Many small businessmen used their homes to open small businesses such as harness makers, blacksmiths and grocers. Fritz Luttman was the harness maker of Dayton, using a small structure behind his home to build harnesses, which is still on Ridge Road near Madison Road.
John and George Wetherill, brothers who settled in Dayton, both contributed to the development of the area. Attaining their wealth through inheritance from their father, Capt. Thomas Wetherill of Piscataway, the brothers owned over 800 acres of land in South Brunswick.
The Wetherill-Mount house that currently resides in Dayton started as a small shed. John Wetherill was well known for his activities in the NJ Colonial Assembly from Middlesex County.
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He supported the interests of rural landowners for lower taxes. One of his most important acts was to petition the legislature and landowners of Pigeon Swamp to keep this area better drained for land use, in essence saving the area’s beauty which we all can enjoy today.
His brother George was the first of two Freeholders from the South Ward. His son George built the inn on five corners. The Wetherill’s left an important legacy for South Brunswick helping to preserve and represent the township in many positive ways.
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Some believed Dayton was named for Jonathon Dayton, which is not true. The town was named for William L. Dayton, railroad lawyer and Ambassador to France.
