In May 1907, J. Randolph Appleby pleaded “no contest” to a charge of using the U.S. mail to fraudulently sell New Jersey land. He was given a suspended sentence on the condition he discontinue the practic, e but by the next year it appeared he was back in business. On May 3, 1908, The New York Times ran an ad.

19½ acres, $39: 11½ acres $23. Only $2 per acre: almost given away to close estate: near Barnegat Bay: call afternoons. J. Randolph Appleby.”

A few days later, the New Jersey Home News reported, “Applebee Estate, of Leonia; capital, $10,000, was incorporated…