David Demarest (8), the subject of this sketch, was born at Schraalenburgh (now Dumont) February 1, 1832. He owns and resides on part of the farm which his French ancestor owned two hundred and twenty-three years ago. This tract has passed front father to son in an unbroken line for more than two centuries. In a barn on the premises is a beam which was first used in a barn on the same farm in 1721. Mr. Demarest was educated in the public schools of the county. At the age of seventeen he ceased studying books and took charge of the old family homestead, which he has ever since conducted. During the War of the Rebellion he served nine months as a private in the Twenty-second Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, being honorably discharged at the end of his term of enlistment. Mr. Demarest is regarded as one of the best and most substantial farmers in Bergen County, where he has spent his entire life. He is deeply interested in public affairs, active and prompt in the support of all worthy objects, prominently identified with the welfare of the community, and thoroughly alive to the needs of his fellow citizens. As a member of the North Reformed Church of Schraalenburgh he has been influential in promoting various moral and intellectual movements which have contributed materially to the general welfare.