous to that time he had lived at Toms River. Had Mr. Smock lived until the 28th of the present month he would have been married fifty years. His wife was Miss Sarah Lawrence of Toms River, and she survives him. Two children also survive him. The children are Mrs. John E. Layton of Oceanport and Benjamin L. Smock of Asbury Park. The funeral was held this afternoon at his late home and the service was conducted by Rev. John Wagg. Mr. Smock was a member of the Oceanport tribe of Red Men and of the Odd Fellows lodge of Toms River. His widow will receive death benefits from both lodges.

Source: Red Bank Register, Wednesday, January 18, 1899

Some additional excellent resources for your research are:

• New Jersey Census, 1772-1890 - Ancestry.com

• Calendar of New Jersey Wills, 1670-1760 - Ancestry.com

• Interment.net - NJ ~ New Jersey Cemetery Transcriptions on the net.

• MyCinnamonToast.com ~ Keep up with FREE databases as they come online